In our blog from the 18th March 2013, we noted that a number of changes were being made to visitor visas. These changes have been approved and have now come into effect as of 23 March 2013.

For visitor visa’s, you will now have to apply under one of the following subclasses:

1. Temporary work (short stay activity) visa (subclass 400)
2. Visitor visa (subclass 600)
3. Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
4. Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
5. eVisitor (subclass 651)

If you are planning to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family or friends or for temporary business purposes, the appropriate visa is the subclass 600 Visitor visa. You will then need to select the appropriate ‘stream’:

• Tourist stream;
• Business Visitor stream;
• Sponsored Family stream; or
• Approved Destination Status stream.

Are you looking at the Sponsored Family stream?

In addition to new visa subclasses, the following changes have been made specifically in relation to the sponsored family stream:

• A new application form (Form 1418);
• There are no longer ‘combined applications’ – a separate application will need to be made by each person including any dependent children;
• The visa application charge has been reduced to $115 but must be paid for each person (as all are separate applications);
• There is no longer in-person lodgement available – the applications must be mailed or couriered; and
• For sponsors – there is an updated sponsorship form 1149.

For any applications from 23 March 2013, the above must be complied with, including use of the updated forms for the applications.

For more information about making a subclass 600 Visitor visa application, please click here.

If you have any Australian visa questions or wish to begin your visa application, please contact our team of Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers today.