The Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 600) allows eligible family members to visit relatives in Australia for tourism, family reunions, and short-term stays.
This visa stream is commonly used by parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives who wish to spend time with family members living in Australia. Depending on individual circumstances, the visa may allow stays of up to 12 months.
Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers are ready to assist individuals and families with Visitor visa applications, sponsorship requirements, document preparation, and immigration advice specific to their circumstances.
What Is the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
The Sponsored Family stream of the Subclass 600 Visitor visa, unlike standard tourist visitor visas, requires sponsorship by an eligible family member in Australia. In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may also request a security bond from the sponsor.
This visa may permit family visits, short term holidays, attending family events and in some instances, short term study.. The visa does not generally permit work in Australia.
Sponsored Family Visitor Visa 600 Checklist
Applicants should ensure all required documents are prepared before lodging their application.
Identity Documents
It is crucial that when applying for a Visitor Visa, you are or your family member areYou may need to provide:
- Passport
- National identity card
- Birth certificate
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Evidence of any name changes, such as marriage or divorce certificates
Note: Children under 18 may require additional parental consent documentation.
Evidence of Financial Capacity
Applicants should demonstrate they can financially support themselves during their stay in Australia.
Supporting documents may include:
- Recent bank statements
- Payslips
- Tax documents
- Credit card statements
- Savings evidence
In some cases, sponsors may also provide evidence of financial support.
Evidence of Genuine Temporary Stay
Applicants must show they genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily and return home at the end of their stay as described.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Employment confirmation
- Business ownership documents
- Property ownership records
- Evidence of family ties overseas
- Enrolment at an educational institution
Strong ties to the home country are often important factors in visitor visa assessments.
Health and Character Documents
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the Department may request health examinations, possibly including chest x-rays as well police clearance certificates.
Police certificates may be required for applicants who have spent extended periods in other countries since turning 16 years of age.
Health Insurance
Although not always mandatory, adequate health insurance is strongly recommended for the entire duration of the visit to Australia.
Healthcare costs in Australia can be significant for visitors without insurance coverage.
Invitation Letter From the Sponsor
The sponsor in Australia should provide a detailed invitation letter outlining:
- Their relationship to the applicant
- The purpose of the visit
- Length of intended stay
- Accommodation arrangements
- Financial support details (if applicable)
Sponsors may also need to provide:
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Copy of passport
- Visa grant notice
- Employment evidence
- Residential documents such as a lease agreement
Sponsorship Form
Sponsors are generally required to complete the relevant sponsorship forms requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Accurate completion of sponsorship documents is important to avoid processing delays.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa 600
To be eligible for this visa stream, applicants generally must:
- Be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia
- Proof they intend to stay temporarily in Australia
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Have sufficient funds for their stay
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
Applicants are usually required to remain outside Australia while the application is being processed.
Who Can Sponsor a Visitor Visa Applicant?
The Family visa allows eligible sponsors to include:
- Spouses or de facto partners
- Parents
- Children
- Brothers and sisters
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Aunts and uncles
- Nieces and nephews
- Step-family equivalents of the above relationships
Sponsors generally must be Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 years or older.
Who Cannot Sponsor a Visitor Visa Applicant?
Certain individuals are not eligible sponsors under this visa stream.
This commonly includes:
- Friends
- Cousins
- Fiancés or fiancées
- In-laws
- Most New Zealand citizens who are not eligible Australian sponsors
A person may also be restricted from sponsoring additional applicants if previous sponsored visitors breached visa conditions.
How to Apply for a Sponsored Family Visitor Visa 600
Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount.
The process usually involves:
- Creating or accessing an ImmiAccount
- Completing the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) application
- Uploading supporting documents
- Providing sponsorship information
- Paying the visa application charge
- Completing any requested health or biometrics requirements
Applications should be prepared carefully to ensure all information is accurate and consistent.
Visitor Visa 600 Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- Application completeness
- Individual circumstances
- Country of application
- Health and character checks
- Department processing volumes
Delays can occur if supporting documents are missing or further information is requested.
Can You Work on a Visitor Visa 600?
No, the Sponsored Family Visitor visa generally does not allow for work in Australia.
Applicants intending to work in Australia should consider alternative visa pathways, such as employer-sponsored or skilled migration visas.
Can You Study on a Visitor Visa?
Limited study may be permitted for short courses lasting up to three months.
Applicants seeking long-term study in Australia should instead consider applying for a student visa.
Does the Visa Allow Multiple Entries?
The Department may grant either:
- Single-entry visas, or
- Multiple-entry visas
Visa conditions vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the Department’s assessment.
A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to leave and re-enter Australia during the validity period.
Security Bonds for Sponsored Visitor Visas
In some cases, the Department may request the sponsor to provide a security bond.
The bond amount can vary and may be refunded once the visitor complies with all visa conditions and departs Australia before the visa expires.
Failure to comply with visa conditions may result in forfeiture of the bond.
Can You Apply for Another Visa While in Australia?
Some Sponsored Family Visitor Visas include Condition 8503, commonly referred to as the “No Further Stay” condition.
If this condition applies, the visa holder may be restricted from applying for most other visas while remaining in Australia.
Professional advice should be obtained before making future migration plans.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Visitor visa refusals commonly occur due to:
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Weak evidence of temporary intention
- Incomplete applications
- Inconsistent information
- Lack of supporting documentation
Preparing a properly documented application may significantly improve the prospects of approval.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, our migration lawyers are qualified to assist with:
- Visitor Visa applications
- Sponsored Family Visitor Visas
- Sponsorship requirements
- Visa refusal advice
- Health and character concerns
- Family migration pathways
If you are planning to visit family in Australia, obtaining professional guidance early can help ensure your application is prepared correctly and lodged with confidence.
We are ready to assist you and your family to find success in your Australian visa application process.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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