How this Visa Works
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To apply for this visa, you must have an eligible sponsor and each family member must complete an application form. The application is lodged in Australia by the sponsor and the correspondence by the department is usually with the sponsor.
Important: A sponsor is only able to sponsor one person or, if a relative, one family unit at a time. A family unit normally includes the head of the family, spouse and dependent children. Other relatives may be included in the family unit if they can provide evidence that they are fully dependant on the head of the family.
See: Definitions of a Family Unit
To be a sponsor for this visa, you must be:
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- aged 18 years or over
- settled in Australia.
You must also be one of the following:
- a relative (parent, child, adopted child, spouse, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle niece, nephew, or 'step' equivalent of any of these)
- a member of an Australian parliament (Commonwealth, State or Territory)
- an authorised person representing a Commonwealth, State or Territory department or instrumentality
- a local government mayor.
Visa validity period
This visa allows you to travel to Australia, usually to stay for a period of up to three (3) months. In certain circumstances the visa may be granted for a stay of up to 12 months.
You are only allowed one entry to Australia for the validity of the visa and you will not be able to extend your stay. It is important to ask for a visa period to cover all your activities.
Example: If you wish to visit Australia to attend a wedding, make sure you ask for a period of stay that will also cover any other family events around that time.
If you wish to visit Australia more than once you can apply for another Sponsored Family Visitor visa once you leave Australia. You could also apply for a Tourist visitor visa instead of a Sponsored Family Visitor visa.
Sponsorship validity period
If you are granted a visa, the sponsorship remains in place until you leave Australia. If you choose not to travel to Australia then the sponsorship remains in place until the visa expires. A sponsor cannot have their sponsorship cancelled while the visa is still valid.
Security bond
The visa processing officer decides, on a case by case basis, whether to request a security bond. This bond is an added assurance that the visa holder will depart Australia and is normally requested where there are some concerns that an applicant may not comply with their visa conditions.
The amount of the security bond is determined on a case by case basis and usually ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per person. However, any amount may be requested.
If a security bond is required, a letter outlining the process for lodging the bond will be sent to the sponsor. It must be paid in full in Australia before a final decision can be made on the application.
Refunds are arranged once the visitor has left Australia having complied with all visa conditions. Information on refunds is provided at the time the bond is requested.
See: Security Bond Information
Study
With this visa you can undertake study or training in Australia for up to three (3) months. If you plan to study in a classroom for longer than four (4) weeks, you may be required to have a health examination before your course starts.
Work
With this visa you cannot work in Australia. If you want to work you should consider applying for a work or business visa.
See: Workers & Employers
Responsibilities
The table below outlines the responsibilities in obtaining a Sponsored Family Visitor visa.
| Person | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Sponsor |
|
| Applicant |
|