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Sponsored Family Visitor Visas
On this page: Introduction; Documentary requirements; Where to apply; Visa evidencing and Further information
Introduction
Please note that all Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications must be lodged by the sponsor or authorised agent in an Immigration office in Australia. Visa Offices in the People’s Republic of China cannot accept Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications.
Settled Australian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor their relatives to visit Australia for a short period. A relative is defined in the Migration Regulations as a spouse, parent, brother, sister, child, adopted child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchild and the 'step' or adopted equivalents of these.
There are no provisions for fiancé(e)s, in-laws, cousins, friends or partners of the same sex to provide a sponsorship for visiting Australia.
New Zealand citizens are not eligible to sponsor their family members to visit Australia. If you are not eligible to formally sponsor someone, you may still support their Visitor application by sending them a letter from you to lodge with their application. This letter should provide details of your relationship with the applicant and the level of support you are able to offer.
An eligible sponsor must be willing to guarantee that the sponsored visitor will lawfully depart from Australia and may be requested to arrange for the lodgement of a security bond. The amount of the securtiy bond is determined on a case by case basis by the delegated overseas officer and is generally between A$5000 and A$15000 per person. Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, the delegated officer may ask for a security bond of any amount that they see as appropriate. To avoid the sponsor incurring penalties, the sponsored visitor must leave Australia before the expiry of their visa.
Documentary Requirements
• Form 48S "Application To Visit Australia As A Sponsored Family Visitor"
• Form 1149 "Application For Sponsorship For Sponsored Visitors" (completed by the sponsor)
• Form 54 "Family Composition"
Please note: It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all supporting documentation that will assist in assessing eligibility for a visa. Delays/rejection can be caused by forms not filled in fully, truthfully or accurately; by lack of proper documentation; or if you do not meet the conditions stipulated. All Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications must be lodged by the sponsor or authorised agent in an Immigration office in Australia. Visa Offices in the People’s Republic of China cannot accept Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications.
Where to Apply
The visa applicants should complete the form 48S and send it to their sponsor in Australia along with all other supporting documents. The sponsor should complete the Form 1149 and lodge both the Form 48S and the Form 1149 with the supporting documents at their state or territory Immigration office in Australia. Completed applications can be lodged in person or by mail. Once an application has been approved, a letter will be sent to you or your designated agent or sponsor, informing you to provide your passport to your nearest overseas Visa Office so that your visa can be evidenced.
You may then bring your passport in person or send your passport by mail to the Visa Office in China nearest you, together with a copy of the grant letter from the processing office.
Visa Evidencing
There is no need to make an appointment and there is no extra fee for visa evidencing.
You can nominate to collect your passport and visa in person or have it returned to you by mail. If you require the passport to be returned by mail, you should provide your mailing address in Chinese characters. Passports returned by registered mail may take up to two weeks to be delivered depending on the location of the delivery address.
Please note that it may take the Visa Office up to 5 working days to evidence your visa.
Further Information
For more information regarding sponsoring family visitors to Australia, please visit： www.immi.gov.au/visitors/visiting-family/679/index.htm