The typical OFW working in Australia aspires to reunite with family members. One way to do that is through the country’s Sponsored Family Stream Visa. This visa allows OFWs to sponsor their relatives to visit or stay temporarily in Australia.
The Sponsored Family Stream visa has essential features which will be discussed in the upcoming sections. Certain eligibility requirements are needed and you need to go through very detailed and specific processes for a successful application.
Understanding the Sponsored Family Stream Visa
The Sponsored Family Stream Visa is designed for family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents, including OFWs, to visit Australia for a temporary stay. This visa is particularly beneficial for those who wish to spend quality time with family or friends, take a holiday, or engage in short-term study.
Key Features of the Sponsored Family Stream Visa
- With this visa, you can stay for up to 12 months in Australia; enough time for significant family interactions and travels within the country.
- The application fee for this visa is AUD 195.00 per applicant. Additionally, the Australian government may require the sponsor to pay a security bond, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the government’s discretion.
- Processing times for the Sponsored Family Stream Visa can vary based on several factors, including the volume of applications and the specifics of each case.
What You Can Do with This Visa
With the Sponsored Family Stream Visa, you can:
- Visit Family or Friends – Spend precious moments with relatives residing in Australia, strengthening family bonds that may have been strained by distance.
- Take a Holiday or Cruise – Use your time in Australia to explore its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture.
- Study or Train – Engage in short-term studies or training for up to 3 months. This is an excellent opportunity for personal development or upskilling. However, if your main purpose for traveling is to pursue education, a student visa might be more suitable.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Sponsored Family Stream Visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria:
- You must have a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident willing to act as your sponsor
- The Sponsored Family Stream Visa is strictly for visitors; you should not intend to stay in Australia for longer periods or seek employment.
- Both you and any family members applying with you must fulfill the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
- You should demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- You must comply with the conditions attached to your visa and not have a history of breaching any Australian visa conditions in the past.
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Proof of relationship with sponsor – example are birth and marriage certificates, or even photographs.
- Proof of eligibility to sponsor – Your sponsor must supply evidence of their eligibility to sponsor you. This may include proof of their Australian citizenship or permanent residency, as well as their financial ability to support you during your stay.
- A valid passport and other identification documents are required.
- Health insurance – it is highly recommended to obtain health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses during your stay. Having an insurance will help cover for the healthcare costs you may need to shoulder while in Australia.
Step 2: Apply for the Visa
You must apply for the Sponsored Family Stream Visa while outside Australia. Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out the online visa application form accurately. Take your time to ensure that all information is correct, as errors can lead to delays or rejection.
- Once you complete the form, pay the application fee of AUD 195.00. Keep a record of your payment for reference.
- Attach all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, identity documents, and sponsorship evidence. Ensure that your application is complete to avoid processing delays.
- After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The processing duration can vary, so you must check the visa processing time guide tool for updates.
Additional Considerations
- If you have family members applying for the Sponsored Family Stream Visa, each member must submit a separate application. However, if they apply simultaneously, their applications can be processed together.
- Be prepared to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates as part of the application process. Meeting these requirements is crucial for the approval of your visa.
- Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. Check if your home country has such an agreement to determine what healthcare services might be available to you during your stay.
Guidelines
While on the Sponsored Family Stream Visa, you should obey the following guidelines:
- You must comply with all conditions attached to your visa and Australian laws. Breaching visa conditions can result in penalties, including deportation.
- Ensure you leave Australia before your visa expires. You cannot extend this visa while in the country, and you must apply for a new visa to return.
- If your visa has a ‘No Further Stay’ condition, you cannot apply for another visa while in Australia.
The processes mentioned above ensure that you can legally obtain a Sponsored Family Stream Visa in Australia and enjoy all benefits it affords. It may seem like tedious work, but in the end, it is worth it. Focus on your goal of meeting with your family and enjoying a year’s worth of fun, love and excitement in the land down under.