Family Sponsored Visa Australia: Requirements & Guide 2025

Written by

Amitaanshu Midha

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Jun 16,2025

Family Sponsored Visa Australia: The Complete 2025 Guide - TerraTern

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Reuniting with family in Australia? Family Sponsored Visa Australia enables qualified family members to be temporary visitors in the Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream. This visa allows a stay up to 12 months and does not allow work rights, and study is restricted. It is also meant to be used by bona fide visitors, and applications are thoroughly evaluated. Considering the case and the documentation, a wide range of processing times may take 20 days to a maximum of 12 months. The application fees range between AUD 190 and 95, and a security bond of AUD 5,000- 15,000 is sometimes necessary. The sponsor has to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen. The family members should apply individually. All applicants should undergo health and character checks.

 

Latest Facts & News (2025): Family Sponsored Visa Australia

Here are the latest facts and news about the family sponsored visa Australia:

  • The 2024- 25 allocation of places under the family stream is 52,500.

  • The family stream comprises more than 25 per cent of the total migration intake to Australia.

  • Partner visas constitute about 90 per cent of the family stream visas granted.

  • The obvious visa application fee stands at around AUD 190-195.

  • The visa entitles the holder to stay up to 12 months.

  • This visa allows the visitor to study for up to 3 months.

  • No work is allowed during the stay.

  • A security bond will be required on a case-by-case basis.

  • All applicants should undergo health and character checks.

  • Candidates have to make their application outside Australia.

  • It is also done when the applicant is outside Australia when deciding on a visa.

  • We do not accept group/ joint applications; we apply as individuals.

Also Read: 457 Visa Australia: History, Updates & PR Pathways

What is a Family Sponsored Visa Australia?: Updated 2025

Here are the details about the family sponsored visa Australia:

  • A non-immigrant visa to visit the family.

  • Allows a visit by close relatives residing in Australia.

  • The visa is sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a qualifying New Zealand citizen.

  • It is under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream.

  • This is not a work or extended stay visa, but a genuine temporary visit visa.

  • It does not provide an option for permanent residency.

Types of Family-Sponsored Visas in Australia in 2025: Updated

Photo of Australia map; Family Sponsored Visa Australia - TerrraTern

 The different types of family sponsored visa Australia are listed below:

Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream

Appropriate in the case of short-term family visits and with formal sponsorship.

Partner Visas (820/801, 309/100)

If you are a married or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or PR.

Parent Visas (103, 143, 870)

The Australian Parent Visa is intended for the parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Child Visas (101, 802)

Dependent children of Australian citizens or residents.

Other Family Visas

  • An aged dependent relative visa is included.

  • Carer visa for family members who require care.

  • Staying relative visa: people without close relatives in other countries.

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table comparing all the different types of family sponsored visa Australia:

Visa Type

Purpose

Stay Length

Work Rights

Sponsored?

600 Sponsored

Visit family

Up to 12 months

No

Yes

Partner

Join partner

Permanent

Yes

Yes

Parent (143)

Join children

Permanent

Yes

Yes

Parent (870)

Visit children

Up to 10 years

No

Yes

Child

Join parents

Permanent

Yes

Yes

 

Family Sponsored Visa Australia 600: Latest Key Features in 2025

Here are the key features of the family sponsored visa Australia 600:

  • Sponsored Family Visitor Visa- Subclass 600.

  • Temporary visits to relatives in Australia are designed.

  • At the time of application and decision, the applicant should be outside Australia.

  • Permits up to 12 months of stay depending on case particulars.

  • It requires a close family sponsor in Australia.

  • This visa does not entitle one to any work rights.

  • Your stay can allow you to study for up to 3 months.

  • Visa approval requires health and character checks.

  • The Department may require a refundable security bond.

Who Can Sponsor and Be Sponsored for a Family Sponsored Visa in Australia? The Latest Guide

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 Here are details about who can sponsor and who can be sponsored by the family sponsored visa Australia 600:

Sponsor Eligibility:

The sponsor eligibility requirements for the family sponsored visa Australia 600 are as follows:

  • They should be a Australian permanent resident or citizen.

