Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Key Eligibility Requirements

Applicants generally need to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Visitor Visa and genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily.

Key considerations may include:

• Genuine Visitor: Demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily and comply with your visa conditions.
• Purpose of Visit: Clearly explain whether you are travelling for tourism, visiting family or friends, or an eligible business visitor activity.
• Financial Capacity: Show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and cover your travel expenses.
• Health Requirements: Meet applicable Australian health requirements.
• Character Requirements: Meet Australia's character requirements and provide police or other evidence where requested.
• Strong Home-Country Ties: Provide evidence of circumstances that support your intention to return home, such as employment, family commitments, study, property or other relevant ties.

Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Streams

The Subclass 600 visa has different streams depending on the purpose of travel and the applicant's circumstances.

Tourist Stream

The Tourist stream is suitable for people visiting Australia for tourism or to visit family and friends.

Activities may include:

• Holiday travel
• Sightseeing
• Visiting relatives or friends
• Spending time with family
• Exploring Australian destinations

Sponsored Family Stream

The Sponsored Family stream is for eligible applicants visiting Australia where an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsors the visit.

Additional sponsorship requirements and obligations can apply.

Business Visitor Stream

The Business Visitor stream may allow eligible visitors to undertake permitted business visitor activities, such as:

• Attending business meetings
• Negotiating or entering into business arrangements
• Attending conferences or trade fairs
• Making general business enquiries

It does not generally allow visitors to undertake ongoing employment in Australia.

Approved Destination Status Stream

This stream is for eligible citizens of the People's Republic of China travelling to Australia as part of an approved tour group arrangement.

Frequent Traveller Stream

The Frequent Traveller stream is designed for eligible passport holders who frequently travel to Australia for business or personal purposes and meet the applicable requirements.

Visitor Visa Application Process

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Stream

Identify the Subclass 600 stream that best matches your reason for travelling to Australia.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Depending on your circumstances, documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Identity documents
• Travel plans
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Employment evidence
• Leave approval
• Business documents, where applicable
• Evidence of family or personal ties
• Invitation or sponsorship documents, where applicable
• Previous travel history
• Other documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs

Step 3: Lodge Your Application

Visitor Visa applications are generally submitted online through ImmiAccount.

Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure that supporting documents are consistent with the purpose of their proposed visit.

Step 4: Health and Character Checks

The Department of Home Affairs may request health examinations, police certificates or other information depending on your circumstances.

Step 5: Visa Decision

The Department assesses whether you meet the relevant requirements and whether you are a genuine temporary visitor.

Visa duration, permitted stay and conditions depend on the visa granted and your individual circumstances.

Visitor Visa Conditions

Visitor Visa holders must comply with the conditions attached to their visa.

A Visitor Visa is not a general work visa. If you intend to undertake employment in Australia, you should consider whether you require a visa that provides appropriate work rights.

Visitor Visa holders may also have No Further Stay or other conditions attached to their visa. Always check your individual visa grant notice and current visa conditions.

Can Visitor Visa Holders Work in Australia?

Generally, no. A Visitor Visa does not provide general permission to work in Australia.

Eligible business visitor activities may be permitted under the Business Visitor stream, but these are different from taking up employment or performing ongoing work in Australia.

Can You Study on a Visitor Visa?

Limited study or training may be permitted under certain circumstances, generally for a period of up to three months, subject to the applicable visa conditions and requirements.

Anyone intending to undertake a longer course of study should investigate an appropriate student visa.

Visitor Visa and Permanent Residency

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct permanent residency pathway.

If you wish to remain in Australia permanently, you must independently qualify for another visa pathway. Depending on your circumstances, this could potentially include skilled migration, employer sponsorship, partner migration or another appropriate visa.

Why Choose The Visa?

Planning a holiday, family visit or business trip to Australia requires careful preparation of your visa application and supporting evidence.

The Visa can assist with understanding the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), selecting the appropriate stream, preparing supporting documentation and presenting your circumstances clearly to the Department of Home Affairs.

Planning to visit Australia? Contact The Visa for professional guidance with your Visitor Visa Subclass 600 application.

Visitor Visa requirements, visa charges, processing arrangements and conditions can change. Applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before lodging an application.