Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Official Guide

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows people to travel to Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business visitor activities.

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It is administered by the Department of Home Affairs and contains several streams depending on your purpose of visit.

This visa does not permit employment in Australia. If you are seeking general information about tourism visa options, see the Tourist Visa Australia overview.

 

What Is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the primary visa used for tourism and short-term visits to Australia.

It may allow:

• Holiday travel
• Visiting family or friends
• Short recreational study (generally up to 3 months)
• Limited business visitor activities

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The visa is electronically linked to your passport.

The permitted period of stay is determined by the Department and varies depending on individual circumstances and stream.

 

Streams Under Subclass 600

The Subclass 600 visa contains several streams. The stream you apply for depends on your situation.

 

Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia)

This stream is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and decision.

• It allows you to travel to Australia for a holiday or to visit family and friends.

• The permitted stay may be 3 months, 6 months or up to 12 months depending on individual circumstances.

• A visa application charge applies.

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For full eligibility requirements and documentation guidance, see the Tourist Stream – Apply Outside Australia guide.

 

Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia)

This stream is available to eligible applicants already in Australia who wish to continue their stay for tourism purposes.

• You must hold a visa that permits onshore application and must not be subject to a No Further Stay condition.

• The length of stay granted is determined by the Department.

• A visa application charge applies.

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For detailed extension considerations, see the Tourist Stream – Apply in Australia guide.

 

Sponsored Family Stream

The Sponsored Family stream allows an Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a family member to visit Australia.

• The Department may request a security bond from the sponsor.

• Stay may be granted for up to 12 months depending on individual circumstances.

• A visa application charge applies.

 

Business Visitor Stream

This stream allows short-term business visitor activities such as:

• Attending conferences
• Participating in meetings
• Negotiating contracts
• Exploring business opportunities

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It does not permit employment in Australia. Stay is generally up to 3 months. A visa application charge applies.

 

Frequent Traveller Stream

The Frequent Traveller stream is available to eligible passport holders who travel regularly to Australia.

• It may allow multiple entries over a longer validity period, with stays of up to 3 months per visit.

• Eligibility is limited to specific passport holders.

 

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for Subclass 600 must:

• Be genuine visitors
• Intend to stay temporarily
• Have sufficient funds to support their stay
• Meet health requirements if required
• Meet character requirements
• Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government

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Each application is assessed individually.

 

Genuine Visitor Requirement

A central requirement for Subclass 600 is demonstrating that you are a genuine visitor.

The Department must be satisfied that you:

• Intend to stay temporarily
• Will comply with visa conditions
• Will leave Australia before your visa expires

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Factors considered may include:

• Travel history
• Immigration history
• Employment and financial situation
• Ties to your home country
• Purpose of visit

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Failure to demonstrate genuine temporary intent may result in refusal.

 

Financial Requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of financial capacity, such as:

• Bank statements
• Employment income
• Sponsor support
• Return travel arrangements

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There is no fixed public minimum amount. Assessment depends on individual circumstances.

 

Health and Character Requirements

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to:

• Undergo medical examinations
• Provide police certificates
• Declare criminal history

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The Department will notify you if additional checks are necessary.

 

Visa Conditions

Subclass 600 visas are subject to conditions.

Common conditions include:

• No work permitted
• Study limited to 3 months
• Must depart Australia before visa expiry
• Possible No Further Stay condition

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Failure to comply may affect future visa applications.

 

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on:

• The stream
• Application completeness
• Health or character assessments
• Application volumes

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Applicants should apply well in advance of travel.

Processing time information is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs.

 

Visa Cost

A visa application charge applies to Subclass 600.

Charges may differ depending on whether you apply inside or outside Australia.

Applicants should use the official Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm current fees.

 

How to Apply

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount.
Step 2: Select Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and choose the appropriate stream.
Step 3: Upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay the visa application charge.
Step 5: Await a decision.

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If granted, the visa will be electronically linked to your passport.

 

Important

Visa rules, eligibility criteria and charges may change.

Applicants should refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.