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 that they will depart Australia following their visit. The Sponsored Family Visitor visa category was introduced on 1 July 2000 following recommendations of a Government Review of Illegal Workers. 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 people who overstay while holders of a Sponsored Family Visitor. It is the sponsor's responsibility to arrange 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 security bond is not negotiable.
Who can pay the security bond?
The sponsor must lodge the bond. Bond payees must be aged 18 years or older.
How much time do I have to lodge the bond?
The security bond has to be lodged within 35 calendar days from the date of the letter requesting payment of the bond. If you cannot arrange for the lodgement of the bond within this time, you should contact your case officer.
What happens after I pay the bond?
When you have deposited the bond, the Commonwealth Bank will advise the department within three working days. On receipt of this confirmation, 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 the 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, circumstances of the sponsor or the applicant may have changed after the bond has been lodged which 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 your Sponsored Family Visitor's application is unsuccessful or they decide not to travel to Australia.
If your Sponsored Family Visitor decides not to travel to Australia after the visa has been granted, your visitor MUST request the relevant State office where the visa was granted or the nearest visa office overseas to cancel the visa. This will enable the department to refund the bond. If the visa is not cancelled in this fashion, you may have to wait till 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 the Sponsored Family Visitor departs Australia?
No, you do not have to notify the department about your Sponsored Family Visitor's departure. Arrival and departure of all Sponsored Family Visitors is monitored and refunds are arranged following system advice that the visa holder has departed and complied with their visa conditions.
How long does it take for the bond to be refunded?
The department endeavours to arrange for a bond refund within 30 days of
the date of your visitor's departure, subject to the visa holder complying
with their visa conditions and receipt of bond payee instructions on how to
refund the bond. In order to avoid refund delays, bond payees must complete
the 'Security Bond Refund Arrangements' form and post or fax the form to Corporate
Treasury Section (this form was enclosed with the bond lodgement instructions
letter and mailed to the sponsor).
Postal address:
Corporate Treasury Section
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
PO Box 25
Belconnen ACT 2616
Fax: 02 6264 2005
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 the Sponsored Family Visitor is granted another temporary or permanent visa.
What if my refund is delayed beyond the 30 days?
If you have not received your bond within 30 days of the visitor’s departure, please email the department quoting your bank deposit slip number.
Email: refunds.visitor.visa.bonds@immi.gov.au