Guide to Apply for a Subclass 600 Business Visitor Visa

The Subclass 600 Business Visitor stream allows international business people to visit Australia for short-term activities. Learn the eligibility criteria and application steps.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on Australian law and is not legal advice. Laws and policies change — contact Ebra Partners for advice specific to your situation.

What Is the Subclass 600 Business Visitor Visa?

The Subclass 600 Business Visitor Visa allows individuals to make short-term visits to Australia for specific business-related activities, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring potential business opportunities. This visa does not permit paid employment or any activity that would contribute to the local labour market, nor does it allow enrolment in any study program lasting more than three months.

If you are ineligible for visa-free travel or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and require formal authorisation to enter Australia, this visa may be the most appropriate option. You must meet certain financial, health, and character requirements.

How Long Can You Stay?

The length of stay is determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically, the visa allows visits of up to three months at a time, although some applicants may be granted a longer stay depending on their business activities and individual circumstances. The visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Costs and Processing Time

The cost of the Subclass 600 Business Visitor Visa is $195 AUD and does not include potential additional costs such as health checks, police certificates, or biometrics. This visa is designed specifically for those applying from outside Australia. Processing times vary — most applications (90%) are processed within 17 days, with 50% processed within 6 days.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must demonstrate that you are a genuine business visitor — your trip is solely for short-term business activities and you intend to return home after your visit.
• You must have sufficient funds to support your stay and cover related business and personal expenses.
• You must provide valid evidence of your business purpose, such as a letter of invitation from an Australian organisation or documentation supporting your planned activities.
• You must meet health and character requirements, including being free from criminal convictions that could disqualify you.
• You must not intend to engage in work outside approved business visitor activities.
• You should have no history of previous visa refusals or breaches of visa conditions.

Key Conditions of the Visa

• No work: You may attend business meetings, conferences, or negotiate contracts, but you cannot undertake paid or sustained work activities contributing to the local labour market.
• No study: You are only permitted to study for up to three months. If your intended study or training exceeds this period, you must apply for a Student Visa.
• Mandatory Departure: You must leave Australia on or before the expiry date specified in your visa grant notice. You cannot extend this visa.
• Health insurance: Depending on your circumstances, you may need adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Business Activities Allowed Under the Visa

• Attend conferences, trade fairs, or seminars
• Participate in business meetings or negotiations
• Investigate, negotiate, enter into, or review a business contract
• Explore potential business opportunities
• Conduct activities as part of official government visits
• Act as a representative of a foreign government

Reasons for Visa Rejection

• Incomplete or incorrect application
• Criminal record or character concerns
• Previous visa refusals
• Insufficient evidence of genuine business intent
• Failure to meet health or character requirements

Visitor Visa to Permanent Residency

The 600 Business Visitor Visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. This visa is strictly for temporary visits. If your long-term goal is to live and work in Australia, you will need to explore alternative visa options, such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.

Need personalised advice? Contact Ebra Partners on 1800 845 143 or visit us at 1059 Mt Alexander Road, Essendon VIC 3040 for a free initial consultation.