Visitor & Family Visa
Visitor & Family Visa
Australia offers a versatile range of visitor visas designed to accommodate different travel purposes, ranging from brief holidays to extended family reunions. While these visas provide various levels of flexibility, they all share a strict prohibition on work and a requirement for applicants to prove they are “genuine visitors” who intend to return to their home country.
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- Multiple Entry Visa: Yes, it usually resets the clock if your visa allows for a specific stay “per arrival.”
- Single Entry Visa: No. Once you leave, your visa is dead.
- Cruise: Be careful! “Round-trip” cruises starting and ending in Australia do not count as leaving the country.
Yes, but the Department still wants to see that you have a reason to go home. Even if your sponsor has millions, if you have $0 and no job in your home country, you may be seen as a “flight risk” who intends to overstay.
No, it’s at the Case Officer’s discretion. If they think your “ties to home” are a bit weak but they want to give you a chance, they will ask your sponsor for a bond (usually $5,000–$15,000).
Tourist Stream: Usually no right of appeal. You must simply re-apply with better evidence.
Family Sponsored Stream: Your sponsor can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), but this can take over a year and costs roughly $3,000+.
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check your eligiblity
A. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Australia’s Visitor Visa (subclass 600) offers multiple streams, including the Tourist Stream for holidays, sightseeing, or casual family visits (up to 3, 6, or 12 months), and the Sponsored Family Stream for visits to relatives sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Both require proof of genuine temporary intent to return home, sufficient funds (e.g., 3-6 months’ bank statements), valid passports, travel itineraries, and health insurance; the Sponsored Family Stream adds sponsor Form 1149, relationship evidence like birth certificates, and a potential security bond of AUD 5,000–15,000. No work is allowed, with applications processed online via ImmiAccount and typical processing times of 15 days to 2 months.
I. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) : Tourist Stream
The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) Tourist Stream is designed for temporary visits to Australia focused on holidays, sightseeing, tourism activities, or casual visits to friends and family. It suits tourists, vacationers, or short-term travelers from most countries (excluding those eligible for simpler ETA or eVisitor visas) who intend to stay up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on circumstances assessed by authorities.
Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)
- Genuine Visitor Requirement: You must show that you truly intend to stay in Australia only temporarily and for the purpose for which the visa is granted (tourism or visiting family).
- Financial Capacity: You must have access to enough money to support yourself during your stay and to leave Australia at the end of your trip.
- Health & Character: You must meet the Australian government's health and character standards (e.g., no significant criminal record, and you may need a health exam depending on your country of origin and length of stay).
- Location Requirements: If you apply from outside Australia, you must be outside when the visa is decided. If you apply from inside Australia, you must be inside when the visa is decided.
financial requirements
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Document Type
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What to Provide
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Personal Bank Statements
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Usually the last 3 to 6 months showing a consistent balance
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Pay Slips / Income Proof
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Evidence of regular income from your employer
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Tax Records
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Income tax returns or audited accounts (if self-employed)
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Sponsorship
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If someone in Australia is supporting you, they must provide their financial documents and an invitation letter
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Pro-Tip: Avoid making large, unexplained “lump sum” deposits into your bank account just before applying. Case officers look for “genuine” savings patterns.
Evidence of “Ties to Home”
This is the most common reason for visa refusals. You must prove that you have a strong reason to return home after your holiday.
Employment: A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and that your leave has been approved.
Assets: Evidence of property ownership or significant assets in your home country.
Family: Proof of immediate family members (spouse, children, elderly parents) remaining in your home country.
Enrollment: If you are a student, provide proof of current enrollment and when you are expected to return to class.
The “Ties to Home” Trap. The #1 reason for refusal is “Lack of incentive to return home.” Do: Show you have a life waiting for you. This includes active rental agreements, property titles, or even proof that you are the primary caregiver for a family member. Don’t apply if you are currently unemployed, have no assets, and have no immediate family in your home country, unless you can provide a very compelling reason for your return.
DOs
- DO be brutally honest: Disclose every previous visa refusal, even if it was for a different country (e.g., USA, UK, or Canada). Australia shares data with many nations; hiding a refusal is a fast track to a "fraud" ban.
- DO explain "Lump Sums": If you have a large deposit in your bank account, provide a source of funds (e.g., sale of a car, a bonus, or a gift). Unexplained cash injections look like "borrowed money" to the case officer.
- DO prove your "Why": Include a simple, day-to-day itinerary. It doesn’t need to be a formal booking, but saying "I want to see the Opera House on Tuesday and visit the Blue Mountains on Friday" shows you’ve actually planned a holiday.
- DO link your leave to your job: Provide a letter on company letterhead that specifically states your approved leave dates and your return-to-work date. This is the strongest proof of your intention to return home.
- DO apply early: Aim for at least 6–8 weeks before your travel date. While some visas are granted in days, peak seasons can see significant delays.
DONTs
- DON’T book non-refundable flights: The Department of Home Affairs explicitly advises against booking travel before your visa is granted. A flight ticket does not guarantee a visa.
