Australian citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary visa holders may invite friends or family members to visit Australia. They will generally require a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to enter Australia. While not mandatory, an invitation letter can assist with the application process. This guide outlines the requirements of an invitation letter for a Visitor visa and key considerations for preparing such a document.
What Is an Invitation Letter for an Australian Tourist Visa?
An invitation letter for a Visitor visa is a formal document provided by a host in Australia to support a visa applicant’s claims regarding the purpose and circumstances of their visit. The letter assists the Department of Home Affairs in assessing the applicant’s intention to visit Australia. It helps the Department of Home Affairs assess essential details like the applicant's duration of stay, purpose for visiting Australia, accommodation arrangements, and other relevant details.
Who Can Write an Invitation Letter?
Not everyone can write an invitation letter for tourist visas. Here is an overview of who can write the letter, and how it differs when writing for a friend and a family member.
Eligible Sponsors in Australia
Eligible sponsors can write a tourist visa invitation letter, and they include:
- Australian citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Residents on a valid temporary visa (such as an employment or student visa)
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Inviting Friends vs Family Members
The process for inviting a family member or a friend is similar, although the relationship between the host and the applicant must be clearly stated and evidenced. Here is how:
- When inviting a family member, you must clearly state who they are and how you are related. You can also attach relevant documents to provide proof of your relationship
- When inviting a friend, you must clearly state who they are and how you know them
Information Required About the Visitor (Applicant)
A complete invitation letter must include relevant information about the applicant to facilitate the visa assessment process. Here are some details you will need:
- Complete name
- Date of birth
- Address and contact details
- Relationship with the host
- Duration of their stay
- The visitor's purpose for travel
Information Required About the Person Writing the Letter
The information provided about the host is also important for the visa assessment process. This mainly includes their personal details, visa status, and financial information if they are offering financial support for the applicant's stay.
Sponsor’s Personal and Visa Details
- Complete name
- Date of birth
- Australian residency address and phone number
- Australian status (permanent resident, citizen, student, or a specific visa holder)
- Australian passport number
Employment and Financial Details
- Employment details in Australia
- Financial details, such as recent bank statements, to demonstrate the host’s capacity to support the applicant, if applicable
Supporting Documents to Attach to the Invitation Letter
In addition to the letter, relevant supporting documents should be attached to substantiate the information provided. When writing an invitation letter for a tourist visa, the following documents are essential:
Documents From the Sponsor
- Proof of status in Australia, such as a passport or a visa
- Proof of residency, such as a lease agreement
- Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate
Additional Supporting Evidence (If Applicable)
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements, such as hotel bookings or a lease agreement
- Proof of travel, such as an itinerary
- Proof of the applicant's employment status, such as their employment letter
- Proof of the applicant's home country, such as their passport
How to Write an Invitation Letter for a Tourist Visa
An invitation letter must be drafted in a formal style, adhering to standard letter conventions. Here is an overview of how to write it, and the common pitfalls that often lead to processing delays or visa rejection:
Format and Tone
The invitation letter should be written in the standard letter format, including the following information:
- Your full name, Australian address, and the current date
- A subject line that mentions the letter's purpose
- The applicant's details and visa conditions
- The relationship between the host and the applicant, and the purpose of the visit
- Their accommodation and duration
- Proof of how you plan to support them during their stay
- The host’s contact information, visa or citizenship status, and occupation details
- A statutory declaration of truth and accuracy, along with your signature and the current date
Before submitting, cross-check all the information and ensure that the letter is written in a formal tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing key details for either the applicant or the host
- Missing supporting documents as evidence of all the information provided
- Inaccurate or outdated information, such as employment details, accommodation arrangements, and bank statements
- Failure to include a formal declaration or closing signature
- Providing unclear information about the purpose of the visit
Sample Invitation Letter for Australian Tourist Visa
Here are some samples to understand how to write an invitation letter for tourist visas:
Sample Invitation Letter for a Friend
[Host name]
[Host address in Australia]
Re: Invitation Letter for a School Friend's Tourist Visa Application
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to invite my childhood friend [applicant name] to visit me in Sydney, Australia, for 4 weeks. They will be visiting from [date of entry] to [date of exit].
I am an Australian [status] and [occupation] working at [company name]. I can confirm that my friend is gainfully employed at [applicant's company name] as a [occupation], and is visiting for [purpose of visit]. They will return to [applicant's home country] upon completing their visit, and I will be accommodating them during their stay.
Here are my details:
- Passport number:
- Status in Australia:
- Phone number:
- Address:
I have also attached the following supporting documents:
- My lease agreement
- [Applicant's] bank statement/employment contract
- My bank statement
- Copy of my passport with my date of birth
- [Applicant's] itinerary
- [Applicant's] bank statement
Please feel free to contact me for further information about [applicant's name] visit.
Yours sincerely,
[Host name]
Sample Invitation Letter for Parents
[Host name]
[Host address in Australia]
Re: Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa for My Parents
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to confirm that I wish to invite my parents [both parents' names] to visit me in Australia. I am currently pursuing [education details] from [education institution], and would like to [purpose of their visit or inviting them].
My parents will be visiting for 2 weeks, from [entry date] to [exit date]. They will be staying at a hotel [hotel name], and I look forward to showing them my life in Australia.
Please find the following supporting documents:
- Copy of my student visa
- My bank statements
- My parent's bank statements
- My lease agreement
- My parent's hotel information
Please feel free to contact me for additional information about my parents' visit.
Yours sincerely,
[Host name]
Sample Invitation Letter From an Australian Citizen
[Host name]
[Host address in Australia]
Re: Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa for My Parents
To whom it may concern,
I am writing this letter to confirm that I wish to invite my parents [both parents' names] to visit me in Australia. I have been an Australian citizen for [citizenship duration] and would like to have my parents here for [purpose of visit].
My parents will be visiting for 2 weeks, from [entry date] to [exit date]. Since I work here full-time at [company name] as a [occupation title] and have my own accommodation, I will be able to support their living arrangements.
Please find the following supporting documents:
- Copy of citizenship certificate
- My bank statements
- My parent's bank statements
- My lease agreement
- My employment contract
Please feel free to contact me for additional information about my parents' visit.
Yours sincerely,
[Host name]
Which Australian Visitor Visas Can Use an Invitation Letter?
An invitation letter may be submitted as part of the following visitor visa applications:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For family members, friends, business visitors, or sponsored visitors
- Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601): For Australian ETA applicants
- eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): For eVisitor visa applicants, primarily European passport holders
Does an Invitation Letter Guarantee Visa Approval?
An invitation letter does not guarantee a visa grant. The Department of Home Affairs will determine the application based on all legislative and policy requirements.
When Should You Seek Professional Visa Advice?
If you require guidance on preparing an invitation letter or supporting a Visitor visa application, contact our team to discuss your circumstances. At Australian Migration Agents, our team of experienced immigration professionals provides step-by-step guidance and helps you prepare documentation for visa applications in accordance with current Australian requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Invitation Letter Mandatory for an Australian Tourist Visa?
No, it is not mandatory for an Australian tourist visa.
Can a Student Visa Holder Invite Parents to Australia?
Yes, student visa holders can invite their parents to visit using an invitation letter.
Do I Need to Sponsor All Expenses in an Invitation Letter?
No. The host may choose to sponsor the applicant’s living expenses, but this is not mandatory.
Should an Invitation Letter Be Notarised?
No, it does not have to be notarised.
Can One Invitation Letter Cover Multiple Applicants?
Yes, you can include multiple applicants on your invitation letter.
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