Sponsored Family Stream

The Sponsored Family stream of the Australian Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets people visit family in Australia for up to 12 months with an eligible Australian, PR sponsor who may lodge a security bond and covers the visitor’s expenses.

Overview How to Apply

Duration

Temporary

Cost

AUD200.00

Processing Time

50–70 days

Pathway

Transition to Contributory Parent Visa for Permanent Residency

Overview

This visa stream allows genuine visitors to travel to Australia to see their family with the backing of an eligible sponsor who accepts financial responsibility and may be required to provide a security bond. Applicants must be outside Australia to apply, have no work rights, and can study or train for up to 3 months. The application fee is AUD 200, and processing times vary, so applicants should check the visa processing time guide tool. Where a sponsor is not appropriate or required, applicants might consider the Tourist stream of the Visitor 600 visa as an alternative.

Do You Have What It Takes?

✔ You have an eligible sponsor in Australia.
✔ You apply from outside Australia.
✔ You genuinely intend to visit temporarily.
✔ You meet health requirements.
✔ You meet character requirements.

✔ You can show sufficient funds (you and/or sponsor).
✔ You agree to visa conditions (no work).
✔ You provide evidence of relationship to sponsor.
✔ You may hold health insurance for your stay.
✔ Your sponsor agrees to obligations and possible security bond.

Why Choose This Path?

Visit family members in Australia.
Stay up to 12 months.
Study/train up to 3 months.
Sponsor support provides financial assurance.
Clear pathway for family visits vs Tourist stream.
Possible multiple entries if granted that way.
Access to Australian family events and care.
Lower base application fee (AUD 200).
VEVO to check visa details.
Transparent processing time guidance tool.

Your Roadmap to Success

Confirm this stream suits your situation.
Arrange an eligible sponsor in Australia.
Sponsor completes Form 1149.
Gather applicant identity and relationship documents.
Prepare financial and character/health evidence.
Obtain health insurance (recommended/if required).
Create/log in to ImmiAccount.
Lodge online application from outside Australia, attach Form 1149.
Pay the AUD 200 fee; sponsor may be asked for a security bond.
Monitor processing and respond to any requests.

Visa Duration

Initial Duration

Temporary

Visa Pathways

Transition to Contributory Parent Visa for Permanent Residency

Many elderly parents who visit Australia regularly on Sponsored Family stream visitor visas spending extended periods (6-12 months per visit) with their Australian citizen or permanent resident children decide to pursue permanent parent migration through Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 or Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864 after experiencing Australian lifestyle and confirming they want to settle permanently near family rather than continuing visiting pattern indefinitely.