Let’s face it—navigating Australia’s visa rules can feel like solving a puzzle where the pieces keep changing. And if you’ve been wondering whether your family members can visit you down under in 2025, you’re not alone. The good news? Australia’s Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (subclass 600) remains a solid option for temporary reunions, provided you know how the updated rules work. Here’s what you need to know before lodging that application.
Key Takeaways
What Is the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa and Who Is It For?
The Sponsored Family Visitor stream of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is designed specifically for close relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to visit Australia for a short stay. It’s a temporary visa that allows family members to come for holidays, family events, or even just to reconnect after a long time apart—something many families truly need in the post-pandemic migration landscape.
Unlike a standard tourist visa, this stream requires the involvement of a sponsor. And no, this isn’t a random acquaintance—it must be someone closely related to the applicant and legally residing in Australia. The aim here is to provide a layer of assurance to the Department of Home Affairs that the applicant will respect the visa conditions and return home after their visit.
Who Can Act as a Sponsor in 2025?
To sponsor a family member under this visa stream, you must be either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. You also need to be at least 18 years old and fall within the definition of “family” under immigration guidelines. This typically includes parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, or even your de facto partner if you’re in a long-standing relationship.
Sponsors must also be prepared to take on a fair bit of responsibility. Besides helping with the application, you’ll be on the hook for any issues during the applicant’s stay, especially if they breach visa conditions. In some cases, the government might ask you to lodge a financial bond (more on that shortly), so it’s not a role to take lightly.
What Are the New Requirements for Applicants?
2025 hasn’t seen dramatic changes to eligibility for the Sponsored Family Visitor stream, but the expectations are clearer—and stricter—in enforcement. The most crucial condition is demonstrating a genuine intention to leave Australia at the end of the visa period. This means having a return flight booked, ties to your home country, and no plans to seek work while in Australia.
Also Read: Which In-Demand Jobs Can Get You an Australian Work Visa in 2025?
Applicants also need to meet health and character requirements, which may involve undergoing a health exam (especially for longer stays) and providing police certificates. If the planned stay is longer than six months, the Department of Home Affairs will likely require a full health check to ensure public health risks are minimized.
And yes, you’re not allowed to work under this visa. It’s strictly for visiting. However, a small silver lining is that you can undertake short-term study for up to three months, which could include language courses or other casual learning opportunities.
Is a Security Bond Required for This Visa?
One of the more unique aspects of this visa is the financial bond requirement. While it’s not mandatory for every application, the Department may request it based on the applicant’s risk profile. The bond is typically set by the government and usually ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000. It acts as a form of insurance—if the applicant overstays or breaches any visa conditions, the bond is forfeited.
The bond is paid by the sponsor and held in trust for the duration of the visitor’s stay. Once the applicant departs Australia on time and without incident, the full amount is refunded. It’s essentially a “good behavior” deposit, and while it can seem like a barrier, it often reassures immigration officers and increases the chances of approval in riskier cases.
How Long Can Family Members Stay in Australia?
This visa allows stays of up to 12 months, though most applicants are granted a stay of 3 to 6 months, depending on individual circumstances. The exact period granted is up to the discretion of the Department and may depend on how long the sponsor has been living in Australia, the relationship with the applicant, and the purpose of the visit.
During their stay, visitors cannot work in Australia, and while short-term study is permitted, full-time courses or vocational training are off-limits. This visa is meant for family bonding—not for launching a new career or settling in long-term.
How Long Does the Visa Take to Process in 2025?
If you’re hoping to get your family in by Christmas or a birthday, it’s wise to apply early. The average processing time for the Sponsored Family stream in 2025 ranges from 3 to 6 months. Several factors can slow things down: incomplete documentation, backlogs during peak travel seasons, or the need for additional checks (such as health or biometrics).
Sponsors and applicants should prepare for delays and avoid booking non-refundable flights or accommodations until a decision is made. While some applications are approved faster—especially if they’re straightforward and low-risk—it’s best not to assume your case will be an exception.
How Can You Apply for the Sponsored Family Stream Visa?
The process requires two parallel steps: one by the sponsor and one by the applicant.
First, the sponsor must complete a sponsorship form (Form 1149) and submit supporting documents proving their status in Australia, their relationship to the applicant, and (if required) proof of income or financial stability. If a bond is requested, details of payment will also need to be included.
Meanwhile, the applicant must lodge an online visa application through the ImmiAccount portal. This includes uploading identity documents, a statement of purpose, proof of ties to their home country, and any other relevant paperwork like return tickets or travel insurance.
Visa fees are approximately AUD 190, though additional costs may apply if health exams or biometrics are required. After submission, the Department may request further information, so keeping a close eye on email communications is crucial to avoid delays.
Final Thoughts: A Useful Path, But One That Requires Careful Planning
The Sponsored Family Visitor Visa remains one of the most practical and direct ways for Australians to reunite with loved ones, especially for older parents or family members who may not qualify under other categories. But it’s not just a formality. With stricter scrutiny in 2025 and added responsibilities for sponsors, both parties must prepare diligently.
If you’re serious about bringing family over for a visit, get your documentation ready early, understand your obligations, and make sure your application tells a strong, genuine story. In the world of visas, preparedness is power—and sometimes, the difference between a warm reunion and a long delay.
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
