About Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) 

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a temporary visa for those individuals who wish to travel to Australia for short-term purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, and some business visits. This visa is regulated by Australian migration law and offered by the Department of Home Affairs who considers the applicant’s purpose of traveling to Australia and their personal situation.

Applicants must meet the genuine visitor requirement, meaning they intend to stay in Australia temporarily and will follow all visa conditions. At migrateVerse, we always make sure that your application is fully aligned with Department of Home Affairs conditions, and you can enjoy your trip. 

What Does a Visitor Visa Australia Allow?

A Visitor Visa allows people to travel to Australia for a short period of time on specific visa conditions. Here are the things you are allowed to do: 

1. Tourism & Holidays: Travel in Australia for holidays, trips, recreational activities, and sightseeing.

2. Visiting Family or Friends: Allows you to visit relatives or family friends in Australia without engaging in work or long-courses. 

3. Short-Term Business Activities: Participate in business meetings, conferences, or negotiations, provided that no paid work or services are performed.

4. Limited Study: Undertake short-term study or training for up to three months, as permitted under visa conditions.

5. Multiple or Single Entry Travel: Travel to Australia one or more times, depending on the travel facility granted by the Department of Home Affairs.

6. Temporary Stay Only: Stay in Australia only for the period that you are allowed, and leave before your visa expires as a genuine visitor.

Main Streams Under Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) 

 There are different streams available for Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600). Each stream has its own specific purpose and is evaluated under Department of Home Affairs criteria: 

1. Tourist Stream 

Tourist Stream is for individuals travelling to Australia for a holiday, sightseeing, social or some reasons, or to visit friends and relatives. This is the most common Visitor Visa stream and can be applied for both in or outside Australia.

• Allows tourism and social visits only; no business or paid activities are permitted.

• Stay period is decided by Home Affairs, usually up to 3, 6, or 12 months.

• Applicants must meet the genuine visitor requirement and show reasons to leave Australia.

2. Sponsored Family Stream

The sponsored family stream is for people who are visiting close family in Australia and have sponsors from them. Department may ask or require a security bond to be submitted as security for your compliance with visa conditions.

• Nomination from an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident is required.

• An application is normally made outside Australia.

• Department of Home Affairs will ask for a security bond.

3. Business Visitor Stream 

Business Visitor stream allows short-stay visits to Australia for business activities, such as consultations and negotiations, or attending a conference. It does not allow employment or service provision for Australian entities.

• Permitted activities include meetings, trade fairs, and contract negotiations.

• Paid work, selling goods, or service delivery is not allowed.

• Stay is usually short-term and strictly purpose-based.

4. Approved Destination Status Stream

Approved Destination Status visa stream is only available for people from specific areas of China visiting Australia on a tour organised by a verified travel agent.

• Only available to Chinese passport holders.

• Travel must be organised through an approved ADS travel agent.

• Individual travel outside the approved tour program is not permitted.

5. Frequent Traveller Stream 

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

• Available only to specific passport holders listed by the Department of Home Affairs. 

• A visa can be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. 

• Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of three months

Other Streams of Visitor Visa (Subclass 601 & 651) 

There are some other streams apart from the main ones available under the visitor visa of (Subclass 601 & 651): 

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

An eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) is a free visitor visa available to passport holders from particular European countries, that allow short-term visits to Australia for tourism or limited business activities.

•  Only available to eligible European passport holders, as mentioned by the DHA . 

• Permit different entries with stays of up to three months per visit within 12 months.

• Work is not allowed, and only short-term study up to three months is allowed

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) 

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is an electronically linked visitor visa for passport holders of specific countries, allowing short-term travel to Australia for tourism or business visitor purposes.

• Accessible only to eligible passport holders from specific countries and regions.

• Allows multiple short stays of up to three months per visit.

• Application is made online and linked directly to the applicant’s passport.

Visitor Visa Eligibility By Stream

There are specific conditions that you need to fulfill before getting a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

1. Tourist Stream Eligibility 

• Genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily for tourism or to visit friends/family  not work. 

• Have sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay. 

• Meet health and character requirements as required by Australian immigration law. 

2. Sponsored Family Stream Eligibility 

• Should have a sponsor in Australia (usually a qualifying family member) to help with the application. 

• Be travelling to visit family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible residents. 

• Intend a genuine temporary visit for tourism or family purposes. 

3. Business Visitor Stream Eligibility 

• Have to be a real visitor travelling for business-related activities such as meetings or negotiations.

• Be outside Australia when applying and when the approval is made. 

• Not involved in any kind of paid work or employment in Australia. 

4. Approved Destination Status Stream Eligibility

• Be a resident of or hold a passport from a country eligible for ADS arrangements, mostly China. 

• Be travelling as part of an organised tour offered by a verified ADS travel operator.

