Choose the right visitor visa for tourism, family visits, or short-term business travel.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — Travel to Australia Temporarily
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows people to travel to Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business visitor activities.
This visa is suitable for applicants who are not eligible for electronic visitor options such as the ETA (601) or eVisitor (651), or who need a longer or more flexible stay.
What Is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is Australia’s main visitor visa for short-term stays. It is commonly used by travellers visiting Australia for holidays, to see family members, or to attend business meetings or conferences.
This visa does not allow ongoing work and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine temporary visitors and intend to leave Australia before the visa expires.
Visitor Visa Streams Explained
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) has several streams depending on the purpose of travel.
Tourist Stream
For people travelling to Australia for holidays, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.
This stream is suitable for both onshore and offshore applicants, depending on current visa status and conditions.
Sponsored Family Stream
For applicants visiting family members in Australia who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and are willing to act as sponsors.
This stream may require additional security or assurance requirements.
Business Visitor Stream
For people travelling to Australia for short-term business visitor activities such as meetings, negotiations, trade events, or conferences.
This stream does not permit paid work or ongoing employment in Australia.
How Long Can You Stay on a Visitor Visa?
Stay periods vary depending on individual circumstances and assessment outcomes. Common stay periods include:
• Up to 3 months
• Up to 6 months
• In limited cases, up to 12 months
Some visitor visas may be granted with a No Further Stay condition, which restricts onshore visa applications. It is important to understand visa conditions before lodging.
Who Can Apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
• Be a genuine temporary entrant
• Have sufficient funds to support their stay
• Have a clear purpose for visiting Australia
• Meet health and character requirements
• Intend to leave Australia before the visa expires
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval. Each application is assessed individually.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a Visitor Visa
Most Visitor Visas do not allow work in Australia.
Permitted activities may include:
• Tourism and holidays
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending conferences or meetings
• Short-term business visitor activities
Not permitted:
• Paid employment
• Ongoing business operations
• Study exceeding permitted durations
Breaching visa conditions can affect future visa applications.
Common Reasons Visitor Visas Are Refused
Visitor visa refusals often occur due to:
• Insufficient evidence of genuine temporary intent
• Weak financial evidence
• Inconsistent travel history
• Unclear purpose of visit
• Previous visa breaches
Preparing the application correctly reduces refusal risk.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) FAQs
Can I apply for this visa while in Australia? Some applicants may apply onshore depending on their current visa and conditions.
Can I extend my stay on a Visitor Visa?
Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on visa conditions and circumstances.
Does this visa lead to permanent residency?
No. The Visitor Visa is a temporary visa and does not provide a direct PR pathway.
What documents do I need?
Customarily, you’ll need a valid passport, a visa application form, and possibly proof of financial stability or connections back home. Each country may have specific requirements that need to be met, so check our detailed lists.
How long does processing take?
Processing times can vary based on the country and time of year. Typically, it may take several weeks. To avoid delays, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Can I extend my visitor visa?
Extensions for visitor visas are often possible, but you must meet certain criteria and apply before your current visa expires. Ensure you have all necessary documents and check the procedures for the country you’re in.
What if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can often appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the reasons for denial. Understanding the specific reasons can help you better prepare your next application.
Can I include family members in my application?
Each applicant must usually lodge a separate application.
Is health insurance required?
Health insurance is often recommended for visitors to cover potential medical costs. Check if it is mandatory for your destination—some countries require it for visa approval.
What activities can I do?
While on a visitor visa, your activities may be limited. Commonly permitted activities include tourism and visiting family, but always read your visa terms to avoid any violations.
How do I check my application status?
To track your application, visit the official government website or contact the visa processing center. Having your application reference number handy can speed up the inquiry process.
Need Help With a Visitor Visa Application?
Choosing the correct visitor visa and preparing a genuine application can significantly improve approval chances. We can assess your situation and guide you through the process.