  • New Zealand citizens who are eligible may also sponsor.

  • The sponsor should be 18 years old and above.

  • Sponsoring is allowed only by the close relatives (parents, siblings, children, etc.).

Applicant Eligibility:

The applicant eligibility requirements for the family sponsored visa Australia 600 are as follows:

  • Should be out of Australia during the application and at the time of the decision.

  • Ought to have a legitimate excuse to visit family.

  • There should be a close relationship with the sponsor.

  • Must measure up to health and character requirements.

  • Should demonstrate the financial capability of sustaining the trip.

Family Sponsored Visa Australia: Latest Rights and Limitations: Updated Guide

Here are the rights and limitations of the family sponsored visa Australia:

What You Can Do

Here’s what you can do with the family sponsored visa Australia:

  • Go and see your family and have a time out together.

  • Move around and tour Australia as a tourist.

  • Learn a short course (up to 3 months).

What You Cannot Do

Here’s what you cannot do with the family sponsored visa Australia:

  • No right to work or earn money.

  • Not able to stay beyond the validity of the visa.

  • Can not be used for permanent migration or seeking employment.

Summary

Here is the summary for the family sponsored visa Australia:

  • Suitable for short-term family reunification and tourism.

  • Unsuitable for migration, long-term stay or employment.

Also Read: ETA Visa Australia (601): Latest Complete Visa Guide

Family Sponsored Visa Australia Checklist (2025): Latest Update

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 This section covers all the details you need to know about the family sponsored visa Australia checklist:

Documents Required

Here are the documents required for family sponsored visa Australia checklist:

Identity and Relationship Documents

These are the identity and relationship documents needed for the family sponsored visa Australia checklist:

  • The passport biodata page contains your personal information and expiration date.

  • New passport-size pictures according to Australian requirements.

  • Identity and family relationship verification: birth certificate.

  • Marriage certificate when you are visiting your in-laws or your spouse.

  • Records of communication such as emails, call records or chat with your sponsor.

  • (optional but helpful) Family tree or affidavit of relationship.

Financial and Health Requirements

Here are the financial and health requirements of the family sponsored visa Australia checklist:

  • Recent bank statements indicate that one has enough funds to travel and stay.

  • Income tax returns to show financial stability (of the applicant and/or sponsor).

  • Health checkup report by a panel physician.

  • Police clearance certificates of all countries resided in for 12 months or more.

  • Travel insurance covering medical and emergency expenses (recommended but not mandatory).

Sponsorship Form and Obligations

Here are the sponsorship forms and obligations part of the family sponsored visa Australia checklist:

  • Filled Form 1149 -Sponsorship for Sponsored Family Visitors.

  • ID documents of the sponsor: a passport or a driver's license.

  • Sponsor - evidence of Australian residency (visa or citizenship certificate).

  • The sponsor's financial records indicate the ability to maintain visitors.

  • The sponsor's agreement is in writing to accommodate and support.

  • The sponsor statement confirms that they will notify immigration in case of any visa violation.

Family Sponsored Visitor Visa Australia Processing Time & Fees in 2025: Experts Update

Image of Australian flag; Family Sponsored Visa Australia - TerraTern

 Here are details about the family sponsored visitor visa Australia processing time and fees:

Processing Time

Here’s all the information you need about the processing time part of family sponsored visitor visa Australia processing time and fees:

  • A quarter of applications are completed in 20 days.

  • Half of them are done in an average of 45 to 60 days.

  • Up to 12 months can be applied to 90% of complicated or partially complete applications.

  • Circumstances and quality of documentation firm time scales.

  • The provision of correct and complete documents helps accelerate it.

Fees

Here’s all the information you need about the fees part of family sponsored visitor visa Australia processing time and fees

  • Sponsored Family Visitor Visa application fee: AUD 190 -195 per individual.

  • Each applicant, including children, should pay the application fee.

  • The Department may ask for a security bond (AUD 5,00015,000), which is refundable.

  • Health checkups, police checks and biometric services are billed individually.

