This is a visa for applicants whose primary intention is to visit or tour Australia temporarily. The maximum authorised period of stay is up to 12 months. Once granted, the holder may take formal studies for a maximum of three (3) months and cannot work in Australia. The applicant must have strong incentive to return to his home country and must possess sufficient fund. Sometimes, the Department of Home Affairs may require the applicant to show round trip ticket. Visitor visa has several streams.
Tourist Stream
This stream is for applicants who want to visit close relatives living in Australia. A close relative could either be the spouse or de facto partner or the child, parent, brother, sister including the step-child, step-brother or step sister of the applicant. In addition to the common criteria stated above, sponsorship is required for this stream and a security may be requested, and must be paid before a visa may be granted. Aged persons may also be asked to provide medical evidence of their fitness to travel and may also require travel insurance.
Sponsored Family Stream
A settled Australian relative who is of legal age, a member of the Parliament, Mayor or Government Agency in Australia may sponsor the visitor visa applicant under this stream. A relative could either be (1) the close relative or (2) the grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, or a step-grandparent, step-grandchild, step-aunt, step-uncle, step-niece or step-nephew. A close relative could either be the spouse or de facto partner or the child, parent, brother, sister including the step-child, step-brother or step sister of the applicant However, the said sponsor cannot sponsor another person except for family members of the person already sponsored while the latter is still in Australia. Furthermore, a sponsor may be barred from sponsoring further persons for five (5) years if the previously sponsored person had breached a condition of his visa. Before its grant, a security may be required as well as medical examination. In case of visa refusal, the sponsor may appeal the decision.
Business Visitor Stream
Under this stream, the applicant’s purpose for coming to Australia is related to business activities such as attending conferences, seminars, business negotiations and the like. The Department of Home Affairs grants the visa to the applicant with the condition that no Australian citizen or resident in employment or training opportunities.
