Visitor Migration

Australia has visas specifically for people who wish to visit Australia for tourism, to visit friends or relatives or for short-term study.

The options include:

• Short Stay Visitor Visa (3 months or less stay in Australia);
• Long Stay Visitor Visa (for stays between 3-6 months);
• Sponsored Visitor Visa.

There are different ways to apply for these visas, depending upon which country of origin you are from. For example an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa is an electronic record available to applicant's from certain countries and is an electronic record rather than a stamp in your passport.

Applicant's not eligible for an ETA as outlined on the countries list may be eligible for Visitor Visas whether sponsored or independent.

Who may apply for Visitor Visas to Australia?

You must:

• intend to travel to, and remain in, Australia as a genuine visitor (not for work, business, study or medical treatment purposes);
• have access to adequate funds to support yourself during your visit;
• be of good character and health;
• have private health insurance (or equivalent) and a 'fitness to travel' certificate from a doctor if you are over 70 years of age;
• have no debts to the Commonwealth;
• do not intend to work in Australia; and
• leave Australia when (or before) your visa expires.

Sponsored Visitor Visas

If you wish to visit friends and family in Australia but you are having difficulty obtaining a visa because of your circumstances, a close family member in Australia may be able to sponsor you for a Sponsored Family Visitor visa.

This visa allows:

• travel and entry to Australia on one occasion only;
• travel to be within 3 months from when the visa is granted;
• permission to remain in Australia for a period of not more than 3 months; and
• you are not able to extend your stay in Australia.

It is similar to the Visitor visa (short stay) but includes:

• mandatory sponsorship;
• discretionary security bond; and
• penalties that will apply to the sponsor if the visitor breaches visa terms and conditions.

Email an adviser for further information.