Sponsored Family Stream (subclass 600)
Formal family-sponsored visitor visa advice. Assess sponsor eligibility, relationship evidence, possible security bonds and the offshore application requirements.
- Status
- Temporary visitor
- Application location
- Outside Australia
- Decision location
- Outside Australia
- Sponsor
- A qualifying formal sponsor—not simply an invitation
- Security bond
- May be requested; not automatic and not a guarantee
- Work
- Not permitted
A temporary family visit using the formal Sponsored Family arrangements.
Important limitations
- An invitation, sponsorship, security bond or travel booking does not guarantee a visa grant or a particular stay period.
- Check the actual grant notice: visa validity, permitted stay per entry, single or multiple entry and conditions are different. A No Further Stay condition can restrict further applications in Australia. A further visa is not an automatic extension.
- Not every relative or Australian visa holder can act as a formal sponsor. Assess the actual sponsor and qualifying relationship.
- A bond, if requested, is a Department requirement separate from any professional service fee. Do not assume paying it buys approval.
Before you rely on this page
A Visitor visa does not permit ordinary employment. Do not assume a 12-month stay, multiple entry, an onshore application or a later visa will be available. Check the stream, actual grant and conditions before making travel plans.
Key requirements
- Demonstrate a genuine temporary visitor purpose and an intention to leave before the authorised stay ends.
- Have sufficient funds or genuine access to financial support for the proposed visit.
- Explain the purpose, duration and circumstances of the visit with accurate evidence.
- Meet health, character, identity and other applicable requirements and comply with the conditions.
- Be outside Australia when applying and when the Department decides the application.
- Have a qualifying sponsor who meets the applicable relationship, age, status and other sponsorship requirements. Family sponsors are generally eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents aged at least 18.
- Provide the required formal sponsorship information and meet any security bond requirements if imposed.
What this allows
- Visit qualifying relatives for the period granted.
- Use a formal sponsorship process where appropriate to the family circumstances.
- Spend time with family while complying with the visitor conditions; this is not a permanent parent or partner pathway.
Evidence to prepare
- Passport, identity and relevant travel and immigration history.
- Proposed itinerary, purpose and duration of visit, accommodation or invitation information.
- Financial support and relevant employment, business, family or personal circumstances.
- Evidence relevant to the actual application—not a compulsory document checklist for an initial consultation.
- Formal sponsorship documents, sponsor status and relationship evidence, and any requested bond-related material.
How the process works
- Assess the proposed visit, visa history, applicable stream and application location.
- Prepare accurate purpose-of-visit, funding and supporting evidence.
- Lodge from the required location and respond to relevant Department requests.
- Check the decision location, grant notice, entry arrangements and permitted activities before travel.
How we help
- Assess the appropriate visitor stream and relevant application history.
- Review travel intentions, funding, supporting records and applicable sponsorship requirements.
- Prepare the migration application and explain the actual visa conditions.
Related services
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About Sponsored Family Stream (600)
No. An invitation can support a visit, but this stream requires formal sponsorship by someone who meets the relevant requirements.
Do not assume so. Family sponsors generally need to be eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents and satisfy the relationship and other sponsorship criteria.
Not in every case. The Department may request a security bond. It does not guarantee approval or replace the applicant’s eligibility requirements.
No. Sponsored Family applicants must be outside Australia when applying and when the application is decided.
Your matter:
Sponsored Family Stream.
Selected service · Sponsored Family Stream
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your sponsored family stream consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.