Can An Australian Citizen Sponsor A Sibling

Can an Australian Citizen Sponsor a Sibling?

Many Australians wonder if they can sponsor their siblings to live in Australia permanently. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements and process for sponsoring a sibling as an Australian citizen.

Requirements for Sponsorship

Before discussing the sponsorship process, let's first understand the basic requirements that must be met:

  • The sponsor must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
  • The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
  • The sponsor must meet the character requirement, meaning they must have a clean criminal record and no immigration-related violations.
  • The sponsor must be related to the sibling they wish to sponsor. Sibling relationships include full siblings, half-siblings, and step-siblings.
  • The sponsor must be able to provide financial support to the sibling and any dependent family members.
  • The sponsor must be willing to provide accommodation and financial support for the first two years of the sibling's stay in Australia.
  • The sibling being sponsored must meet health and character requirements, undergo medical examinations, and obtain necessary health insurance.
  • The sibling must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.

The Sponsorship Process

Once the above requirements are met, the sponsorship process can begin. Here are the main steps involved:

Step 1: Lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The sponsor must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. The EOI expresses the sponsor's intention to sponsor their sibling and provides relevant details.

Step 2: Receiving an Invitation

If the EOI is successful, the sponsor will receive an invitation to apply for the sibling visa. The invitation will outline the next steps and the timeframe within which the application must be submitted.

Step 3: Submitting the Visa Application

The sponsor must complete the visa application, ensuring all required documents and information are provided. This includes proof of the sibling relationship, financial documents, character assessment, and health examinations.

Step 4: Visa Application Assessment

The Department of Home Affairs will assess the visa application, verifying all provided information and conducting background checks.

Step 5: Visa Decision

Once the assessment is complete, a decision regarding the visa application will be made. If approved, the sibling will be granted a permanent visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sponsor multiple siblings?

A: Yes, Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor multiple siblings, as long as they meet the sponsorship requirements for each sibling individually.

Q: How long does the sponsorship process take?

A: The processing time varies depending on various factors, including the completeness of the application and any additional checks required. On average, it may take anywhere from several months to a year or more.

Q: Is there an age limit for the sibling being sponsored?

A: No, there is no specific age limit for siblings being sponsored. However, they must meet health and character requirements and may need to demonstrate their dependence on the sponsor if they are above a certain age.

Q: Can siblings visit Australia while the sponsorship application is being processed?

A: Siblings can apply for visitor visas to visit Australia while the sponsorship application is being processed. However, they must meet the visitor visa requirements and intend to return to their home country after their visit.

Q: Can a sibling sponsored by an Australian citizen work in Australia?

A: Yes, once granted a permanent visa, the sibling can work, study, and live in Australia indefinitely.

In conclusion, Australian citizens can sponsor their siblings to live in Australia permanently. The process involves meeting specific requirements, lodging an EOI, submitting a visa application, and undergoing assessment. If successful, the sibling will be granted a permanent visa, allowing them to live and work in Australia. The sponsorship process may take some time, and it's essential to ensure all requirements are met before proceeding.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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