Are you dreaming of reconnecting with family living in Australia? The Family Sponsored Stream under Visitor Visa Subclass 600 could be your ticket to cherished moments together, even for a little while. Designed especially for relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents, this visa lets families reunite in Australia for up to 12 months.
But before you pack your bags, there are some important eligibility steps and requirements.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials—covering everything from eligibility checks to important documents that need to be considered by sponsors and visa holders.
So, if you’re ready to make the most of this opportunity, read on for all the tips and insights to make your application process a smooth journey toward your family reunion.
Please Note: This is a general guide meant to provide an overview of the family-sponsored visa eligibility criteria. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements, conditions, and related costs, please visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or consult a Registered Migration Agent, as visa policies may change over time.
First of all, let’s understand what a sponsored family stream is.
What is the Sponsored Family Stream?
Australia designed the Sponsored Family Stream as part of its Visitor Visa Subclass 600 to allow family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents to visit the country for a limited time. Unlike other visitor visas, this stream requires sponsorship from a relative living in Australia. When a sponsor steps in, they take on the responsibility of financially supporting their family member during the visit. This visa is ideal for family gatherings, holiday visits, or short stays, making it a popular option for meaningful, brief reunions.
Let’s now look into all the criteria required to be considered eligible to sponsor.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the family-sponsored visa, you must meet a series of criteria, ensuring the visa is granted only to genuine visitors. These criteria include:
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Sponsorship by a family member
You must have an Australian citizen or permanent resident relative who is willing to act as a sponsor. The sponsor is responsible for providing a bond and ensuring that you (the visitor) stick to all visa conditions.
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Relationship criteria
Sponsors must be your close relatives; perhaps a partner, parent, children, and siblings are the primary eligible sponsors. Other eligible relations include grandparents, uncles, aunts, and nephews. However, a fiancé(e), in-law, cousin, friend, or New Zealand citizen cannot act as a sponsor. Additionally, the sponsor must have lived in Australia for at least two years.
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Financial assurance
The sponsor must provide financial security to cover any costs during your stay in Australia. They are responsible for lodging a financial bond if required by the Department of Home Affairs. Additionally, the applicant’s financial and employment circumstances will also be considered to ensure they meet the Genuine Visitor criteria.
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Sponsorship Eligibility
Usually, the sponsor should be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least two years.
The sponsor needs to show they have enough financial resources to support you during your stay.
If the sponsor has previously sponsored other visitors, they must have followed all visa conditions and obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Now that you have covered the essential criteria, let’s get an overview of the steps involved in the application process.
Steps to Get the Family Sponsored Visa
Securing the family-sponsored visa requires following a structured process:
Step 1: Find an eligible sponsor
The first step in the process is to ensure you have an Australian citizen or permanent resident family member who meets the sponsorship requirements. This individual must be over 18 and demonstrate their ability to support you financially during your stay.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documentation
Collect all required documents, including proof of identity, evidence of your relationship with the sponsor, financial statements, and any other information that shows your intention to return to your home country after your visit. Make sure you have all the essential documents in hand to avoid delays. If you’re uncertain about any document requirements, reach out to an immigration consultant like Knowbal for expert guidance on gathering the right paperwork, so you can submit a complete and accurate application confidently.
Step 3: Submit the application
You will submit the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Both you and your sponsor must provide the required information and documents.
Step 4: Wait for processing
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will go through the usual processing steps. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case.
It would be best to be outside Australia while your visa is being processed. For help with the steps involved, you can connect with Knowbal to make sure you’re on the right track.
It is also essential to ensure that all documents are accurate and current to avoid unnecessary delays, so let’s read about that next.
Documents Necessary for the Application
A thorough and complete documentation package is essential for the success of your visa application. Here’s a checklist of the documents required for the family-sponsored visitor visa:
1. Identification Documents
Include your passport, national ID, and any other official documents that will help verify your identity. If you need assistance gathering these documents or understanding specific requirements, check out Knowbal’s range of visa support services to ensure you’re fully prepared.
2. Proof of Relationship
Gather documents that confirm your relationship with the sponsor, such as birth certificates, family tree details, or marriage certificates.
3. Sponsorship Evidence
Your sponsor needs to submit Form 1149 (Sponsorship for Visitor Visa) and financial documents to show they can support you financially.
4. Financial Stability
Provide evidence of your financial means, like bank statements, proof of assets, or other financial guarantees, to confirm your ability to support yourself while in Australia.
