Sponsored Family Visitor visa

What is the Sponsored Family Visitor visa?

If you wish to visit friends and family in Australia but you are having difficulty obtaining a visa because of your circumstances, a close family member in Australia may be able to sponsor you for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa.

The Sponsored Family Visitor visa:

• allows travel and entry to Australia on one occasion only;

• travel may be within 3 months from when the visa is granted;

• permission to remain in Australia for a period of not more than 3 months; and

• you are not able to extend your stay in Australia.

• It is similar to the Visitor visa (short stay) but includes:

• mandatory sponsorship;

• discretionary security bond; and

• penalties that will apply to the sponsor if the visitor breaches visa conditions.

Who can apply for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa?

You may apply for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa if you:

• are formally sponsored by a close relative (who is Australian citizen/ permanent resident) or an Australian elected Government representative to guarantee your visit;

• intend to visit to Australia for tourism or holiday purposes as a genuine visitor;

• will not work in Australia;

• have access to adequate funds for your personal support while in Australia;

• have adequate means to support family members who accompany you;

• have no debts to the Australian government;

• are in good health and are of good character;

• will not stay in Australia for more than three months; and

• intend to leave Australia when or before your visa expires.

How do I apply for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa?

To apply for a Sponsored Visitor Visa to enter Australia you will need to:

• Step One: complete and sign the Application Form 48R Application to Visit Australia for Tourism or Other Recreational Activities (Family) (PDF Files)

  • your sponsor completes the Application Form 1149 Sponsorship Form for Sponsored Visitors, (PDF File) which is lodged with your application;

  • answer all questions honestly and completely - false or misleading information may lead to refusal or cancellation of your visa, or other penalties while in Australia;

  • complete the form in English.

Application forms are available from:

• online

• overseas: at your nearest Australian diplomatic office,

• in Australia: by telephoning the general inquiry number 131 881;

Only one passport holder can apply on one form. You can include in your application any children on your passport, travelling with you. If another adult is included in your passport they should complete a separate application form.

Step Two: pay the application charge. See: Immigration Costs - Information

Step Three: provide supporting documents as listed below and any further as requested by the Australian diplomatic office:

• current passport or valid travel document for each person travelling;

• a recent passport sized photograph of yourself and any children included in your passport;

• if your child is travelling with you and custody arrangements exist, evidence of those arrangements and authorisation for the child to travel;

• evidence of funds available to support your stay in Australia (for example, a bank statement, letters from a bank or financial institution concerning your financial position, air tickets that have been purchased); and

• if you are aged over 70, documents to show you have adequate private health insurance in Australia (unless your country of citizenship has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia).

Do not supply original documents with your application, unless we ask for it. You should provide certified copies of original documents. Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

When you lodge your application you must ensure that your application is complete - form, fee and additional documents. If you do not have all the necessary documents, a decision may be made on the information you have provided. It is in your interest to support your application with as much information as possible at the time you apply.

Completed applications can be lodged at the nearest Australian diplomatic office, either in person, by a representative or sent by mail. If an application is by sent mail, you need to include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the secure return of your passport.

See also:

Application Form 1149 Sponsorship Form for Sponsored Visitors ( PDF Files )

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