Updated: 20 October 2024
If you’re planning to bring your parents to visit you in Australia, a visitor visa in the tourist stream is likely to be one of your best options.
A visitor visa will allow your parents to remain with you in Australia for up to 12 months – and may even allow them to travel to and from Australia to visit you for a longer period.
Here’s what you need to know.
Different types of tourist and visitor visas
A visitor or tourist visa is a short stay visa that will allow your parents to visit Australia for a continuous period of three, six, or twelve months. This visa does not grant the right to work.
Each of your parents will need an individual tourist visa, but they can link their applications together.
Australia has different categories of tourist or visitor visas. The best option depends on the passport that your parents hold, and the nature of their visit.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism purposes, visiting family or friends, or engaging in other short-term activities. This visa can be granted for either a single entry or multiple entries and allows stays of up to three, six, or twelve months.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) Sponsored family stream
This visa category allows individuals, typically sponsored by a family member, to visit Australia to reunite with their relatives.
The sponsor must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen and may be required to provide a security bond if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Security bonds typically range between $5,000 and $15,000 per person, although any amount may be requested. The bond must be paid in full before a final decision is made on the visa application and will be refunded if the visitor adheres to visa conditions and departs Australia before the visa expiry date.
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is an online visa available to passport holders from certain countries, including European Union member states and a few other European countries. It allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months per visit within a 12-month period.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is available to passport holders from eligible countries and regions. It allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family purposes for up to three months per visit within a 12-month period. ETAs can be applied for online or through a travel agent.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 601)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 601) is for individuals who are not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor and wish to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. It allows stays of up to three, six, or twelve months, depending on the circumstances.
How long does a tourist visa last?
In most cases a visitor visa lasts for a maximum of 12 months.
However the Department has the discretion to grant visitor visas for longer – up to 3, 5 or even up to 10 years.
If you are an Australian resident or citizen, the Department may decide to grant your parents a visa that lasts for a longer period of time. The length of your parents’ visa will be determined by the Department after they have assessed their application.
The maximum length is as follows:
- If your parents are in the Parent Visa (subclass 103) queue, the Department can grant a visa that lasts up to five years
- If your parents are not in the queue, but have previously held an Australian visa and complied with the conditions, the Department can grant a visa that lasts up to three years
- If your parents have never been to Australia, the Department can grant a visa that lasts up to 18 months
If your parents are granted an extended visitor visa, their visa will have three additional conditions:
- Your parents can stay for a maximum of 12 months in an 18-month period
- Your parents must maintain fully comprehensive health insurance
- Your parents cannot apply for an additional visa from Australia (the “no further stay” condition)
In addition, in order to be eligible for the extended visa length outlined above, your parents must apply for their visa from outside Australia.
Will my parents need a sponsor to come to Australia?
Whether your parents’ visa will need a sponsor will depend on the Department. When your parents apply for their visa, it is possible the Department will require them to apply for the sponsored family stream of the visitor visa instead of the tourist stream.
If they do, your parents’ visa will need to be sponsored by an eligible relative, who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and has been settled in Australia for a reasonable period (usually more than two years).
If you meet these requirements, you can sponsor your parent’s visa.
The Department may also require the sponsor to pay a security bond.
What are the requirements for a tourist visa?
When your parents apply for a visitor visa in the tourist stream they must:
- Intend to do the activities in the tourist stream, such as holiday activities or visiting family.
- Show that they are travelling to Australia as genuine visitors – with a demonstrated intention to return back home.
- Have enough money to support themselves during their stay in Australia.
- Meet health and character requirements.
What happens when my parents’ visa expires? What if I want them to stay longer?
When your parents’ visa expires, they may be able to apply for a new visitor visa from within Australia, provided that their visa does not have the “no further stay” condition. If their visas do have the no further stay condition they must leave Australia – but can apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you wish your parents to stay with you for the long term, you may wish to consider a Parent Visa (or a Contributory Parent Visa).
