Moving abroad in pursuit of quality education or better work opportunities can be a life-changing experience. It gives you cultural exposure, helps in building your professional network and opens up a world of new educational and work opportunities. However, it’s not uncommon to get homesick and want to bring your family to visit or show around this beautiful country. Australia fortunately allows you to sponsor your family for a tourist visa. To guide you on obtaining a family-sponsored visa, we’ll explore the process of sponsoring a family for a tourist visa and ease this journey for you.
Types of Tourist Visas
There are different types of family sponsored visas offered by Australia based on the purpose and duration of visit. It’s essential to pick the right visa category that meets your needs while sponsoring your family for a tourist visa.
Visitor Visa
The most popular choice for family visits, a visitor visa allows family members to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. It has elements of both, a tourist stream and a sponsored family stream- ideal for sponsoring family.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
ETA allows short-term visits for tourism or business purposes and is only available to passport holders of specific countries. It’s generally not preferred for family visits as it doesn’t allow members to stay for an extended period.
eVisitor
Just like ETA, the eVisitor visa allows short-term visits and is only allowed for passport holders from specific countries. The eVisitor visa permits multiple entries and a stay of up to 3 months on each visit.
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Eligibility and Requirements
You can sponsor family members for an Australian tourist visa if you present the necessary documents to support the application and meet the following eligibility criteria-
Financial Capacity
You would be required to demonstrate the financial capacity to support your family members during their stay in Australia- cover their living expenses, accommodation, and any additional costs.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
It’s important to clearly state the intent of your family for visiting Australia temporarily for tourism purposes. You also need to clarify that they would return home post-visit.
Invitation Letter
A personal invitation letter can be a strong supporting document in order to further your chances of getting the visa application approved. It is written to express your desire for your family to visit, explain the purpose of their visit, and outline their intended itinerary.
Health Insurance
Also ensure to have adequate health coverage for your family members during their stay in Australia, and include a proof of it in the visa application.
Character Requirements
There are specific character requirements that need to be met to obtain an Australian visa. It generally includes a police clearance certificate from the home country.
How to Apply
The application for a tourist visa needs to be completed by the mail applicant, i.e., the Australian immigrant on behalf of the family members. It generally includes the following steps –
Online Application
The Visa application can be completed online through the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. It includes creating an ImmiAccount and providing the required information.
Attach Supporting Documents
For the next step, you’d be required to upload all the supporting documents- passport copies, invitation letter, bank statements, among others as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Pay the Visa Fee
To complete the application for a tourist visa, you’d be required to submit a fee, which may vary based on the visa subclass and the duration of stay.
Biometrics and Health Checks
Family members may also need to undergo biometrics collection and health checks. This will be communicated by the authorities at the time of application.
Wait for a Decision
Visa processing takes time, so it is suggested to apply well in advance of the intended travel date. You can track the status of your application on your ImmiAccount.
Tips for a Successful Application
Following these tips can increase your chances of obtaining a tourist visa for your family-
Plan Ahead
Applying well in advance of your family’s intended travel date allows sufficient time for processing.
Complete the Application Carefully
Ensure all details are accurate and complete while submitting to application to avoid delays or potential visa refusals.
Provide a Detailed Invitation Letter
Providing a detailed invitation letter with a clearly stated purpose of visit, your relationship with the family members, and the planned itinerary increases chances of visa approval.
Demonstrate Financial Capacity
It is crucial to provide evidence of your ability to financially support your family members during their stay.
After the Visa Grant
Once the visa has been granted, it’s time to plan for your family’s visit with excitement. Make the most of your time with them during their stay by planning activities and tours, making them witness the beauty and culture of your adopted home!
