Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world—famous for its breathtaking coastlines, iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality. From the serene shores of Bondi Beach to the red sands of Uluru and the cultural experiences in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the country offers something for every traveler.
 

Whether you're planning a scenic road trip, attending a family event, exploring potential business opportunities, or simply enjoying a holiday filled with adventure and wildlife, an Australia Visit Visa is your legal entry point to it all. This visa ensures a smooth, authorized stay and is essential for anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
 

With flexible durations, streamlined online applications, and one of the highest approval rates globally, the Australia Tourist Visa is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitor needs—making travel safe, easy, and enjoyable. Whether it's your first visit or a return journey, this visa helps you experience Australia with confidence and peace of mind.
 

Australia Tourist Visa– Key Highlights

• 91% Approval Rate: 2.5M+ visitor visas granted in early 2024–25
•  Ready: High demand expected for Australia Visitor Visa– apply early for smooth travel
• Flexible Stays: Visit up to 12 months for tourism, family, or short business trips
• Simple Online Process: Apply easily via official ImmiAccount portal
• Multiple Visa Options: Subclass 600, ETA 601, or eVisitor 651 available based on your nationality

If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need a visa to enter, live, or travel within Australia. However, for those with dual nationality or permanent residency, certain travel document requirements must be met before departing or re-entering the country.
 

For Australian Citizens:

• You must travel with an Australian passport.
• Using a foreign passport to enter Australia, even as a dual citizen, can result in entry delays or the need to apply for a visa unnecessarily.
   

For Australian Permanent Residents:

• Permanent residents must hold a valid Resident Return Visa (RRV – subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia after overseas travel.
• Without a valid RRV, you may not be allowed back into Australia as a permanent resident and may have to apply for another visa or risk losing your residency status.
• An RRV is typically valid for up to 5 years, depending on your ties to Australia (e.g., time spent residing or family connections).
   

Important Notes:

• If you're a citizen of New Zealand living in Australia, different rules may apply. You may be granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) automatically on arrival, allowing you to reside and work.
• Always check your travel documents and visa status before leaving the country to avoid re-entry issues.
   

Ensuring your documents are current and compliant with immigration rules not only prevents disruptions but also helps you maintain your residency or citizenship privileges without complications.
 

*Want to migrate to Australia? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

Types of Australian Visit Visa

Australia offers several visitor visa categories under Subclass 600 to suit different travel purposes. Each stream within the subclass is tailored to the traveler’s intent—whether for tourism, business, or family visits. These visas help ensure lawful entry, clearly define your permitted activities, and determine the length of your stay.
 

Tourist Visitor (Subclass 600 – Tourist Stream)

The Tourist Visitor stream is designed for people who wish to visit Australia for:

• Holidays and sightseeing
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Other recreational activities, such as attending cultural or social events
   

This visa allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, based on your travel history, application strength, and the discretion of the case officer. You can apply either from outside Australia or, in some cases, from within the country if you are already on a temporary visa.
 

Key Features:

• Cannot engage in paid work
• May study or train for up to 3 months
• Multiple-entry options available for frequent travelers
   

Business Visitor (Subclass 600 – Business Visitor Stream)

The Business Visitor stream is intended for individuals coming to Australia for short-term, non-work-related business activities. This includes:

• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Participating in trade negotiations
• Exploring investment or business opportunities
   

It is important to note that this visa does not allow the sale of goods or services, nor does it permit full employment in Australia.
 

Key Features:

• Typically valid for up to 3 months
• Cannot be used for formal employment or work contracts
• Must demonstrate genuine business purpose and financial backing
   

This visa is ideal for business professionals looking to explore Australia’s commercial landscape without engaging in hands-on work.

Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 600 – Sponsored Family Stream)

The Sponsored Family stream is for travelers who plan to visit close family members in Australia and require a formal sponsorship from their Australian relative. This visa may be requested by the Department of Home Affairs when there is a need to strengthen ties and ensure the visitor leaves Australia on time. Who can Sponsor:
 

• Australian citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Eligible New Zealand citizens
   

Key Features:

• The sponsor may be asked to provide a security bond (AUD 5,000–15,000), refundable upon the visitor’s timely departure

Note: Each of these visa streams plays a specific role in ensuring travel to Australia is well-regulated, convenient, and aligned with the traveler’s purpose. Whether you’re a tourist, business professional, or visiting family, there’s a pathway to suit your needs.

