Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Sponsored Family Stream

The Sponsored Family stream provides a pathway for visitors with Australian family members willing to formally sponsor their visit, often with extended stay periods but additional requirements.

Stream Highlights

This stream offers lower application fees but requires an eligible Australian sponsor and may involve a security bond.

Who Should Apply

• Family visitors with Australian sponsors
• Higher-risk applicants needing sponsorship support
• Extended family visits beyond tourist stream limits
• Visitors from high-risk countries
• Those with previous visa issues needing sponsor guarantee

Key Differences from Tourist Stream

Advantages: ✓ Lower application fee ($145 vs $195)
✓ Potentially longer stays
✓ Sponsor support strengthens application
✓ Formal family connection recognized

Disadvantages: ✗ Requires eligible sponsor
✗ Security bond often required
✗ Single entry only
✗ Longer processing times
✗ Sponsor assumes legal obligations

Sponsor Requirements

Who Can Sponsor:

• Australian citizen OR
• Australian permanent resident
• 18 years or older
• Settled in Australia
• Related to the applicant

Eligible Relationships

Immediate Family:

• Spouse/Partner
• Parent
• Child
• Sibling

Extended Family:

• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Aunt/Uncle
• Niece/Nephew
• Step-relatives
• In-law equivalents

Sponsor Obligations

Financial Responsibilities:

• Provide accommodation or arrange it
• Support living expenses if needed
• Cover emergency medical costs
• Ensure return travel

Legal Responsibilities:

• Ensure visa compliance
• Ensure timely departure
• Liable for government costs
• Risk future sponsorship rights

Security Bond

When Required: Assessed case-by-case based on visitor’s circumstances

Amount: $5,000 - $15,000 per person

Refund: After compliant departure

Forfeiture: If conditions breached

Tips for Success

For Sponsors:

1. Understand obligations fully before committing
2. Demonstrate financial capacity clearly
3. Provide detailed support plan
4. Address any concerns proactively
5. Maintain good immigration history

For Visitors:

1. Prove genuine visit intentions
2. Show strong home ties
3. Provide clear relationship evidence
4. Demonstrate temporary stay intent
5. Have comprehensive health insurance

Strong Applications Include

• Elderly parents visiting adult children
• Young adults visiting siblings
• Grandparents meeting new grandchildren
• Family attending special events
• Medical treatment with family support

Challenging Cases

• Previous overstays
• Young visitors from high-risk countries
• Weak ties to home country
• Limited sponsor financial capacity
• Complex family relationships

Documentation Requirements

Sponsor Must Provide:

• Australian passport/citizenship certificate
• OR permanent resident evidence
• Proof of settlement in Australia
• Financial capacity evidence
• Form 1149 completed and signed

Visitor Must Provide:

• Valid passport
• Relationship evidence to sponsor
• Previous travel history
• Ties to home country
• Financial documents
• Health insurance

Alternative Options

Consider Tourist Stream if:

• No eligible sponsor available
• Want multiple entry option
• Prefer faster processing
• Cannot meet bond requirement

Consider Parent Visa if:

• Seeking permanent residence
• Child is Australian citizen/PR
• Meet balance of family test