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.