Australia Visitor Visa Options: ETA 601, eVisitor 651, and Visitor 600

Australia offers several visitor visa options depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and how long you wish to stay. Below is a comparison of the three main visa types to help you choose the right one for your travel plans.

Visa Type	Eligibility	Cost	Validity	Typical Processing Time*
ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601)	Available to passport holders from selected countries (mainly non-EU, including the US, Canada, Singapore, Japan, among others). Application must be made via the Australian ETA app outside Australia.	AUD 20 service fee (no separate application charge).	Valid for 12 months with multiple entries; stay up to 3 months each visit.	Often very fast, sometimes within minutes, but may take longer if further checks are required.
eVisitor (subclass 651)	Available to citizens of eligible European Union and European Economic Area countries applying from outside Australia.	Free (no visa application charge).	Valid for 12 months with multiple entries; stay up to 3 months each visit.	Generally fast; most are processed quickly, but times can vary depending on application volumes.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)	Open to applicants from any country, including those not eligible for ETA or eVisitor. Streams include Tourist, Business Visitor, and Sponsored Family.	From AUD 145 if applying outside Australia; from AUD 365 if applying inside Australia.	Usually granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the stream and individual circumstances.	Varies; many are processed within a few weeks, though times differ based on case complexity and peak periods.

Benefits of an Australian Tourist Visa

• Extended Stay Options: Depending on the visa type, visitors can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
• Multiple Entries: Some visas allow multiple entries, enabling travelers to leave and re-enter Australia during the visa's validity.
• Flexibility: Visas cater to various purposes, including tourism, visiting family, or short-term business activities.
• Online Application: Most tourist visas can be applied for online, streamlining the process.
• Support Services: Applicants have access to resources and assistance throughout the visa application process
   

Eligibility for an Australian Visit Visa

To be eligible for an Australian Tourist Visa, applicants must:

• Have a Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
• Be a Genuine Visitor: Intend to stay temporarily in Australia for tourism, visiting family, or business purposes.
• Have Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate the financial means to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey.
• Meet Health and Character Requirements: Undergo necessary health examinations and provide police certificates if required.
• Have No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government: Settle any debts before applying for a visa.
   

Australia Visit Visa Requirements

Here’s a comprehensive Australia Visit Visa checklist to help you gather the necessary documents and complete the application process smoothly: 

• Completed Visa Application Form: Filled accurately with all required information.
• Valid Passport: A copy of the biographical page of your passport.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as per specifications.
• Financial Documents: Bank statements, payslips, or other evidence of sufficient funds.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned activities in Australia.

Health and Character Documents: Medical examinations and police certificates, if requested.

What are the current Australia visit visa charges?

There are different types of visit visas available for individuals looking to visit Australia for tourism, family visits, or business. The current Australia visit visa charges depend on the type of visa that you are applying for and the duration of your stay.

Below are the current Australia visit visa charges:         

Visa Type	Fee for Applicants Outside Australia	Fee for Applicants Inside Australia	Duration
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)	AUD 150	AUD 375	Up to 12 months (depending on the visa grant)
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)	AUD 150	AUD 375	3, 6, or 12 months (depending on the purpose)
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)	AUD 20	N/A	Up to 3 months
eVisitor (Subclass 651)	Free	N/A	Up to 3 months
Transit Visa (Subclass 771)	AUD 20	N/A	Typically 72 hours
Family Sponsored Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)	AUD 150	N/A	Up to 12 months

How to Apply for an Australia Visitor Visa?

The application process for an Australian visitor visa is straightforward and managed online through the Department of Home Affairs. Below are the key steps you will follow when lodging your application.