5. Travel Itinerary
Prepare an itinerary outlining your visit plans, including flight details and accommodations.
6. Health and Character Certificates
Based on your country of origin, you may also need a health assessment and police clearance to meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
There are also certain conditions that you might be obligated to. Let’s read about them next.
Conditions and Obligations
Both you and your sponsor have several obligations they must fulfill during your stay in Australia.
Visa conditions:
You are expected to comply with Australian laws and leave before your visa expires. You are only allowed to work if you have a visa that permits you to do so.
Sponsor’s responsibilities:
The sponsor needs to make sure you follow all the rules, including departing Australia on time and sticking to the visitor’s permitted activities.
Rights and Benefits:
The family-sponsored visa grants you some important rights, including the ability to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. During this time, you can engage in short-term studies and work for up to 3 months.
Additional Factors to Consider
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore some common pitfalls applicants encounter and how to avoid them to strengthen your chances of a successful visa application.
Reapplying for the Visa
After visiting Australia under the family-sponsored visa, it’s natural to want to return soon. And here’s how you can do it:
- No Waiting Period Required
You’re allowed to reapply at any time, as there’s no set waiting period between applications. - Follow Visa Guidelines
If you followed all the visa guidelines during your last visit, it strengthens your chances of getting approved again. - Avoid Raising Red Flags
Applying too often might signal to immigration officials that you’re seeking more than a temporary visit, which can work against your application. - Wait a Little Before Reapplying
Although there’s no rule, waiting a reasonable amount of time before reapplying shows respect for the visa’s temporary purpose. This reassures officials that you’re genuinely visiting family and not trying to extend your stay through repeated short-term visas.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
Visa rejections can be frustrating and are often due to mistakes that can be easily avoided. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Visa might be refused:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation :
One of the top reasons for visa denials is missing or inaccurate paperwork. Each document requested in the application serves a specific purpose, so missing even one item can disrupt the approval process. Double-checking that your documents are complete and accurate is crucial.
2. Insufficient Financial Support Evidence :
You and your sponsor need to show that you have enough funds to cover the expenses of your visit. If immigration officers feel that your finances are lacking, your visa might be refused. Providing solid financial documentation can reassure officials that you won’t need to rely on public resources during your stay.
3. Intentions to Return After the Visit Are Unclear :
Immigration officers may have doubts if they see signs that suggest you might stay longer than intended, such as a lack of ties to your home country, an unclear travel history, limited employment or financial commitments, or previous visa breaches. As this visa is for temporary family reunions, officers closely examine your intent to return. Including documents that connect you to your home country, like proof of employment or family commitments, can help show a clear plan to return after your visit.
4. Previous Visa Breaches :
If you have a history of overstaying, unauthorized work, or other visa violations, it can seriously affect your current application and can also lead to denial of your application.
To improve your chances, ensure all documents are accurate and thoroughly check each requirement.
If you’re uncertain, migration agents like those at Knowbal can review your application to catch any potential issues, helping you submit a stronger application with all required elements.
How about an extension of this visa? Let’s understand if that works.
Extension Options for Visitor Visa Subclass 600: Is It Possible?
The desire to extend a stay in Australia is common among visitors, especially when reuniting with family. However, for those under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600, extending the visa can be challenging due to a common visa condition known as Condition 8503. This “No Further Stay” condition is often applied to this visa category, requiring holders to leave Australia once their visit period is over.
Does this mean you have no options if you want to stay longer?
Not entirely, but the chances are limited. In certain exceptional cases, applicants can request a waiver for Condition 8503. If granted, this waiver allows them to apply for a new visa without leaving Australia.
Waivers are typically considered in situations where there have been major personal changes or unexpected medical issues that make it difficult for the visa holder to depart on time. It’s important to remember that waivers are not easily granted. Each waiver request undergoes a careful review by the Department of Home Affairs, and approval depends on the unique circumstances presented.
Conclusion
The Sponsored Family Stream is an excellent option for families to reunite in Australia and spend some quality time together. However, to make the application process go smoothly, it’s essential to pay close attention to each detail. This means providing the right documents, showing you have enough financial support, and proving that you plan to follow all visa conditions. By understanding what’s needed and being aware of common challenges, applicants can improve their chances of getting the visa approved.
Thinking about applying for this visa? Knowbal’s migration experts are here to help you. They handle everything, from preparing paperwork to liaising with immigration officials, so you can focus on reuniting with your family in Australia, stress-free. Schedule a consultation with Knowbal today and take the first step toward your family reunion!
