The Department of Immigration and Citizenship classifies the family stream into four categories;
Partners
– Spouse and de facto spouse (subclass 309 / 100) and (subclass 820 / 801)
– Prospective marriage (subclass 300)
Children
– Child (subclass 101 and 802)
– Adoption (subclass 102)
– Orphan relative (subclass 117 and 837)
– Dependent child (subclass 445)
Parents
– Parent and Aged Parent (subclass 103 and 804)
– Contributory Parent and contributory aged Parent (subclass 143 and 864)
– Contributory parent – temporary (subclass 173 and 884)
Other Family
– Aged dependant relative (subclass 114 and 838)
– Remaining relative (subclass 115 and 835)
– Carer (subclass 116 and 836)
– New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461)
Some visas are capped meaning that a only a certain number of visas in a class or subclass can be granted within a financial year.