Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Everything You Need to Know in 2026
Last Updated: 19 May 2026
Planning to visit Australia for a holiday, family visit, or short business trip? The Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) is one of the most common temporary visas for travellers entering Australia.
Whether you want to explore Sydney, visit family in Melbourne, attend a business meeting in Brisbane, or travel across regional Australia, the visitor visa Australia pathway allows eligible travellers to stay temporarily for tourism and short-term activities.
The Australian Government visitor visa Australia assesses applications based on genuine temporary stay intentions, financial capacity, travel history, and supporting evidence.
Quick Answer: What Is the Visitor Visa Australia?
The visitor visa Australia (Subclass 600) is a temporary visa that allows eligible travellers to:
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Visit Australia for tourism
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Visit family or friends
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Attend short business activities
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Join cruises or holidays
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Study for up to 3 months in some cases
The visa may allow:
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Single entry or multiple entry
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Stays of 3, 6, or 12 months
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Applications from inside or outside Australia depending on the stream
The Department of Home Affairs decides the final visa conditions and stay period.
What Can You Do on a Visitor Visa Australia?
A visitor visa Australia may allow you to:
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Travel around Australia
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Visit relatives or friends
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Take a holiday
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Attend conferences or business meetings
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Participate in short business visitor activities
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Study for up to 3 months
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Cruise in and out of Australia if permitted
However, a visitor visa Australia generally does not allow:
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Ongoing work in Australia
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Selling goods or services to the public
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Long-term study
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Permanent residence
Visitor Visa Australia Streams
The Subclass 600 visa contains several streams. The stream you apply for depends on your situation.
Tourist Stream
The Tourist Stream is the most common visitor visa Australia option.
It is suitable for:
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Holidays
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Tourism
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Visiting friends
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Visiting family
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Recreational travel
Applicants may apply:
Stay: Up to 12 months
Sponsored Family Stream
This Sponsored Family Stream for visitor visa Australia is for applicants visiting family members in Australia.
Usually:
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An eligible relative sponsors the applicant
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The sponsor may need to provide financial support
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A security bond may be requested by the Department
Stay: Up to 12 months
Cost: from AUD 200
Business Visitor Stream
This visitor visa Australia stream allows short-term business visitor activities such as:
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Conferences
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Meetings
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Negotiations
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Exploring business opportunities
This visa does not allow regular employment in Australia.
Stay: Up to 3 months
Cost: From AUD 200
Approved Destination Status Stream
The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream is a specialised visitor visa Australia stream for certain organised tour groups from approved regions.
This stream usually:
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Applies to approved tour arrangements
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Requires travel with an authorised tour group
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Has specific tourism conditions
ADS arrangements are subject to Australian Government policy settings.
Cost: AUD 200
Frequent Traveller Stream
The Frequent Traveller Stream is available to certain passport holders who travel regularly to Australia for tourism or business visitor activities.
This visitor visa Australia stream may allow:
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Longer validity periods
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Multiple entries
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Streamlined travel arrangements
Eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, and Department requirements.
Cost: AUD 1,480
Visitor Visa Australia Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a visitor visa Australia, applicants usually need to show they:
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Are genuine temporary entrants
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Intend to stay temporarily
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Have sufficient funds
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Meet health requirements
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Meet character requirements
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Have a valid passport
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Have strong reasons to return home
The Department may also assess:
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Employment history
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Travel history
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Family ties
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Financial stability
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Immigration compliance history
Documents Required for Visitor Visa Australia
The exact documents depend on your circumstances and nationality, but common visitor visa Australia requirements include:
Identity Documents
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Passport bio page
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National ID card (if applicable)
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Passport-sized photograph
Financial Evidence
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Bank statements
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Payslips
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Tax documents
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Sponsorship evidence
Travel Purpose Documents
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Travel itinerary
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Invitation letter
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Hotel bookings
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Tour plans
Employment or Study Evidence
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Employment letter
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Leave approval
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Business registration
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Student enrolment confirmation
Family Evidence
For family visit applications:
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Invitation letter from relatives
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Proof of relationship
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Sponsor documents
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa Australia
Most applicants submit their visitor visa Australia application online through ImmiAccount.
