Step 1 - Organisation Applies to be a Sponsor
On this page
Sponsorship application
The sponsor must complete the sponsorship application and attach all necessary documentation.
See: Form 55 Application for temporary residence sponsorship (221KB PDF File)
Sponsorship fee
There is a fee for this sponsorship.
See: Special Activities Visa Charges
Sponsorship application checklist
The sponsorship application checklist details the documents the sponsor needs to provide with their sponsorship application. Complete applications are likely to be processed more quickly. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.
See: Sponsorship Document Checklist Religious Worker Visa (Subclass 428) (40KB PDF file)
How and where to lodge
The religious organisation can lodge the sponsorship application:
- by post
- by courier
- in person
- by fax.
The sponsorship application with any supporting documentation must be lodged in Australia at the nearest departmental office
See: Australian Offices
After the sponsor lodges the application
The sponsorship will be considered by the department. In some cases the sponsor may be asked to provide additional information to enable a decision to be made.
Sponsorship decision
If the sponsorship is approved, the department will send the sponsor an approval letter by post or email. This letter will explain the steps you will need to follow to obtain your visa. The sponsor should advise you to lodge your visa application as soon as they receive advice that the sponsorship has been approved.
If the sponsorship is not approved, the department will send the sponsor a refusal letter by post or email advising of the decision, reasons for the decision and information about any review rights.