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A family-sponsored visitor visa allows your relatives to visit you in Australia, with an eligible family member sponsoring the application. It sits under Visitor Visa Subclass 600 and suits reunions, weddings and long family stays. This guide covers eligibility, documents, cost, timelines and the latest 2026 update in one place.
What Is a Family Sponsored Visitor Visa?
Quick answer: It is the Sponsored Family Stream of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). An eligible Australian relative sponsors you to visit family for up to 12 months. You cannot work on it.
Some people call it a family-sponsored visitor visa, but it is for temporary visits only. It does not lead to permanent residency. You can study or train for up to three months while you are here.
Who Can Apply for the Family Sponsored Visitor Visa?
Quick answer: Anyone with an eligible sponsor can apply if they genuinely plan a temporary visit and meet the health and character requirements.
If you want an Australian visa that family members can use for a short visit, this is the stream to look at. Home Affairs also checks your ties to home, such as your job, finances and travel history.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Member to Visit?
Quick answer: The sponsor must be 18 or older and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. They must also be a close relative of the applicant.
Under family sponsor visa Australia rules, Home Affairs may ask the sponsor to pay a security bond. Home Affairs decides this case by case.
How is it different from the Tourist Stream?
- The Sponsored Family Stream needs a sponsor. The Tourist Stream does not.
- A family link is required here, but not for the Tourist Stream.
- A security bond may apply here, but generally not for the Tourist Stream.
- The Sponsored Family Stream is best for visiting relatives. The Tourist Stream suits holidays and general visits.
Can Parents Apply for a Visitor Visa?
Quick answer: Yes. The visitor visa for parents route works for mums, dads and grandparents visiting family in Australia.
A parent visitor visa Australia application should show a clear family link, a genuine reason to visit and a plan to return home. Remember, this is a temporary visa. It is not the same as a Parent visa (subclass 103 or 143).
What Documents Do You Need?
Quick answer: You need a valid passport, proof of your family relationship, sponsor details and evidence of your finances.
When you sponsor family visitor visa applicants, your relative must also prove their status in Australia. Here is the usual list:
- Valid passport and passport-size photos
- Completed application form
- Invitation letter from the sponsor
- Birth or marriage certificates as proof of relationship
- Sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency evidence
- Bank statements and employment documents
- Previous travel history
- Health or police certificates, if requested
How Much Does It Cost?
Quick answer: The visa application charge is AUD 250, with concessions in limited circumstances. Home Affairs may also ask your sponsor to pay a security bond.
Use the Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm your visitor visa sponsored family charge. The estimator does not include other costs, such as medicals or translations.
| Visa | Application Charge |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Sponsored Family Stream | AUD 250 (concessions apply in limited circumstances) |
Other costs to keep in mind:
- Security bond, only if Home Affairs asks your sponsor
- Health examination, if required
- Police certificates, if requested
- Document translations, if documents are not in English
What Is the Latest Policy Update?
Quick answer: From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid application.
Check the official Sponsored Family Stream page to see if you qualify for this concession.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Quick answer: When checked on 1 September 2026, Home Affairs showed 46 days for 50% of Sponsored Family applications and 3 months for 90%. This is a guide only, so check the official tool for current times.
A sponsored family visitor visa can take longer if documents are missing or incomplete.
How Do You Apply for a Family Sponsored Visitor Visa?
Quick answer: Apply online through ImmiAccount, upload your evidence and pay the fee.
Any visa Australia family application is lodged online, so set up your account early.
- Check that you and your sponsor meet the requirements.
- Collect your documents and certified translations.
- Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.
- Complete the application and upload your evidence.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Attend a health exam or provide extra documents if asked.
Ready to Apply?
Get expert help with your family visit visa. Speak with a Migration Agent Adelaide today and lodge with confidence.
FAQs
1. Can I work on this visa?
No. Employment is not allowed. You can study or train for up to three months.
2. How long can I stay?
You can stay for up to 12 months, depending on your situation and the decision made by Home Affairs.
3. Is a security bond always required?
No. Home Affairs only asks for a bond in some cases.
4. Is this the same as a Parent visa?
No. It is a temporary visit visa and does not give permanent residency.
5. Why do some applications get refused?
Common reasons are missing documents, inconsistent details or weak evidence of a genuine temporary visit.