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount
Create an account through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Stream
Select the correct visitor visa Australia stream:
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Tourist
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Sponsored Family
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Business Visitor
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required evidence clearly and consistently.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Charge
Fees vary depending on the stream and whether you apply inside or outside Australia.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
The Department assesses:
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Financial evidence
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Genuine visitor intentions
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Immigration history
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Supporting documents
Some applicants may be asked for:
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Biometrics
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Health examinations
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Additional evidence
Visitor Visa Australia Processing Time
Visitor visa Australia processing times vary depending on:
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Application volume
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Nationality
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Document quality
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Security checks
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Health assessments
Applications with clear supporting evidence and complete documentation are generally processed more smoothly.
How Long Can You Stay on a Visitor Visa Australia?
A visitor visa Australia may allow stays of:
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3 months
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6 months
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12 months
The stay period depends on:
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Your travel purpose
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Your circumstances
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The visa stream
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Department assessment
Some visitor visa Australia grants include multiple entry travel.
Can You Extend a Visitor Visa Australia?
Some people may apply for another visitor visa Australia while already in Australia.
However, this depends on:
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Your current visa conditions
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Whether condition 8503 (No Further Stay) applies
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Your circumstances
Holding a visitor visa Australia does not automatically guarantee another visa grant.
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:
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Meetings
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Conferences
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Negotiations
Working unlawfully can affect future Australian visa applications.
Common Reasons Visitor Visa Australia Applications Get Refused
Some visitor visa Australia applications are refused because of:
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Insufficient financial evidence
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Weak home country ties
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Inconsistent documents
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Poor travel history
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Concerns about genuine temporary stay intentions
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Incorrect visa stream selection
Providing organised and truthful documentation is important.
Tips to Improve Visitor Visa Australia Approval Chances
Show Strong Home Country Ties
Include evidence such as:
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Employment
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Business ownership
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Family responsibilities
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Property ownership
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Ongoing studies
Provide Genuine Financial Evidence
Avoid unexplained large deposits or inconsistent bank activity.
Submit a Clear Travel Purpose
Explain:
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Why you want to visit Australia
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Where you will stay
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Who you will visit
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When you will leave
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.
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.
This option is commonly used for:
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Tourism
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Family visits
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Business visitor activities
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Longer temporary stays
ETA (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Subclass 601 is available to eligible passport holders from selected countries.
An ETA usually allows:
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Multiple short visits
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Stays of up to 3 months per visit
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Tourism or limited business visitor activities
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor visa Subclass 651 is designed for eligible European passport holders.
The eVisitor visa generally allows:
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Multiple visits to Australia
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Stays of up to 3 months per visit
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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.
Visitor Visa Australia for Parents and Family Members
Many families use the visitor visa Australia pathway for:
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Parents visiting children
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Grandparents visiting family
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Family reunions
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Birth support visits
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Tourism with relatives
In some cases, longer stay periods may be available depending on circumstances.
Visitor Visa Australia for Indonesian Applicants
Many Indonesian applicants use the visitor visa Australia for:
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Tourism
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Visiting relatives
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Family events
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Business trips
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Graduation ceremonies
Strong supporting evidence is particularly important for visitor visa Australia applications.
Visitor Visa Australia Checklist
Before lodging your application, check that you have:
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Valid passport
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Correct visa stream
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Bank statements
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Employment or study evidence
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Travel plans
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Invitation letter (if applicable)
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Genuine temporary stay explanation
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Accurate application details
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:
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Current fees
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Processing times
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Visa conditions
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Health requirements
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Document requirements
through official government sources.
Why Professional Guidance Can Help
Some visitor visa Australia applications are straightforward, while others involve:
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Previous refusals
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Complex family situations
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Sponsorship issues
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Limited travel history
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Financial concerns
Professional guidance may help applicants prepare stronger documentation and avoid common mistakes.
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.
Whether you are applying for tourism, family visits, or business travel, preparing a complete and consistent application can improve your overall application quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the visitor visa Australia subclass number?
The main visitor visa Australia category is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
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.
How long does visitor visa Australia processing take?
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, document quality, and application volumes.
Can I study on a visitor visa Australia?
Some visitor visa Australia holders may study for up to 3 months.
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.
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.
Is health insurance required for visitor visa Australia?
Health insurance may be recommended or required depending on your circumstances.
Can family members sponsor a visitor visa Australia?
Yes. The Sponsored Family stream allows eligible Australian relatives to sponsor some applicants.
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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