- DON’T use the "Tourist" stream for work: This includes "shadowing" a business, unpaid internships, or working for a family business. If you are doing anything remotely related to work, you likely need a Business or Work visa.
- DON’T "Visa Hop" without a plan: If you are already in Australia on a different visa, check for Condition 8503 (No Further Stay). If this is on your current visa, you cannot apply for a Visitor visa while onshore.
- DON’T submit a generic "Invitation Letter": If a friend is hosting you, their letter should be specific. Instead of "They are staying with me," use "They will stay at my home at [Address] and I will provide for their meals; they have [Amount] for their own sightseeing."
- DON’T provide "Screen Grabs" only: Ensure your bank statements are official PDFs or scanned originals. Blurry screenshots of a banking app are often rejected as insufficient evidence.
II. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) : Sponsored Family Stream
The Visitor Subclass 600 (Sponsored Family Stream) is a specific visa for individuals who have a close relative in Australia willing to formally sponsor their visit. Unlike the Tourist stream, this version involves a legal commitment from the sponsor and typically carries stricter conditions.
Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)
- Location: The applicant must be outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is decided.
- Purpose: You must intend to visit family, go on a holiday, or undertake short-term study (up to 3 months). You cannot work on this visa.
- Genuine Visitor: Even with a sponsor, you must prove you are a "Genuine Temporary Entrant" (GTE)—meaning you truly intend to leave Australia before your visa expires.
Financial & Security Requirements
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Requirement
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Detail
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Visa Fee
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Approximately AUD 190 – AUD 200 (Base application charge)
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Security Bond
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The Department may request a refundable bond, usually between AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000
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Sponsor Funds
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The sponsor must show they can support you financially if you cannot support yourself
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Applicant Funds
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You should still provide your own bank statements to show financial independence and ties to home
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Sponsorship Requirements
The sponsor is the “anchor” of this application. They must:
Status: Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or an eligible New Zealand citizen).
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Settled: Usually, they must have lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
Relationship: They must be a “close relative.” This includes:
Partner, parent, or child.
Brother or sister.
Grandparent or grandchild.
Aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew.
Step-equivalents of the above.
Note: Cousins, in-laws, and friends cannot sponsor you in this stream.
The “Golden Rule” for Sponsors: As a sponsor, you are legally responsible for the visitor. If they overstay by even one day, you will likely be banned from sponsoring anyone else for 5 years and may lose your security bond. Ensure your family member understands the gravity of the visa expiry date.
DOs
- DO prove the bloodline: The Department is strict about the definition of "relative." Provide clear birth certificates or marriage certificates that link you to the sponsor.
- DO ensure the sponsor is "Settled": Your sponsor should have been a permanent resident or citizen living in Australia for at least 2 years. If they just moved back to Australia last month, the application may be at risk.
- DO be prepared for a "Security Bond": If the case officer has any doubt about your return, they may ask your sponsor to pay a bond (usually $5,000–$15,000 AUD). This money is held until you leave Australia.
- DO declare "The 12/18 Rule": Be aware that you generally cannot stay in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18-month period. If you’ve visited recently, calculate your days carefully.
- DO apply from Offshore: You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided. There are no exceptions for this stream.
DONTs
- DON'T use a "Cousin" or "Friend": Only close relatives (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews) can sponsor this stream. If your sponsor is a cousin or friend, you must apply for the Tourist Stream instead.
- DON'T ignore the "No Further Stay" (8503) condition: This stream almost always comes with Condition 8503. This means you cannot apply for a Student, Partner, or Work visa while you are in Australia. Don't use this visa if you plan to "switch" visas once you arrive.
- DON'T let the sponsor have "Sponsorship Debt": If your sponsor previously sponsored someone who stayed illegally or owes the government money, their sponsorship will likely be rejected.
- DON'T assume the sponsor’s money is enough: Even though the sponsor "guarantees" your stay, you (the applicant) should still show some personal ties to your home country (e.g., a job to go back to). Relying 100% on the sponsor is a common reason for refusal.
- DON'T work (even for family): You cannot help out at a relative’s shop or business, even if it's unpaid "family help." This is considered a breach of your visa conditions.
B. Student Dependent visa (subclass 500)
The Student Dependent visa is technically a Subclass 500 (Subsequent Entrant) visa. It allows the family members of an international student to live, work, and study in Australia for the same duration as the primary student’s visa.
Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: Replacing the old GTE, the GS requirement now applies to dependents too. You must provide a statement explaining your intention to stay temporarily and your ties to your home country.
- OSHC (Health Insurance): You must be covered by a Family Health Cover (Overseas Student Health Cover) that spans the entire duration of the visa.
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and "evidence of stay" (joint bank accounts, lease agreements, or photos) for de facto partners.
- Enrollment Evidence: If applying as a subsequent entrant, you need a letter from the primary student’s university confirming they are still enrolled and making good progress.
