Visiting Family or Friends in Australia? Here’s What You’ll Need Under the New Rules

Understanding the 2025 Visitor Visa Changes 

Planning a trip to Australia to spend time with family or close friends? Starting in 2025, the visitor visa process has been refined to make each application more secure and verifiable. These changes focus on stronger connections between visitors and their hosts, ensuring that every stay is genuine and well-documented. 

If you’re applying this year, it’s important to prepare the right documents before submitting your application online. 

What You’ll Need from Your Host 

The updated visitor visa rules highlight the host’s role in supporting an applicant’s stay. Here are the main documents your host should prepare: 

• Sponsorship or Invitation Letter: A signed letter from your host confirming their invitation, the nature of your relationship, and details of your planned stay.   

• Proof of Relationship or Connection: This could include family documents, communication history, or any other evidence showing your genuine relationship.   

• Travel Declaration: A clear statement of your travel dates, accommodation plans, and financial coverage during your visit.   

Having these materials ready from both sides can help prevent processing delays and show that your visit is legitimate. 

Steps to Prepare Your Application 

Once your host has their documents ready, you can move forward with your visa application. 

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount or create one if you’re a first-time applicant.   

2. Choose the visitor visa stream for “Family or Friend Visits.”   

3. Upload your completed forms, sponsor documents, and travel declaration.   

4. Pay the application fee and check for any follow-up requests, such as biometrics.   

It’s always best to apply well before your planned travel date to give the department enough time to review your case. 

Avoiding Common Setbacks 

Some applications take longer simply because of small, avoidable mistakes. Watch out for these: 

• Missing or unsigned sponsorship letters   

• Uploading the wrong visa stream or outdated documents   

• Leaving out proof of your return plans   

• Applying too close to your flight date   

Taking a few extra minutes to double-check each step can save you weeks of waiting time. 

Let Legacy Migration Help You 

Navigating new visa requirements can be confusing, especially when rules change from year to year. Legacy Migration and Study Direction offers guidance to help both visitors and their hosts prepare documents correctly and submit a complete application. 

Our consultants can review your paperwork, ensure your invitation and declarations meet current standards, and guide you through the submission process. 

See what documents your host must prepare. Get in touch with Legacy Migration today for clear, reliable support with your 2025 visa application. 

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041