A Guide on the Australian Visitor Visa Sponsored Family Stream
Would you want to visit family members that live in Australia? The Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) sponsored family stream allows family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents to visit Australia for up to twelve months. Read to learn more about the subclass 600 visa.
If you intend to apply for this visa, you will need to meet the health and character requirements set by the immigration department. Simply put, you should not have an infectious disease. Besides, you should provide a police clearance certificate to prove that you are not a criminal in your home country. The immigration department may require your financial records to ensure you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the country. If you have a child, the immigration department will evaluate your situation to know how the trip will affect the child's welfare. Your application could be revoked if the department rules that your visit is not in the best interests of the child.
Applicants are required to have a sponsor when applying for the visa. Typically, your sponsor should be a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Sponsors can only sponsor one family member at a time. Besides, they could get a five-year ban if a sponsored family member violates the terms of their visa. Sponsors are required to pay a security bond. They will receive a refund once the visa of the sponsored family member expires.
The visa is valid for three months. However, the immigration department may extend your stay for up to twelve months if you provide sufficient proof that a three months stay is not enough. If your visa has multiple entries, you are free to leave and come back to the country before your visa expires. A single entry visa will not allow you into the country once you leave. Visa holders must abide by the Australian law and the terms of the permit. For example, you cannot seek employment or study in Australia. Additionally, you should not engage in criminal activities. The department will revoke your visa and deport you to your home country if you do not follow these rules.
An immigration attorney can help with the visa application process. They will assess your situation and needs to know whether you qualify for this visa. Besides, they will help file your application documents. The attorney will also follow up with the department to ensure your visa is processed on time. They will appeal your case if the department rejects your application.