Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to pay the bond?

A security bond can be requested for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa applicant as additional assurance they will depart Australia following their visit. The Sponsored Family Visitor visa category was introduced on 1 July 2000 following the Review of Illegal Workers in Australia recommendations. The purpose of this visa is to allow visitors from countries that are considered as high risk according to the visitor overstayer rate. The formal sponsorship undertaking and the discretionary bond have been very successful in reducing the number of Sponsored Family Visitor  visa holders who overstay their visas. It is the sponsor's responsibility to arrange for lodgement of the security bond for their relative's visit.

Can I negotiate the bond amount?

The need for a security bond and the amount is determined on a case by case basis by a delegated departmental officer at a State or Territory office. The amount of the security bond is not negotiable.

How much time do I have to lodge my bond?

The security bond, along with the security bond lodgement form, must be lodged at an Australia Post office within 35 calendar days from the date of the letter requesting lodgement of the bond. If you cannot arrange lodgement of the bond within this time, you should contact your case officer.

What happens after I lodge my bond?

On receipt of payment from Australia Post, your case officer will make a decision on the application, provided there are no other outstanding requirements to be met.

Once I have paid the bond, is it guaranteed that the Sponsored Family Visitor visa application will be successful?

Generally, the request for the lodgement of a security bond is the last requirement that applicants have to meet before a visa can be granted. However, the lodgement of the security bond is not a guarantee that a visa will be granted as the State or Territory office determines what remaining criteria applicants need to satisfy before finalisation of the application. In some cases, the circumstances of the sponsor or the applicant may have changed after the bond has been lodged and this may preclude visa grant.

It is recommended that applicants do not make any irreversible arrangements before being advised formally that their visa applications have been approved. This includes purchasing travel tickets or booking airline flights.

If the Sponsored Family Visitor decides not to travel to Australia or if their visa application is refused, will my security bond be refunded?

Yes, your bond will be refunded if the application is unsuccessful or the visa holder decides not to travel to Australia.

If your visitor decides not to travel to Australia after the visa has been granted, the visa holder MUST contact the relevant state or territory office where the visa was granted, or the nearest Australian visa office overseas, to request that the visa be cancelled. This will enable the department to refund the bond. If the visa is not cancelled in this way, you may have to wait until the expiry of the visa before we can refund your bond.

Do I get interest on the security bond?

No. It is Commonwealth Government policy that interest is not payable on security bonds.

Do I need to advise the department when my Sponsored Family Visitor departs Australia?

No. Arrival and departure of all Sponsored Family Visitors is monitored and refunds are arranged once it has been established that the visa holder has departed and complied with visa conditions.

How long does it take for my bond to be refunded?

If your Sponsored Family Visitor visa holder leaves before the expiry of their visa, has complied with all the conditions imposed on the visa, and you have provided your completed security bond lodgement form including your bank details, the department will refund your bond to your bank account within 30 days of your visitor departing Australia.  

Note: The security bond will normally not be refunded if the visitor stays longer than the period authorised on their Sponsored Family Visitor visa, even if they are granted another temporary or permanent visa.

What if my refund is delayed beyond 30 days?

If you have not received your bond within 30 days of your Sponsored Family Visitor's departure, please contact the department quoting your security request number.

If your address or bank account details change, you will need to resubmit your security bond lodgement form. If you no longer have the form, please contact the department to request a copy.

Email: Refunds.Visitor.Visa.Bonds@immi.gov.au

Postal address:
Treasury and Travel Section
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
PO Box 25
Belconnen ACT 2616
Fax: 02 6264 2005