Visitor Visa (600) Streams

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) contains several streams. The right one depends on your purpose of travel, nationality, and where you're applying from.

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Tourist Stream

The Tourist stream is the most common Visitor visa option, suited to holidays, tourism, visiting friends or family, and recreational travel.

• Apply outside Australia or inside Australia

• Stay: up to 12 months

• Cost: AUD 250 offshore / AUD 630 onshore

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Sponsored Family Stream

This stream is for visiting family members in Australia with the support of an eligible sponsor.

• An eligible relative sponsors the applicant

• The sponsor may need to provide financial support, and the Department may request a security bond

• With this visa you can visit family or friends, holiday or cruise, or study/train for up to 3 months

• Stay: up to 12 months

• Cost: AUD 250

If you don't need a sponsor, the Tourist stream may suit you better — it covers the same family-visit and holiday purposes without requiring one. See our full Sponsored Family Stream guide for security bond amounts, processing times, and eligibility evidence.

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Business Visitor Stream

This stream covers short-term business activities: general business or employment enquiries, negotiating contracts, or taking part in a conference or trade fair (unpaid by organisers). It doesn't allow regular employment in Australia.

• Stay: up to 3 months

• Cost: AUD 250

See our full Business Visitor Stream guide for eligibility and application details.

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Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream

This stream is for citizens of the People's Republic of China travelling on a tour organised by an approved travel agent.

• Must be a PRC citizen, travelling as part of an agent-organised tour group

• The travel agent applies on your behalf

• Stay: for the period specified in your grant letter — no fixed duration

• Cost: AUD 250

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Frequent Traveller Stream

This stream is for citizens of the People's Republic of China, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, or Timor-Leste who travel to Australia often for tourism or business visitor activities.

• Visa validity: up to 10 years, with each stay capped at 3 months per entry

• Requires biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC)

• Cost: AUD 1,845

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Fees and stay periods verified against the Department of Home Affairs' Visitor visa (subclass 600) overview and individual stream pages. Confirm current fees with the Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.

 

Visitor Visa Australia Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a visitor visa Australia, applicants usually need to show they:

• Are genuine temporary entrants

• Intend to stay temporarily

• Have sufficient funds

• Meet health requirements

• Meet character requirements

• Have a valid passport

• Have strong reasons to return home

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The Department may also assess:

• Employment history

• Travel history

• Family ties

• Financial stability

• Immigration compliance history

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Documents Required for Visitor Visa Australia

The exact documents depend on your circumstances and nationality, but common visitor visa Australia requirements include:

Identity Documents

• Passport bio page

• National ID card (if applicable)

• Passport-sized photograph

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Financial Evidence

• Bank statements

• Payslips

• Tax documents

• Sponsorship evidence

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Travel Purpose Documents

• Travel itinerary

• Invitation letter

• Hotel bookings

• Tour plans

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Employment or Study Evidence

• Employment letter

• Leave approval

• Business registration

• Student enrolment confirmation

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Family Evidence

For family visit applications:

• Invitation letter from relatives

• Proof of relationship

• Sponsor documents

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How to Apply for a Visitor Visa Australia

Most applicants submit their visitor visa Australia application online through ImmiAccount.

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Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount

Create an account through the Department of Home Affairs website.

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Step 2: Choose the Correct Stream

Select the correct visitor visa Australia stream:

• Tourist

• Sponsored Family

• Business Visitor

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Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required evidence clearly and consistently.

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Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Charge

Fees vary depending on the stream and whether you apply inside or outside Australia.

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Step 5: Wait for Processing

The Department assesses:

• Financial evidence

• Genuine visitor intentions

• Immigration history

• Supporting documents

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Some applicants may be asked for:

• Biometrics

• Health examinations

• Additional evidence

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Visitor Visa Australia Processing Time

Visitor visa Australia processing times vary depending on:

• Application volume

• Nationality

• Document quality

• Security checks

• Health assessments

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Applications with clear supporting evidence and complete documentation are generally processed more smoothly.

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How Long Does a Tourist Visa to Australia Take to Process?

Processing times vary by visa type and stream, ranging from same-day decisions for the ETA and eVisitor to several weeks for Visitor visa (600) streams.

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Based on the Department of Home Affairs' current published processing times:

• ETA (601) and eVisitor (651): 50% and 90% of applications are decided in less than 1 day

• Tourist stream (600): 50% processed within 16 days, 90% within 33 days

• Business Visitor stream (600): 50% processed within 6 days, 90% within 26 days

• Sponsored Family stream (600): 50% processed within 42 days, 90% within 86 days

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These figures are a guide based on recently decided applications, not a guarantee for your specific case. Processing times depend on:

• Application volume

• Nationality

• Document quality

• Security checks

• Health assessments

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Applications with clear supporting evidence and complete documentation are generally processed more smoothly.

Check the status of your own application through ImmiAccount. For the most current figures across any visa type, use the Department's visa processing time guide tool directly.

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Can You Extend a Visitor Visa Australia?

Some people may apply for another visitor visa Australia while already in Australia.

