Bringing your loved ones to Australia is a dream for many migrants who have made this country their home. Whether it’s a parent, child, or sibling, sponsoring a relative to Australia is possible—but it comes with specific eligibility requirements, financial obligations, and procedural steps. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to make the family sponsorship journey as smooth and successful as possible.
Sponsoring Relatives to Australia: Here’s All You Need to Know
Sponsoring a relative to Australia means that you, as an established Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, are taking legal and financial responsibility for a family member to migrate.
To qualify as a sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be settled in Australia
- Prove your financial capacity (if required)
- Agree to financially support the sponsored person, if necessary
- Provide a security bond if requested by the Department of Home Affairs
Sponsored family members must meet health, character, and relationship verification criteria to be approved.
Who Can You Sponsor?
You can sponsor a wide range of relatives depending on the visa category, including:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Child or adopted child
- Parent
- Orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew, or grandchild
- Aged dependent relative
- Carer for a relative with a medical condition
However, more distant family members like cousins or in-laws cannot be sponsored unless in very specific circumstances.
Key Family Sponsorship Visa Options
| Visa Type | Eligible Relatives | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) | Spouse or de facto partner | Temporary and permanent visas based
on relationship length |
| Parent Visas (subclass 103, 804) | Parents | Long processing times, lower costs |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143, 864) | Parents | Faster processing but high costs
(over AUD 48,000) |
| Child Visa (subclass 101, 802) | Children, including
adopted children |
Must be dependent on the Australian sponsor |
| Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115, 835) | Last close relatives
outside Australia |
Limited spots and very long queues |
| Carer Visa (subclass 116, 836) | Carers for Australian
citizens or residents with medical conditions |
Must prove the medical need |
| Visitor Visa – Sponsored Family Stream (subclass 600) | Relatives for short-term visits | Requires bond and proof of
genuine visit intentions |
Sponsorship Process Step-by-Step
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure both you and your relative meet the basic eligibility criteria, including relationship, residency, financial capability, and health standards.
Gather Documentation
You will need:
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Evidence of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption records)
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, employment details)
- Assurance of Support if required
Lodge the Applications
You will submit the sponsorship application along with the visa application (or sponsor first depending on the visa).
Undergo Health and Character Checks
All applicants must pass medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Pay Relevant Fees
Visa application charges vary greatly depending on the visa type. Some categories like the contributory parent visa require an upfront high fee plus a security bond if requested.
Await Processing
Processing times can vary widely. Some visitor visas are processed in a few weeks, while certain parent visas can take more than a decade.
Receive the Visa Decision
Once approved, your relative can travel to or live permanently in Australia under the visa conditions.
Costs and Financial Requirements
Bringing a family member to Australia can involve significant costs beyond the visa fee:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visa | Over $48,000 per applicant |
| Assurance of Support | $14,000 to $20,000 depending on case |
| Health Checks | $300 to $500 |
| Police Certificates | $100 to $200 |
| Security Bond (if requested) | Discretionary, often $5,000 to $15,000 |
Sponsors must also demonstrate sufficient funds, typically between AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000, to show the ability to support the relative.
Processing Times: What to Expect
| Visa Type | 50% Processed Within | 90% Processed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Sponsored Family Stream | 14 days | 27 days |
| Parent Visa (Subclass 103) | Over 10 years | Over 10 years |
| Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | 3 to 4 years | 4 to 5 years |
| Remaining Relative Visa | Over 20 years | Over 20 years |
Planning early and choosing the right visa stream based on urgency and budget is crucial.
Documents Required for Family Sponsorship
The Australian immigration process is highly documentation-driven. Typical documents include:
- Valid passport copies
- Evidence of relationship (birth/marriage certificates)
- Financial documents (bank statements, employment letters)
- Assurance of Support documents if required
- Health and police clearance certificates
- Letter of invitation (for visitor visas)
Incomplete documentation is a common reason for visa refusals.
Top Reasons for Sponsorship Refusal and How to Avoid Them
Inadequate Financial Proof
Make sure your financial documents clearly demonstrate you can support your relative.
Insufficient Relationship Evidence
Especially in partner and remaining relative cases, proving the relationship is key.
Health or Character Issues
Prepare thoroughly for medical exams and police background checks.
Incorrect or Incomplete Applications
Double-check every form. Engage a migration agent if unsure.
Intentions Not Genuine (Visitor Visas)
For short-term sponsored visits, proving that the relative will return home is vital.
TAKEAWAY
Family sponsorship to Australia is a beautiful but serious commitment. From gathering the right documents to being financially ready, success depends on preparation and full compliance with immigration rules. Processing times vary greatly depending on the visa type, so starting early is crucial. Whether you plan to bring a parent, child, or partner, understanding each step and getting advice if needed can save you time, stress, and money.
In 2025, Australia’s immigration policies continue to prioritize strong family reunification, but they also demand complete and accurate applications to avoid costly refusals or delays.
FAQs About Sponsoring Relatives to Australia
Can I sponsor my cousin to come to Australia?
No, only direct family members like parents, children, siblings, or partners are eligible under most family sponsorship visas.
How long does it take to bring a parent to Australia?
A contributory parent visa can take about 3 to 5 years, while a regular parent visa may take over 10 years.
Is a security bond mandatory for all family sponsorships?
Not always. The Department of Home Affairs can request a security bond at its discretion, usually for visitor visas under the Sponsored Family Stream.
Can permanent residents sponsor family members?
Yes, permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members, similar to Australian citizens.
What financial support must I provide as a sponsor?
You must ensure that the relative does not become a financial burden on the Australian welfare system, and you may be required to provide an Assurance of Support.