DOs
- DO apply from offshore if required: Under new 2026 rules (Ministerial Direction 115), "onshore switching" from a Visitor visa to a Student visa is now restricted. Most dependents must apply from outside Australia.
- DO check work rights: Masters/PhD partners: Usually have unlimited work rights. Bachelor/VET partners: Are limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
DONTs
- DON'T hide previous visa refusals: Australia shares data with the "Five Eyes" (USA, UK, NZ, Canada). A hidden refusal for any of these countries is an automatic red flag.
- DON'T forget the 12-month rule: If you are in a de facto relationship, you need heavy proof of living together for a full year. "We've been dating for 3 years but live separately" is usually not enough for a partner visa grant.
- DON'T provide "fresh" money: Large, sudden deposits into bank accounts without a clear source (e.g., sale of land or a loan) are often viewed as "borrowed funds" and lead to refusal.
Who is a “Dependent”?
Only immediate family members qualify for this visa. Extended family (parents, siblings, cousins) cannot be included.
Spouse or De Facto Partner: You must be legally married or have lived together in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
Dependent Children: Must be under 18 years old and unmarried. If they turn 18 while in Australia, they may need to apply for their own visa.
The “Declaration” Rule: The primary student must have declared these family members on their original student visa application, even if they didn’t intend for them to come to Australia at that time. Failing to declare them usually results in a visa refusal for the dependent later.
Family Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is notoriously expensive (often $3,000–$6,000+ per year).
The Tip: You are not required to buy health insurance from the university’s preferred provider. Compare providers like NIB, Bupa, and Allianz.
The “Switch” Hack: You can switch providers at any time as long as there is no gap. If you find a cheaper rate 6 months in, you can switch and get a pro-rata refund from your old provider.
C. Dependent Visa - Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
The Subclass 485 Subsequent Entrant visa (commonly called the Dependent 485) is specifically for the immediate family members of a primary 485 visa holder who want to join them in Australia. Think of it as a “bridge” for family members who weren’t included in the original graduate visa application. To be eligible you must be a member of the primary 485 visa holder’s “family unit.”
Core Eligibility & Requirements (2026)
- Partner: You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months (unless the relationship is registered).
- Children: Must be under 18, or if between 18 and 23, must be financially dependent on the parents and not married/engaged.
- Duration: The dependent visa will be granted for the same duration as the primary holder's visa. If the primary visa has 18 months left, the dependent gets 18 months.
Note: If applying as a subsequent entrant separately (not as part of the primary’s initial application), the first person in that new application may be charged the full base fee (approx. $2,300) rather than the “additional applicant” rate.
DOs
- Do apply for the AFP Check early: All applicants aged 16+ must provide an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check. You must at least show evidence of having applied for it on the day you lodge your visa.
- Do use the "Four Pillars" of evidence: For de facto partners, don't just show a marriage certificate. The Department looks for: Financial: Joint bank accounts, shared bills, or leases. Household: Evidence of living together (mail to the same address). Social: Photos with friends/family, invitations, or travel tickets together. Commitment: Statutory declarations (Form 888) from Australian citizens/PRs.
- Do switch to OVHC: Dependents must have Overseas Visit Health Cover (OVHC). If they are currently on a Student Dependent visa using OSHC, they must switch to the graduate-level insurance before the 485 is granted.
- Do register your relationship: If you haven't lived together for 12 months, registering your relationship in an Australian state (like NSW or VIC) can often waive the 12-month requirement.
DONTs
- Don't forget the age limit: While the primary applicant must be 35 or under (exceptions for PhD/Masters by Research and HK/BNO holders), there is generally no specific age limit for a spouse dependent. However, child dependents have strict cut-offs.
- Don't "Visa Hop" onshore: As of July 2024, the government has made it very difficult to switch from a 485 visa back to a Student visa while onshore. Ensure your family's long-term plan doesn't rely on "switching back" to study.
- Don't provide "thin" evidence: 485 subsequent entrant visas are under higher scrutiny in 2026 to prevent "non-genuine" relationships. Avoid submitting just 2-3 photos; aim for a year's worth of shared history.
- Don't delay child applications: If a child is approaching 23, they may lose eligibility as a dependent.
Strategic course and provider selection aligned with long-term career goals
Genuine Student (GS) statement guidance with structured documentation review
Complete visa application preparation and lodgement under MARA supervision
Health insurance and compliance guidance
Support during visa processing, RFI responses, and bridging visa matters
Post-study visa planning (Temporary Graduate visa – 485 pathways
Ongoing academic and career direction support
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Some helpful links
Visa list
This is a list of Australian visas. If you are unsure which visa is right for you use the Visa Finder.
Learn more about VEVO
Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) allows visa holders, employers, education providers and other organisations to check visa details and conditions.
ImmiCard
An ImmiCard is issued to certain visa holders who don’t have and can’t obtain a passport recognised by the Australian Government.
Visa Expiry
You must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. It is unlawful to stay in Australia without a valid visa. It's important to know when your visa expires so you can take action to remain lawful.
Cancelling a Visa
Reasons for cancellation of a visa.
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