Sponsored Family Visitor

A sponsor sponsors one person or, in this case, one family unit. That includes the head of the family, partner and dependent children. Other relatives can be included if proved dependent.

To be a sponsor you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is aged 18 or over. To be classed as ‘settled’ the sponsor must have lived there for two years or more. In addition, for this family-based permit you should be a relative. This includes all the obvious family relations; partner, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or step –relative/adopted equivalent.

Members of the Australian parliament (Commonwealth, State or Territory) can act as a sponsor, as can a local government mayor.

Application
The sponsor lodges the application form in Australia. The application will detail each member of the family unit, and then they pay the visa application charge. The applicant then completes and signs the application form from the other country, and sends the form and all necessary supporting documents back to Australia.

How Long Is This Visa Valid For?
The visa can be up to 12 months in duration, but is often just three. If you need more time you can apply for it, however you should be specific and genuine in your reasons.

What Will This Visa Let Me Do?
During your stay in Australia you will be allowed to visit friends and family, sightsee and take part in tourist activities, and study for up to three months.

Health
Australia has certain health requirements, such as the need for examination and a chest x-ray if staying longer than a few months. For visitors over 75, you will undergo an Aged Visitor Health Check. The visa processing officer will contact you about this.