• Intend to stay temporarily for tourism as part of the group tour and follow visa conditions

5. Frequent Traveller Stream Eligibility

• Be a resident of a qualifying country as listed by Home Affairs ( People’s Republic of China and specific Asia-Pacific nationals).

• Show frequent travel intentions for business or tourism purposes. 

• Apply from outside Australia when submitting and when the approval is made.

Other Visitor Visa Eligibility By Stream

1. eVisitor (Subclass 651) Eligibility

• Should have a passport from an eligible European country as listed by Home Affairs.

• Be outside Australia when applying, submitting, and till the decision is made. 

• Should have a genuine temporary stay for tourism or business visitor purposes. 

2. Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) Eligibility 

• Have a valid passport from an ETA-eligible country as listed by Home Affairs. 

• Should apply outside Australia with the official Australian ETA app. 

• Plan a temporary visit for tourism or business visitor reasons only.

Documents Required for a Visitor Visa Australia 

Having all the necessary documentation is important to get your Visitor Visa. We are listing the required documents below, but always remember that the requirements are subject to change based on application type, and it is important for an applicant to verify information from the official DHA website before proceeding with any legal documentation work. Also, you can check what you need at the Document Checklist Tool: 

1. Identity & Travel Documents

1. Valid Passport: A clear copy of the passport biodata page showing personal details and passport validity for the intended travel period.
2. Passport Photograph: A current photograph meeting Australian visa photo criteria, used for identity verification and visa records.

2. Visa Application Evidence

1. Online Visa Application (ImmiAccount): The application for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) should be submitted online using ImmiAccount.
2. Visa Application Charge Receipt: Payment record of the applicable visa application charge as required by the Department of Home Affairs.

3. Purpose of Travel Documents

1. Travel Itinerary:  Details of proposed arrival and departure dates, accommodation, and what you would do during your time in Australia.
2. Invitation Letter (If Applicable): An invitation letter from an Australian host confirming the relationship, address, and purpose of the visit.

4. Financial Capacity Evidence

1. Proof of Funds: Recent bank statement, salary slip, or financial documentation proving you have enough money to cover travel and living expenses.
2. Financial Support Evidence (If Applicable): Evidence that shows you have financial assistance from an Australian host or sponsor (if relevant).

5. Evidence of Genuine Temporary Stay

1. Employment or Study Evidence: Documents verifying ongoing employment, business ownership, or enrolment, supporting the motive to return home.
2. Family or Asset Ties: Family ties, ownership of property, or other commitments in a country other than Australia indicate that you are likely to remain in Australia for a short period.

6. Health & Character Documents

1. Health Examination Records (If Requested): Health checks can be necessary depending on the history of travel, length of stay, or personal conditions.
2. Police Clearance Certificates (If Requested): Character documents may be asked to satisfy Australian immigration character requirements.

7. Additional Documents (If Applicable)

1. Sponsorship Evidence: Mandatory for Sponsored Family stream applicants, involving sponsorship approval where requested.
2. Consent for Minors (Form 1229): Mandatory if the applicant is under 18 and not traveling with both parents or a legal guardian.

Fees, Stay & Processing Time: Everything You Must Know 

All Streams & Subclasses	Ongoing Fees	Stay Duration
Tourist (Subclass 600)	AU$ 200	Up to 12 months
Business Visitor (Subclass 600)	AU$ 200	Up to 3 months
Sponsored Family (Subclass 600)	AU$ 200	Up to 12 months
Frequent Traveler (Subclass 600)	AU$ 1480	The visa can be valid  for up to 10 years and Stay up to 3 months each time you enter
Adequate Destination Status (Subclass 600)	AU$ 200	For the duration until the date the DHA specifies in your grant letter
Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601)	AU$ 20 (Service charge to use the Australian ETA app. (no additional cost)	Up to 3 months (at a time)
eVisitor(Subclass 651)	Free	Up to 3 months (at a time)

The time of processing totally depends on your visa type, application, and other personal conditions. So we recommend that you use the processing time calculator tool to get an idea. 

How migrateVerse Handles Your Visitor Visa Application? 

At migrateVerse, our team makes Visitor Visa applications easy, clear, accurate, and compliant, aligned with Australian immigration law. We guide you through each step nicely to improve your chances of a smooth visa process.

1️⃣ Eligibility Assessment

We analyse which Visitor Visa stream satisfies your travel intention and verify you meet Home Affairs requirements.

2️⃣ Document Guidance

We assist you with the exact documents required for your application, making sure they meet Australian DHA standards.

3️⃣ Application Preparation

Our expert team evaluates and organizes all forms and evidence to submit a complete and legal application.

4️⃣ Submission & Tracking 

We submit your application through ImmiAccount and track its overall progress, addressing any Home Affairs queries.

5️⃣ Outcome Support

Once a decision is finally made, we explain about visa conditions, validity, and offer guidance for future visits.

Why Choose migrateVerse For Visitor Visa Australia? 

Here are the top reasons why you should trust and choose us for a Visitor Visa Australia application: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)