Also Read: Australia 190 Visa Processing Time: Full Guide & Expert Tips

Latest Step-by-Step Application Process for Family Sponsored Visa Australia: Updated Guide 2025

Here’s a step-by-step application process for the family sponsored visa Australia:

  1. Visit the visa and relationship requirements to check your eligibility.

  2. Make sure your sponsor is an Australian citizen or a resident.

  3. Prepare all the needed documents, such as identity and relationship evidence.

  4. Fill Form 1418 (Visitor visa application) and submit it.

  5. Make sure that your sponsor completes Form 1149 correctly.

  6. Scan and upload documents and pay the visa fee using ImmiAccount.

  7. Please visit the biometrics appointment as advised.

  8. Undertake a medical examination and offer police clearance.

  9. Department to evaluate and determine.

  10. Get a visa grant or a strict refusal letter.

Common Reasons for Family Sponsored Visa Australia Refusal: Updated 2025

These common reasons can lead to rejection of your family sponsored visa Australia:

  • Records are missing, incomplete or erroneous.

  • There is poor or inconclusive relationship evidence.

  • The applicant does not have ample financial support.

  • Health or character problems detected.

  • Sponsor defaulted on immigration requirements previously.

  • Any untrue or inaccurate details in the application.

  • The visa officer is not satisfied with the applicant's intent to return.

Family Sponsored Visa Australia: Latest Policy Changes & Updates (2025)

Opera House Sydney; Family Sponsored Visa Australia - TerraTern

 These are the latest policy updates regarding the family sponsored visa Australia that you must keep in mind:

  • Increased questioning of the intention of stay by the applicant.

  • Tighter scrutiny of the legal and financial obligations of the sponsor.

  • A compulsory health examination of all candidates, irrespective of their place of origin.

  • Stricter enforcement of duplicate or repeated applications for a visa.

  • Greater focus on complete and honest reporting.

Experts Tips for a Successful Family Sponsored Visa Australia Application in 2025

Here are some conclusive tips for a successful family sponsored visa Australia application:

  • To be sure not to miss any documents, use the entire checklist.

  • Indicate your purpose and schedule of visit.

  • Seek the assistance of a registered migration agent in complicated cases.

  • Show good, reportable evidence of your family relationship.

  • Provide up-to-date bank statements and sponsor documentation.

  • Be forthcoming when declaring any prior visa refusal or immigration problems.

  • Apply generously before the intended travel date.

  • Make sure that the sponsor completely and correctly signs Form 1149.

Also Read: Family Migration: Latest Guide to Reuniting Families Abroad

 

Conclusion

Family Sponsored Visa Australia targets people intending to visit their close relatives temporarily. To be considered, candidates should have a sponsor who is usually an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a qualified New Zealand citizen, and they should provide all the necessary documents with precision. This visa can not allow holders to work in Australia for up to 12 months. The only thing to do is adhere to the checklist to avoid getting delayed or refused. Applicants to whom the situation is complicated or uncertain should consult an expert. Most importantly, ensure that the information you give in the application is accurate, exhaustive and well-documented to enhance your chances of a favourable decision. Contact TerraTern for more information!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to have several family members in a single application?

No, all the applicants have to submit an individual visa application. Although family members may be entering the country together or visiting the same sponsor, they must still file separate applications and individually satisfy the eligibility requirements.

And what would occur should my sponsor fail me?

If your sponsor discontinues their sponsorship at any point during the application procedure, your visa can be declined. If the visa has already been awarded, they might cancel it. Sponsorship is also a massive factor in the assessment and continuing validity of the visa.

Will I require a security bond on each applicant?

Not necessarily. The Department of Home Affairs decides whether to require a security bond on a case-by-case basis. Based on the level of risk, travel history, and the relation with the sponsor, some applicants may post a bond, whereas others will not.

Can I prolong my Australia stay on this visa?

No, this visa does not provide an extension option once you are in Australia. If you want to extend your stay, you must obtain a new visa before your current one expires and go through the eligibility and application requirements once more.

What are the principal causes of visa denial?

The usual grounds are presenting incomplete or invalid documentation, insufficient proof of having a bona fide relationship with the sponsor, inadequate financial resources to cover the visit, and failing health or character investigations. Applicants should provide transparent, verifiable, and accurate information to prevent refusal.