Visitor Visa

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. It offers flexibility in travel duration and purpose.

Key Streams of Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

1. Tourist Stream

   • For those visiting Australia for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.
   • Can be applied onshore (within Australia) or offshore (outside Australia).

2. Business Visitor Stream

   • For individuals visiting for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or exploring business opportunities.
   • Not intended for work or selling goods/services in Australia.

3. Sponsored Family Stream

   • For individuals visiting family in Australia with a formal sponsorship from an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident.
   • Requires a bond payment from the sponsor as financial security.

4. Approved Destination Status Stream

   • For citizens of specific countries traveling in organized tour groups to Australia.
   • Available to applicants from China under specific arrangements.

5. Frequent Traveller Stream

   • For business or tourism purposes for frequent travelers, generally aimed at Chinese nationals.
   • Offers long-term multiple-entry options.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Genuine Temporary Visitor (GTV) Requirement

   • Demonstrate the intention to visit temporarily and leave Australia at the end of the visa validity period.

2. Financial Capacity

   • Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

3. Health and Character Requirements

   • Meet health and character standards, including police clearance and medical exams if required.

4. Specific Requirements by Stream

   • Sponsored Family Stream: Requires a sponsor and may involve a security bond.
   • Business Visitor Stream: Provide documentation of business activities and purpose of the visit.

Visa Duration and Validity

• Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry: Grants either a single visit or multiple entries.
• Stay Period: Typically allows stays of 3, 6, or 12 months, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Validity: Can be valid for up to 12 months or longer for frequent traveler streams.

Costs

• Tourist Stream (Offshore): From AUD 150.
• Tourist Stream (Onshore): From AUD 380.
• Other Streams: Costs vary based on stream and specific circumstances.

Application Process

1. Prepare Documents

   • Passport copy.
   • Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, employment letter, or sponsor support).
   • Travel itinerary (flights, accommodation, etc.).
   • Invitation letter (if applicable).

2. Lodge Application

   • Submit the visa application online via ImmiAccount, or on paper in specific cases.

3. Wait for Decision

   • Processing times vary but are generally 2–28 days, depending on the stream.

4. Travel to Australia

   • Once the visa is approved, comply with all visa conditions during your stay.

Benefits

• Flexible travel durations for various purposes.
• Allows family inclusion in specific streams.
• Provides access to short-term business or tourism opportunities.

Restrictions

• Work Prohibited: This visa does not permit employment in Australia.
• Study Limitation: Study for up to 3 months only.
• No Extension: Must leave Australia at the end of the visa period unless another valid visa is granted.