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Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Process

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Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Process
This guide explains how Australians can help family members apply for a tourist visa, covering eligibility, required documents, application steps, costs, and the visa’s key benefits and conditions.

Applying for a tourist visa for a family member is a crucial process for many Australians or Australian residents who wish to welcome their loved ones for short-term visits. Whether it’s for special occasions, holidays, or simply to reconnect, understanding the requirements and steps to apply for a visitor (tourist) visa to Australia is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about sponsoring or assisting a family member in applying for an Australian tourist visa.

What is a Tourist Visa for a Family Member?

A tourist visa, formally known as the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), is one of the most commonly used Australian visas for individuals wishing to visit Australia for tourism, family visits, or certain business activities. When it comes to family members, this visa allows relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents to visit for family reunions, special events, or vacations.

Why It's Important

  • Reconnect Families: Enables families separated by distance to reunite, even if only temporarily.
  • Attend Special Events: Allows overseas family members to partake in celebrations, weddings, graduations, and other milestones.
  • Support During Difficult Times: Facilitates visits during illness, bereavements, or other family emergencies.
  • Cultural Exchange: Supports migration goals by fostering cultural understanding and family ties.
  • Eases the Migration Journey: Sometimes serves as a precursor to more permanent visa pathways.

Types of Visitor Visas for Family Members

While the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) - Family Sponsored stream is specifically designed for individuals visiting family in Australia, other streams and visa types may also apply depending on circumstances:

  • Tourist stream (apply outside Australia or in Australia)
  • Sponsored Family stream
  • Business Visitor stream
  • Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) (for certain passport holders)
  • eVisitor (subclass 651) (for EU passport holders)

For most family occasions, the Sponsor Family stream or the Tourist stream are most commonly used.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Family Members

  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Siblings
  • Children (over 18 if visiting)
  • Uncles, aunts, and cousins (in limited cases)
  • In-laws

Note: The sponsor (Australian citizen or permanent resident) can sponsor only certain close relatives under the Sponsored Family stream.

Sponsors Must Be:

  • An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Over 18 years old
  • Usually a close family relation to the applicant

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Visa Stream

  • Tourist stream: For general tourism or visiting friends/family.
  • Family Sponsored stream: If you want to formally sponsor your visiting family member. Sponsorship may involve a requirement to pay a security bond.

2. Collect Documents

For the Applicant (Family Member Overseas):

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Proof of relationship to the Australian sponsor (birth/marriage certificates, family trees, photos)
  • Evidence of reason for visit (invitation letter, itinerary, event tickets, etc.)
  • Financial proof (bank statements, employment letter)
  • Evidence of home country ties (property, employment, family commitments)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph

For the Sponsor (Australian Resident):

  • Proof of residency/citizenship (passport, visa grant letter)
  • Statutory declaration (stating the relationship and the invitation to visit)
  • Evidence of ability to financially and morally support the visitor
  • (If required) Bond payment receipt

3. Create an ImmiAccount

All visa applications now occur online through the ImmiAccount portal.

4. Fill Out the Application

  • Complete the online form specific to the chosen stream.
  • Upload all supporting documents.
  • Pay the visa application charge.

5. Provide Biometrics (if required)

Depending on the home country of the applicant, biometric data may be requested at an authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC).

6. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary (see below). The Department of Home Affairs may request further documents or an interview.

7. Receive the Visa Decision

Visa outcomes are sent via email. If approved, the family member will receive the visa grant notice and reference number. This is an electronic visa linked to the passport.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Multiple Streams: Options exist based on whether the applicant is sponsored or not.
  • Flexible Stay: Duration typically granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, with single or multiple entries.
  • Electronic Lodgment: Entire process can be managed online.
  • Support for Families: Family sponsorship stream can add weight to the application and often helps in cases where ties to home country need to be supplemented.
  • Extension Possibility: Certain tourist visas allow extensions while onshore (restrictions apply).
  • Visitor Health Insurance: Optional but recommended for peace of mind.

Costs Associated

  • Tourist Stream (from outside Australia): AUD 190 (as of 2024)
  • Sponsored Family Stream: AUD 190
  • Security Bond (Family Sponsored stream): AUD 5,000 to 15,000 (refundable upon departure, if imposed)
  • Additional costs: Health checks (~AUD 150-400), police certificates (varies by country), translation/certification of documents.

Note: Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs fee table for latest prices.

Duration and Conditions

  • Stay Period: Normally 3, 6