Helping a relative visit Australia is a wonderful goal, and the Sponsored Family stream of the Visitor visa is a popular option. If you're thinking about sponsoring a family member, it's important to get to know the process, who qualifies, and what your responsibilities will be. This guide breaks down the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Sponsored Family Stream. We will explore what both you and your family member need to do for a smooth visa application for this temporary visa. Paying close attention to the details is key.
What is the Sponsored Family Stream Visa?
The Subclass 600 visa includes a specific pathway known as the Sponsored Family Stream. It's created for people outside Australia who want to visit their family here for up to 12 months. A key feature of this visitor visa is the requirement for the applicant to be sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia.
This option is great for a family reunion because the sponsorship provides the Australian government with additional confidence. With this visa, your family member can enjoy a holiday, reconnect with loved ones, or even study for a maximum of three months. It is important to note that this visa is for tourism and family visit purposes only; it is not intended for those seeking to engage in business or medical treatment. To prevent issues like a visa refusal, it is essential that all visa conditions are met. Following the rules is the best way to achieve a positive result.
Understanding Different Visa Streams
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) has several pathways, or streams. Besides the Sponsored Family stream, the most common is the Tourist stream. The Tourist stream is for people who want to visit Australia for a holiday or recreational activities and is applied for by the applicant without a formal sponsor. Choosing the correct visa stream is crucial. If you are unsure which visa options are best for your individual circumstances, Australian Migration Agents can provide clarity.
Who Can Be a Sponsor for a Family Visitor?
To sponsor a relative for the family sponsored visa, you must have a close family connection. This includes a wide range of relationships such as a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild. The definition also extends to aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and their step or adoptive equivalents.
This inclusive approach means many people can act as sponsors. In certain circumstances, community leaders like a Member of Parliament or a local mayor can also be sponsors, which widens the support network available to applicants. Knowing who can sponsor is a vital first step in the visa journey
Tip: Unsure if your relationship qualifies for sponsorship? Contact Australian Migration Agents to discuss your specific situation.
Essential Criteria for Sponsors
To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet several key eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You also need to be considered "settled" in Australia, which typically means you have lived here for a reasonable period, usually at least two years.
Sponsorship History and Limitations
The Department of Home Affairs looks for stability as a sign of your commitment. Furthermore, you cannot sponsor someone if you are already sponsoring another visitor who has not yet left Australia (unless they are part of the same family group). You also cannot have a history of sponsoring someone who did not follow their visa conditions in the last five years. It's crucial to supply documents proving you meet these standards, as this will be reviewed by immigration officials.
Your Step-by-Step Sponsorship Application Journey
Sponsoring a relative for a visitor visa involves a clear, multi-step process. Here’s how to approach it:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: First, double-check that you meet all the sponsor requirements and understand your responsibilities.
- Gather Your Documents: Collect all necessary paperwork. Make sure every document is up-to-date, genuine, and correct.
- Complete the Forms: You will need to fill out the sponsorship form and the main visa application. Accuracy is vital here, as mistakes can cause hold-ups.
- Lodge the Application: The sponsorship and visa forms should be submitted together. This is usually done online via your ImmiAccount, which is the secure portal managed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Pay the Fees: Be prepared to pay the visa application charge. The Department may also ask for a security bond, so it is wise to budget for this possibility.
By carefully managing each of these stages, you can avoid common issues and present a complete application.
Explaining the Security Bond
The Department of Home Affairs might ask you, as the sponsor, to pay a security bond. This is more common with the Sponsored Family Stream. The bond acts as a financial promise to the government that your visiting family member will follow their visa conditions, especially the requirement to leave Australia before their visa expires.
The bond amount can vary, usually falling between $5,000 and $15,000. This money is returned to you in full after the visitor has left Australia and has complied with all visa conditions. The security bond system is in place to protect the integrity of Australia's immigration program, so factoring it into your budget is a smart move.
Preparing a visa application can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Book a consultation with Australian Migration Agents for clear, professional migration guidance.
Key Documents for Your Sponsorship Application
To support the visa application, you will need to provide a set of clear and credible documents. These papers prove your identity, your status in Australia, and your connection to the applicant.
Your checklist should include:
- Proof of your identity: A copy of your passport or birth certificate is standard.
- Proof of your status: Evidence that you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Proof of relationship: Documents like birth or marriage certificates that officially confirm your family tie to the applicant.
- Financial capacity: Bank statements or a letter from your employer can show you have sufficient funds to support the visitor during their stay in Australia if necessary.
Submitting strong evidence is a critical part of a successful application. Our team at Australian Migration Agents can help you identify and organise all the required paperwork.
Responsibilities for Applicants and Sponsors
A successful family visa outcome is a team effort, relying on both the sponsor and the applicant to fulfil their duties.
The Applicant's Role
Your visiting family member must provide honest and thorough information. This includes details about their life in their home country, the purpose of their visit to Australia, and evidence of their plan to leave Australia at the end of their stay. Meeting Australia's health and character requirements is also mandatory.
The Sponsor's Role
As the sponsor, you have a duty to support the application genuinely. You must be able to show your settled status in Australia and your ability to assist the visitor financially if needed. Sometimes, you may need to complete a statutory declaration to formally state your commitments.
Tip: The applicant should gather evidence of ties to their home country, like a job, property, or family commitments, to show their intention to return.
Common Pitfalls and How to Sidestep Them
Many visitor visa applications run into trouble because of simple, preventable mistakes. Common errors include submitting incomplete forms, forgetting key documents, or not giving enough proof that the visit is temporary and genuine. These issues can cause major delays or even a visa refusal.
How can you avoid this? The best approach is to be thorough. Double-check every detail on your forms, provide high-quality copies of your documents, and make sure you and the applicant meet every single requirement. Other factors that can cause problems include failing the character test, not declaring past visa issues, or giving conflicting reasons for the trip. Getting professional migration guidance can help you identify and address these potential hurdles before the final decision is made.
How Australian Migration Agents Can Support You
Managing a sponsored family visa application can be complex, particularly when dealing with security bonds, detailed paperwork, or past visa complications. Our knowledgeable team of registered migration agents has extensive expertise in this area. We can offer comprehensive migration guidance for the sponsored family stream, assist you in compiling robust supporting evidence, and help you lodge a decision-ready application.
We strive to make the often confusing visa process clear and manageable for our clients. Whether you are exploring options for a family visit, a Partner visa, or other visa pathways, we are here to help you maximise your prospects of success. Once a visa is granted, we can also help you understand all the relevant visa conditions attached to it.
Ready to bring your family member to Australia for a visit? Chat with the friendly team at Australian Migration Agents. We can help you prepare a strong application and navigate the process with confidence.
.png)