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount

Start by creating or logging in to your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. This is the official portal for lodging and managing your visa application.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Select the appropriate visitor visa type (subclass 600, 601, or 651) and fill in all required details, including your travel plans, personal information, and supporting circumstances.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Attach required documents such as your passport bio page, evidence of funds, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to your home country. Ensure all documents are clear and legible to avoid delays.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Charge

Pay the relevant visa fee online using a valid payment method. Some visas, like the eVisitor (651), do not carry a charge, while others, such as the Visitor visa (600), have set fees.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics (if requested)

If you are applying from a country where biometrics are required, you will receive instructions after lodgement. You must book an appointment at a designated Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC).

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. You may be asked for further information or health checks if required. Once a decision is made, you will be notified through your ImmiAccount, and your visa details can be checked using the VEVO system.

How to Check the Status of Your Australia Visit Visa?

Checking the status of your Australia visit visa is an essential part of the application process. Here’s how you can track your visa status:

Step 1: Log into ImmiAccount

Visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website and log into your ImmiAccount.

Step 2: Access "My Applications”

Go to the "My Applications" section to view the status of your visa application.

Step 3: Receive Visa Outcome Notification

Check your email or ImmiAccount for the visa grant notification if approved.

Step 4: Use VEVO

For granted visas, check visa details and conditions through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) using your passport or visa grant number.

Step 5: Contact the Visa Office

 If you can’t access the status, contact the Australian visa office with your application details.

How to Apply for an Australian Visit Visa for Parents?

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure your parents meet the criteria for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and that they are able to visit Australia for tourism or family visit purposes.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather essential documents such as their valid passports, financial proof (to show they can support themselves), health insurance, invitation letter from the sponsoring child, and proof of family relationship.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) application form online through the official ImmiAccount platform.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

• Make the visa application payment, which depends on the visa type and processing speed.

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Submit the completed application and documents via the ImmiAccount online portal.

Step 6: Provide Biometrics and Attend Interview (If Required)

• Some applicants may need to provide biometrics or attend an interview depending on individual circumstances.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Monitor the visa application status online or via email until the final decision is made.

Australia Visit Visa Processing Time 

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances:

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream: 50% of applications processed in 13 days; 90% in 27 days.
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Business Visitor stream: 50% in 39 days; 90% in 87 days.
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Sponsored Family stream: 50% in 24 days; 90% in 36 days.

Note: Processing times are subject to change and can be influenced by factors such as application volume and completeness.

Fees for Australia visit visa

Below are the Australia visit visa processing cost: 

Visa Type	Visa Fee (AUD)
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)	AUD 145
Tourist Stream (subclass 600)	AUD 145
Sponsored Family Stream (subclass 600)	AUD 145
Transit Visa (subclass 771)	AUD 70
eVisitor (subclass 651)	Free
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)	AUD 20

How to Avoid Delays in Your Australia Visitor Visa Application?

Submitting a complete, “decision-ready” application is the best way to avoid processing delays.

Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Submit a complete application

Ensure all details are accurate and consistent with your passport. Attach required documents such as your travel itinerary, proof of identity, and any supporting evidence.

• Provide evidence of ties to your home country

Include payslips, employer leave letters, enrollment certificates, or family documents that show you intend to return home after your visit.

• Show proof of sufficient funds

Attach recent bank statements or financial records demonstrating you can cover your expenses during your stay in Australia.

• Include your travel history

Document previous international trips to strengthen your application and establish credibility.

• Translate documents properly

Any non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations that clearly identify the translator and their qualifications.

• Apply through ImmiAccount and stay responsive

Lodge your application online, agree to electronic communication, and check your account regularly. Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Navigating the visa application process can be complex. Y-Axis offers comprehensive support to ensure a smooth experience:

• Expert Guidance: Receive personalized advice on selecting the appropriate visa type.
• Document Preparation: Assistance in compiling and reviewing necessary documentation.
• Application Support: Step-by-step help in completing and submitting your application.
• Updates and Follow-Up: Regular updates on your application status and liaison with immigration authorities if needed.
• Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance about visit visa

With Y-Axis, you can confidently plan your Australian journey, knowing that experienced professionals are guiding you every step of the way.