Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)
Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visitor visa to enter the country.
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know that anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country. This includes all travellers, except citizens of New Zealand, who must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or spend time with friends and family. Depending on your situation, stays of 3, 6, or 12 months may be granted – and you can apply from both outside and within Australia.
Visitor visa requirements in Australia
To successfully apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), ) you must meet several important requirements:
🔵 Health Requirement
Most applicants must meet Australian health standards. Health examinations may be required to ensure you meet this condition.
🔵 Character Requirement
You must be of good character. Criminal records and other serious issues could impact your application.
🔵 Debt to the Australian Government
Any debts to the Australian government must be paid or have an agreed repayment plan.
🔵 Sufficient Funds
You must have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
🔵 Genuine Visitor Intent
You must only intend to stay temporarily and respect the conditions of your visa.
🔵 Best Interests of the Child
The visa will not be granted if it is not in the best interests of any applicant under the age of 18.
🔵 Sponsor (for Sponsored Family Stream)
A letter of invitation and sponsorship may be required if you are applying for the sponsored family stream.
🔵 Business Visitor Activities (for Business Stream)
You may conduct short-term business activities – such as attending conferences or negotiating business deals – but cannot work for, sell to, or provide paid services to Australian businesses.
Benefits of using Australian Migration Agents for your visitor visa
Our experienced team at Australian Visa Office is here to make the process as smooth as possible. We offer personalized guidance and expert advice tailored to your specific travel plans.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Clarify visa requirements so you submit the right information
✅ Suggest the most suitable visa stream for your trip
✅ Review and prepare all supporting documents
✅ Address any concerns promptly throughout your application
✅ Ensure compliance with Australian immigration laws for a stress-free visit
With our thorough knowledge of Australian migration law, we will increase your chances of a successful application and give you peace of mind – so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Costs
The cost of a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for Australia varies depending on the specific stream and the applicant’s circumstances. Estimated costs from the Department of Home Affairs for the various streams are listed below:
- Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia): From AUD 195.00
- Tourist Stream (apply in Australia): From AUD 490.00
- Business Visitor Stream: From AUD 195.00
- Frequent Traveller Stream: From AUD 1,435.00
- Sponsored Family Stream: From AUD 195.00 (the sponsor may also be required to pay a security bond)
- Approved Destination Status Stream: From AUD 195.00
Additional costs may also apply for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics.
Visitor visa processing times
Tourist Stream:
-
- 50% processed in 11 days
- 90% processed in 23 days
Sponsored Family Stream
-
- 50% processed in 14 days
- 90% processed in 27 days
Business Visitor Stream
50% processed in 7 days
90% processed in 19 days
Visitor Visa Conditions While in Australia
While on a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) in Australia, visa holders must adhere to several conditions, including:
- No Work (8101): You cannot work while on a Visitor Visa. However, if you hold the Frequent Traveller or Business Visitor stream, you may undertake business visitor activities.
Maximum 3 Months Study (8201): While in Australia, you must not engage in any studies or training for more than 3 months.
- No Further Stay (8503): You cannot apply for a new substantive visa while in Australia, other than a Protection visa.
Additional Conditions
The various streams of visitor visas may have other visa-specific conditions. Some examples include:
- Maintain Adequate Health Insurance (8501): You must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
- Limited Activities (8115): You must not work in Australia except by engaging in business visitor activities.
- Must Follow Approved Tour Arrangements (8530): You must follow the travel schedule arranged by your travel agent. Deviating from this itinerary is not permitted.
- Must Exit Before Visa Expiry (8531): You must leave Australia before your visa expires and must not remain after the permitted period of stay.
Can I extend my visitor visa in Australia?
You cannot stay in Australia longer by extending your existing visitor visa. To remain in Australia, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. However, you can only apply for a new visa if your current visa does not have a “No Further Stay” condition (such as condition 8503).
Need help preparing your visa documents or interview?
Contact our licensed Australian education and migration advisors today!
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