However, this depends on:

• Your current visa conditions

• Whether condition 8503 (No Further Stay) applies

• Your circumstances

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Holding a visitor visa Australia does not automatically guarantee another visa grant.

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Can You Work on a Visitor Visa Australia?

No. A visitor visa Australia generally does not allow ongoing work.

Limited business visitor activities may be allowed under the Business Visitor stream, such as:

• Meetings

• Conferences

• Negotiations

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Working unlawfully can affect future Australian visa applications.

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Common Reasons Visitor Visa Australia Applications Get Refused

Some visitor visa Australia applications are refused because of:

• Insufficient financial evidence

• Weak home country ties

• Inconsistent documents

• Poor travel history

• Concerns about genuine temporary stay intentions

• Incorrect visa stream selection

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Providing organised and truthful documentation is important.

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Tips to Improve Visitor Visa Australia Approval Chances

Show Strong Home Country Ties

Include evidence such as:

• Employment

• Business ownership

• Family responsibilities

• Property ownership

• Ongoing studies

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Provide Genuine Financial Evidence

Avoid unexplained large deposits or inconsistent bank activity.

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Submit a Clear Travel Purpose

Explain:

• Why you want to visit Australia

• Where you will stay

• Who you will visit

• When you will leave

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Ensure Documents Match

Dates, employment details, and financial records should align.

 

Visitor Visa Australia vs ETA vs eVisitor

Many travellers confuse the visitor visa Australia with other travel options.

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Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

The visitor visa Australia Subclass 600 is suitable for most nationalities and may allow stays of up to 12 months depending on the visa grant and stream.

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This option is commonly used for:

• Tourism

• Family visits

• Business visitor activities

• Longer temporary stays

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ETA (Subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Subclass 601 is available to eligible passport holders from selected countries.

An ETA usually allows:

• Multiple short visits

• Stays of up to 3 months per visit

• Tourism or limited business visitor activities

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eVisitor (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor visa Subclass 651 is designed for eligible European passport holders.

The eVisitor visa generally allows:

• Multiple visits to Australia

• Stays of up to 3 months per visit

• Tourism or short business visitor activities

Eligibility for the visitor visa Australia, ETA, and eVisitor pathways depends on nationality, passport type, and Australian Government requirements.

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Visitor Visa Australia for Parents and Family Members

Many families use the visitor visa Australia pathway for:

• Parents visiting children

• Grandparents visiting family

• Family reunions

• Birth support visits

• Tourism with relatives

In some cases, longer stay periods may be available depending on circumstances.

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Visitor Visa Australia for Indonesian Applicants

Many Indonesian applicants use the visitor visa Australia for:

• Tourism

• Visiting relatives

• Family events

• Business trips

• Graduation ceremonies

Strong supporting evidence is particularly important for visitor visa Australia applications.

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Visitor Visa Australia Checklist

Before lodging your application, check that you have:

• Valid passport

• Correct visa stream

• Bank statements

• Employment or study evidence

• Travel plans

• Invitation letter (if applicable)

• Genuine temporary stay explanation

• Accurate application details

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Official Visitor Visa Australia Information

The official visitor visa Australia information is available through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. 

Applicants should always verify:

• Current fees

• Processing times

• Visa conditions

• Health requirements

• Document requirements

through official government sources.

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Why Professional Guidance Can Help

Some visitor visa Australia applications are straightforward, while others involve:

• Previous refusals

• Complex family situations

• Sponsorship issues

• Limited travel history

• Financial concerns

Professional guidance may help applicants prepare stronger documentation and avoid common mistakes.

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Need Help With a Visitor Visa Australia?

If you need help understanding the visitor visa Australia process, document preparation, or choosing the correct visa stream, professional migration guidance may help simplify your application.

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Whether you are applying for tourism, family visits, or business travel, preparing a complete and consistent application can improve your overall application quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the visitor visa Australia subclass number?

The main visitor visa Australia category is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

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How much is the visitor visa Australia fee?

The visa application charge depends on the stream and where you apply from. Official fees may change over time.

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How long does visitor visa Australia processing take?

Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, document quality, and application volumes.

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Can I study on a visitor visa Australia?

Some visitor visa Australia holders may study for up to 3 months.

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Can I convert a visitor visa Australia to permanent residency?

A visitor visa Australia is a temporary visa and does not directly lead to permanent residency.

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Can I apply for another visa while on a visitor visa Australia?

Some applicants may apply for another visa while in Australia, depending on visa conditions and eligibility.

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Is health insurance required for visitor visa Australia?

Health insurance may be recommended or required depending on your circumstances.

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Can family members sponsor a visitor visa Australia?

Yes. The Sponsored Family stream allows eligible Australian relatives to sponsor some applicants.​

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Book a Free Consultation with Our Registered Migration Agent!

Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.

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Why RACC?

• 20+ years of experience

• Prepare for your application to the Immigration

• Preparation of Police Check

• Arrange for new Insurance

• Advice on Medical Checkup

• Don't let small careless mistake resulting in a Visa rejection

• You can also apply from outside Australia

• 4.8 out of 5 customer satisfaction

• Our Team speak multiple languages

• English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa, Sinhalese, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi etc...

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