Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Sponsored Family Stream
Bring your parents or relatives to visit you in Australia. The Sponsored Family stream lets an eligible family member in Australia sponsor a visit of up to 12 months.
About the Sponsored Family Stream
The Sponsored Family stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets people who are sponsored, usually by a family member, come to Australia to visit their family. The sponsor must be an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and Home Affairs might ask the sponsor to pay a security bond. If you would rather not become a sponsor, your relative can apply in the Tourist stream with your letter of invitation instead.
With this visa you can
- Visit family or friends
- Cruise or have a holiday
- Study or train for up to 3 months
- Stay up to 12 months, as granted
You must
- Have an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Intend to come to Australia as a visitor only
- Be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided
As the sponsor, you undertake to be responsible for
- Your visitor's compliance with their visa conditions
- Your visitor's compliance with Australian employment laws and awards
- Repaying any money your visitor owes the Australian Government
Home Affairs might ask the sponsor to pay a security bond.
How Outlook Immigration Can Help
Our MARA registered migration agent reviews your situation, confirms this is the right stream for your visit and helps you prepare clear evidence that you are a genuine visitor with the means to support your stay. We lodge a complete application and keep you updated until a decision is made.
Visa information is based on the Department of Home Affairs website (last updated September 2026). Fees, conditions and processing times can change, so always confirm current details using the Visa Pricing Estimator or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Streams
Visitor Visa 600: Sponsored Family Stream: Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Visit family in Australia, sponsored by an eligible relative
Up to 12 months, as set on your visa.
AUD250. Your sponsor might be asked to pay a security bond.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must only intend to stay temporarily in Australia and do the things this visa allows.
You must have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself while you are in Australia.
You must be sponsored by an eligible family member in Australia, with evidence of your relationship. Your sponsor might be asked to pay a security bond.
You must meet the health and character requirements, and have repaid (or arranged to repay) any debts to the Australian Government. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How to apply.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply.
Gather your documents
Passport, evidence of funds and the purpose of your visit. We will tell you exactly what you need.
Apply
Apply online in ImmiAccount. Your sponsor must meet the sponsor requirements and provide supporting evidence of your relationship.
After you apply
Respond to any requests for more information. Do not make travel plans until your visa is granted. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
You will be told the decision in writing. If granted, your letter shows your grant number, visa conditions and how long you can stay.
When you have this visa
Your conditions on this visa.
You must meet all your visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Your conditions are in your grant letter and in VEVO.
You cannot work for an Australian business or organisation on this visa.
Let Home Affairs know about changes such as a new passport, address or relationship status.
Sponsored Family Stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
Yes. If you are an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your parents or other family members in the Sponsored Family stream for a visit of up to 12 months.
Home Affairs might ask the sponsor to pay a security bond. We explain this and help you prepare the sponsorship documents.
The Sponsored Family stream needs a formal sponsor, who takes on legal responsibilities. In the Tourist stream your family member applies without a sponsor, and you can support them with a letter of invitation. Home Affairs suggests checking whether the Tourist stream might better suit you.
AUD250 (concessions apply in limited circumstances, including for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026).
An eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The sponsor takes on legal responsibilities for the visitor.
Yes. Visitors in the Sponsored Family stream can study or train for up to 3 months.
Need Help With Your Visitor Visa?
A MARA registered migration agent can confirm your stream and prepare a strong application.
