Guide to Apply for a 600 Visitor Visa in Australia

Thinking of visiting Australia for a holiday or to spend time with family and friends? The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa could be the right option for you.

This visa allows travellers to visit Australia temporarily for tourism or to see loved ones. Whether you’re planning to explore Australia’s iconic sights or reconnect with family, it’s important to understand what this visa offers, how to apply and the conditions you’ll need to meet.

What Is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?

The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is designed for people who want to visit Australia for a temporary stay. This visa is commonly used for tourism, allowing travellers to explore Australia’s attractions, visit family and friends or attend short-term events. It can also be used for certain business visitor activities, such as attending conferences or meetings, but it does not permit work or extended study.

This visa is suitable for individuals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and need formal approval to enter Australia. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including financial capacity, health, and character criteria.

How Long Can You Stay with the Subclass 600 Visa?

The length of stay granted under the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa varies depending on individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application based on the applicant’s purpose of travel, personal situation, and immigration history.

The exact length of stay is determined at the time of visa approval and will be outlined in the visa grant notice. It is important to comply with the visa conditions, as overstaying could affect future travel to Australia.

How Much Does the Subclass 600 Visa Cost?

The cost of the 600 Visitor Visa varies depending on where you submit your application. If you are applying from outside Australia, the base application fee starts at $195 whereas if you are applying from within Australia, the application fee starts at $490 due to additional processing requirements.

However, the total cost of the visa may vary depending on individual circumstances. In addition to the base application fee, applicants may be required to pay additional charges for certain requirements. These may include health examinations, which are necessary for individuals travelling from countries with specific health risks or for those planning an extended stay, and biometric data collection, such as fingerprinting and facial scans, which may be required for identity verification. Other potential costs could arise if further documentation, translations, or priority processing services are needed. It is advisable to review all applicable fees before lodging your application to ensure you are fully prepared for any additional expenses.

Eligibility for the Subclass 600 Visa

To apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, there are a few basic eligibility requirements:

You must be a genuine visitor, meaning you intend to stay temporarily and not overstay your visa.
You should have sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia and cover any expenses.
You need to be free from any criminal convictions that would disqualify you from obtaining a visa.
You must not have had any previous visa applications refused or denied.

Subclass 600 Visa Streams

The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa offers several streams, each designed for different travel purposes. It is important to understand which stream best suits your circumstances, as each has its own eligibility criteria, application requirements, costs and conditions. Choosing the correct stream ensures a smoother application process and compliance with Australian visa regulations.

1. Tourist Stream

The tourist stream is the most common option for individuals visiting Australia for leisure, sightseeing, or holidays. This stream is suitable for travellers who do not have sponsorship from family members in Australia and simply wish to explore the country’s attractions or visit friends.

2. Family Sponsored Stream

This stream is designed for individuals who want to visit family members in Australia. To apply under this stream, you must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your sponsor may be required to provide a financial bond as part of the application process.

3. Business Visitor Stream

The Business Visitor Stream is intended for individuals travelling to Australia for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. This visa does not permit any form of paid employment or commercial work while in Australia. Applicants must demonstrate that their visit is solely for business purposes.

4. Approved Destination Status Stream

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream is specifically for citizens of China who are visiting Australia as part of an officially approved guided tour. To qualify, applicants must be from an approved region in China and travel with a tour group recognised under this scheme.

5. Frequent Traveller Stream

The Frequent Traveller Stream is ideal for individuals who travel regularly to Australia for business or tourism. This visa allows multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, with each stay limited to a maximum of three months at a time. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including demonstrating a history of frequent travel.

Key Conditions of the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa

With the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, there are a few important conditions you must adhere to:

No work: You are not permitted to undertake any form of employment while in Australia.
No study: You cannot enrol in a full-time course of study that exceeds three months in duration. If you wish to study for a longer period, you may need to apply for a student visa.
Health insurance: Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay to cover any medical expenses.

Failure to comply with these conditions could affect your ability to apply for future visas.

Differences in Applying Inside vs Outside Australia

There are a few differences when applying for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa from within Australia compared to applying from overseas:

Eligibility:
- If applying from outside Australia, you must meet the standard eligibility requirements for the visa.
- If applying from within Australia, you must also hold a valid visa at the time of application. Certain visa conditions may prevent you from applying while onshore.
Costs:
- The visa application fee varies depending on where you apply from.
- Applications lodged outside Australia generally have a lower base fee, while applications submitted within Australia are subject to a higher fee due to additional processing requirements.
Processing Times:
- The time required to process your application depends on various factors, including the visa stream you apply under, the completeness of your application, and individual circumstances.
- Delays may occur if additional documents, health examinations, or character assessments are required.

Reasons for Visa Refusal

A Subclass 600 Visitor Visa application may be refused for several reasons, including:

Incomplete or incorrect application: Failure to provide the required documents, forms, or information may result in a visa refusal. Ensuring all details are accurate and complete is essential.
Criminal record: Applicants with a criminal history or character concerns may be deemed ineligible. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each case individually.
Previous visa refusals: If you’ve had a visa application refused in the past, it could affect your current application.
Failure to meet health or character requirements: Certain medical conditions or a failure to meet Australia’s character requirements could lead to a visa refusal. Health checks may be required depending on your country of residence and travel history.

Why Visit Australia and Choose Ebra Partners?

Australia is known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife and vibrant cities. Whether you’re looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef, discover the outback or enjoy the urban culture of cities like Sydney and Melbourne, there’s something for everyone.

Choosing a visitor visa agent like Ebra Partners ensures you get the personalised, professional help you need. With multilingual support and a team of experienced lawyers, we make the visa application process straightforward and stress-free. You can trust that we’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you avoid potential pitfalls that could delay or impact your travel plans.