Overview
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a temporary visa for people who want to travel to Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family. It is divided into several streams, including the Tourist stream, Business Visitor stream, and Sponsored Family stream. This visa does not allow you to work, and you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor who intends to leave Australia before your visa expires.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be a genuine visitor, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and meet health and character requirements. If applying under the Sponsored Family stream, you must be sponsored by an eligible relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Choose your stream
Identify the correct stream (Tourist, Business Visitor, or Sponsored Family) based on your purpose of travel.
- 2
Step 2: Prepare documents
Gather all required evidence, including identity documents, proof of funds, and evidence of your intent to return home.
- 3
Step 3: Submit application
Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website, complete the application form, and upload your documents.
- 4
Step 4: Pay the fee
Pay the required visa application charge at the time of submission.
- 5
Step 5: Await decision
Wait for the Department to process your application. You may be asked for additional information or biometrics.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements)
- Evidence of genuine visitor intent (e.g., travel itinerary, letter of invitation)
- Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property ownership)
- Health and character documentation (if requested)
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. You must generally leave Australia before your visa expires.
Family options
Family members can be included in some streams, or you may apply for the Sponsored Family stream if you have an eligible relative in Australia who can sponsor you.
Language notes
No specific language test is required for this visa.
After arrival
Upon arrival, you must comply with all visa conditions, including the 'No Work' condition (8101) and any 'No Further Stay' (8503) conditions if applied to your visa.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to prove strong ties to your home country, leading to 'genuine visitor' concerns.
- Providing incomplete documentation, which significantly delays processing.
- Assuming you can work or change your visa status while in Australia.
- Not declaring previous visa refusals or criminal history.
FAQs about Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Who is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) for?+
Individuals from countries not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor who wish to visit Australia for holidays, to see family and friends, or for short-term business purposes.
What are the eligibility requirements for Visitor visa (subclass 600)?+
To qualify, you must be a genuine visitor, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and meet health and character requirements. If applying under the Sponsored Family stream, you must be sponsored by an eligible relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
How much does the Visitor visa (subclass 600) cost?+
Typical fees listed for Visitor visa (subclass 600): Base application charge starts from AUD 250 for offshore applications (subject to change; concessions may apply).. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Visitor visa (subclass 600) processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Varies by stream; generally ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on application completeness and country of origin..
How long can I stay on the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?+
Typically up to 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the stream and individual assessment.
Can I work on the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?+
No work rights. You cannot engage in paid or unpaid work in Australia. Limited business visitor activities (e.g., attending meetings or conferences) are permitted under the Business Visitor stream.
Does Visitor visa (subclass 600) lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
This is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. You must generally leave Australia before your visa expires.
What are common mistakes with Visitor visa (subclass 600)?+
Failing to prove strong ties to your home country, leading to 'genuine visitor' concerns. Providing incomplete documentation, which significantly delays processing. Assuming you can work or change your visa status while in Australia.