Step 1 - Visitor Completes Application Form

To apply for this visa the visitor must have an eligible sponsor in Australia.
Important: The visitor must be outside Australia at time of application and when the visa is granted.

Where children under the age of 18 years are included in the same passport a visitor can include them in their application. Where a person over the age of 18 years is included in the passport of an applicant they must complete their own application form.

All other members of the family unit who have the same Australian sponsor complete separate application forms.

Applicant costs

Visitors are required to pay for any health examinations associated with this visa. Anyone 70 years of age or over must also have medical insurance to cover their stay in Australia.

Visitors may be required to pay a charge for obtaining police checks. This charge varies from country to country. Visitors should also be prepared to pay other costs associated with their application, such as the cost of translations of some documents.

Note: The sponsor lodges a non-refundable visa application charge for each visitor when lodging the application in Australia.

Application document checklist

The application document checklist details the information and supporting documents that the sponsor and visitor must provide with their application. It is in the applicant's best interest to provide all relevant documentation at the time of application as incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.
See: Application Checklist Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) Application Document Checklist (54KB PDF file)

Information to help prepare your application

Information about certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, authorising another person to receive information from the department, and receiving assistance with your application.
See: Information to Help Prepare Your Application

Application form

Each visitor completes a separate application form and attaches all necessary documentation.
See: Form 48S Application to visit Australia as a sponsored family visitor (368KB PDF file)

How and where to lodge an application

Visitors send their signed and completed visa application form and supporting documents to their sponsor in Australia. The sponsor lodges the application on their behalf in Australia.
See: Step 2 - Sponsor Completes Sponsorship Form and Lodges Application

After you lodge your application

Information about what happens after the sponsor lodges the application in Australia.
See: After You Lodge Your Application

More information

If you have read all of the available information for this visa and you still require assistance, you can contact the department.
See: More Information