Overview
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Sponsored Family stream is designed for individuals who wish to visit family members in Australia for a temporary period. This stream requires a formal sponsorship from an eligible relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Unlike the Tourist stream, the Department of Home Affairs may require the sponsor to lodge a security bond to ensure the applicant’s compliance with visa conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- Be outside Australia at the time of application and at the time the visa is decided.
- Be sponsored by an eligible relative (see below).
- Intend to visit Australia as a genuine visitor for tourism or family purposes.
- Have access to sufficient funds to support your stay and departure.
- Meet the Department's health and character requirements.
Sponsorship Requirements
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or older. Generally, the sponsor must be a:
- Relative (partner, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew).
- Member of a Commonwealth, State, or Territory Parliament.
- Mayor.
Note: You cannot be sponsored by a fiancé, cousin, or friend under this specific stream.
Visa Fees and Costs
As of April 2026, the following base application charges apply. Please note that additional costs for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics collection may apply depending on your location.
| Fee Type | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $200.00 |
| Sponsor Security Bond | Discretionary (usually between $5,000 and $15,000) |
The security bond is generally refunded after the visitor departs Australia, provided all visa conditions were met.
Processing Times
Processing times fluctuate based on seasonal demand and the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs. Current benchmarks for the Sponsored Family stream are:
- 50% of applications: 50 Days
- 90% of applications: 70 Days
To avoid delays, ensure all supporting documentation—including the sponsor’s proof of citizenship and financial capacity—is attached at the time of lodgment.
Stay and Conditions
- Stay Period: Usually granted for up to 12 months, though 3 to 6 months is standard.
- Study: You can study or train for up to 3 months.
- Work: You cannot work in Australia on this visa.
- Condition 8503 (No Further Stay): This condition is almost always applied to this stream, meaning you cannot apply for another visa while inside Australia.
- Condition 8531: You must leave Australia before your visa expires.
FAQs
Can I apply for this visa if I am already in Australia?
No. You must be outside Australia when you apply for the Sponsored Family stream and when the Department makes a decision on your application.
How do I pay the security bond?
If a bond is required, the Department will notify your sponsor in writing. The payment is typically made via the sponsor’s ImmiAccount or through a specified bank transfer.
Is health insurance required?
While not always mandatory for this subclass, the Department strongly recommends all visitors hold adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay, as you will be responsible for all medical costs incurred in Australia.
Can I include my partner or children in my application?
No. Each family member, including children, must lodge a separate application and pay the individual application fee. You can, however, indicate that you are travelling as a group in your mobile-friendly ImmiAccount application.
