The Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the standard visa for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, to see family, or for short-term business activities. It is one of the most frequently applied-for Australian visas globally.
What is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?
The 600 visa allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, visit family or friends, or conduct short-term business activities. It comes in several streams depending on your purpose and location. Most applicants apply for the Tourist stream, which can be granted for 3, 6, or 12 months.
✈️Multiple Entry
Usually granted as a multiple-entry visa
📅Up to 12 Months
Stay for 3, 6, or 12 months per visit
👨👩👧Family Visits
Specific stream for visiting Australian family
💼Business Activities
Approved business visitor stream available
Streams of the 600 Visa
Tourist Stream
For tourists, holiday travellers, and those visiting family or friends. Most common stream. Apply online from your home country or from within Australia.
Business Visitor Stream
For people attending conferences, meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting short-term business activities. No paid work allowed in Australia.
Sponsored Family Stream
For people sponsored by an approved family member who is an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen. Sponsor may need to lodge a bond.
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
For Chinese nationals travelling on approved group tours.
General Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily (not to work or settle)
- ✅ Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- ✅ Strong ties to your home country (job, family, property) that will bring you back
- ✅ Good health and character
- ✅ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- ✅ No intention to work in Australia (tourist stream)
Application Process
01
Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents including bank statements, employment letter, travel history, accommodation bookings, and return flight bookings.
02
Apply Online via ImmiAccount
Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. Most visitor visas are applied for online.
03
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the application fee online. The fee is non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
04
Health Check (if required)
Most short-term visitor visa applicants are not required to complete a medical examination, but it may be requested for some nationalities or if you plan a longer stay.
05
Visa Decision
Most visitor visas are decided within 1–4 weeks. You’ll be notified by email. The visa is electronic — no stamp needed in your passport.
Key Documents to Include
- 📄 Valid passport (copy of photo page and all visa stamps)
- 📄 Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds
- 📄 Employment letter confirming your job and approved leave
- 📄 Evidence of accommodation in Australia (hotel booking or host letter)
- 📄 Return flight booking
- 📄 Travel itinerary
- 📄 Evidence of ties to home country (property, family, business ownership)
- 📄 Previous Australian or international travel history
- 📄 Invitation letter from Australian host (if visiting family/friends)
Processing Time & Cost
Processing Time
75%: 5–18 days
90%: 28 days
Some take longer for complex cases
Visa Fee (2024–25)
Tourist stream: AUD $250
Business visitor: AUD $250
Sponsored family: AUD $250
Stay Duration
Typically 3 or 6 months per visit
12-month validity available for strong applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on an Australian Visitor Visa?
No. The Tourist and Sponsored Family streams of the 600 visa do not allow you to work in Australia. Business visitor stream allows business activities (meetings, conferences) but not performing paid work. Violating this condition can result in visa cancellation and a 3-year ban.
Can I extend my visitor visa while in Australia?
You cannot extend the 600 visa, but you can apply for a new 600 visitor visa from within Australia before your current visa expires. This is subject to Immigration assessment and is not guaranteed to be approved.
Why was my visitor visa refused?
Common refusal reasons include: insufficient funds evidence, weak ties to home country, history of overstaying, inconsistent travel history, applying too close to the intended travel date, or the officer not being satisfied about genuine visitor intent. We can review your case and advise the best approach for a new application.
How do I prove I will return home after visiting Australia?
Strong ties to your home country are key: a permanent job (with leave approved), property ownership, family (especially children) in your home country, business ownership, and a history of returning from previous overseas trips. The more ties, the stronger your application.
Can I visit Australia to attend my child’s graduation or wedding?
Yes. Events like graduations, weddings, and family celebrations are valid reasons for a visitor visa. Include the invitation or event details in your application. The Sponsored Family stream is also available if your host is an Australian citizen or PR.
How far in advance should I apply for a visitor visa?
Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. While many visitor visas are processed in days, some can take several weeks, especially during peak periods (December–January, July–August). Applying early gives you time to respond to any requests for additional information.
Planning to Visit Australia?
A strong visitor visa application significantly improves your approval chances. Our agents have helped thousands of clients from India, Pakistan, Philippines, and across Asia successfully obtain Australian visitor visas.
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