The Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is Australia's main visa for tourists, family visitors, and short-term business travellers. Whether you're visiting family in Melbourne, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, or attending a business conference in Sydney, this is likely the visa you need.
Visa Streams
The Subclass 600 visa has several streams. The one you apply for depends on your reason for visiting:
| Stream | Purpose | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Holiday, recreation, visiting family/friends | 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Business Visitor | Attending meetings, conferences, negotiations | Up to 3 months |
| Sponsored Family | Visiting family who sponsor your application | Up to 12 months |
| Approved Destination Status (ADS) | Chinese nationals travelling with an ADS tour group | As per tour itinerary |
| Frequent Traveller | Regular business visitors needing multiple entries | Up to 10 years validity |
Most applicants use the Tourist stream. The Frequent Traveller stream is invitation-only.
Requirements
All Streams
Every Subclass 600 applicant must demonstrate:
- Genuine temporary entrant (GTE) — you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and will return home
- Financial capacity — sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (or evidence of support from a sponsor)
- Health — meet health requirements (medical examination may be required depending on nationality and stay length)
- Character — meet character requirements (police clearance may be requested)
- Valid passport — valid for the duration of your intended stay
- Health insurance — strongly recommended, though not always a formal condition
Evidence of Genuine Temporary Stay
This is where most applications succeed or fail. The Department looks at:
- Ties to your home country — employment, property, family obligations, ongoing education
- Travel history — have you travelled before and returned home?
- Financial situation — bank statements showing sufficient funds (typically 3–6 months)
- Purpose of visit — clear, specific itinerary or invitation from family/friends
- Immigration history — any previous visa refusals, overstays, or condition breaches
Financial Evidence
There is no fixed minimum amount, but as a general guide:
| Situation | Suggested Evidence |
|---|---|
| Self-funded tourist | Bank statements showing AUD $1,000–$1,500 per week of intended stay |
| Staying with family/friends | Lower threshold + statutory declaration from host confirming accommodation |
| Sponsored Family stream | Sponsor's income evidence + signed sponsorship undertaking (Form 1149) |
How to Apply
- Create an ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au
- Select Visitor visa (600) and the appropriate stream
- Complete the online application form
- Upload supporting documents (passport, photos, financial evidence, travel itinerary)
- Pay the application charge
- Wait for a decision — you can check status in ImmiAccount
Paper Applications
Some applicants in certain countries must lodge paper applications through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by VFS Global or TLS Contact. Check the Home Affairs website for country-specific lodgement instructions.
Common Visa Conditions
If your Visitor visa 600 is granted, it may include one or more of these conditions:
| Condition | Effect |
|---|---|
| 8101 | No work permitted |
| 8201 | Limited study (up to 3 months) |
| 8503 | No further stay — cannot apply for most visas onshore |
| 8558 | Stay limited to 12 months in any 18 months (rolling window) |
Not all grants include all conditions. Check your Visa Grant Notice or VEVO for your specific conditions.
If your visa includes Condition 8558, use our 8558 Visa Conditions Calculator to track your permitted stay.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Tourist stream (as of early 2026):
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Straightforward (low risk) | 15–30 days |
| Complex (additional checks) | 1–3 months |
| Sponsored Family stream | 2–4 months |
| ADS stream | 2–4 weeks |
These are indicative only. Current processing times are published on the Home Affairs website.
Common Reasons for Refusal
| Reason | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Not a genuine temporary entrant | The Department believes you intend to stay permanently |
| Insufficient funds | Your financial evidence didn't demonstrate you can support yourself |
| Inadequate ties to home country | No employment, property, or family obligations pulling you back |
| Character concerns | Criminal history or prior immigration breaches |
| Incomplete application | Missing documents or information |
If your application is refused, you will receive a written decision with reasons. In most cases, there is no merits review for Visitor visa refusals made outside Australia.
Practical Tips
- Apply early — at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date
- Provide comprehensive documents upfront rather than waiting for the Department to request them
- Include a cover letter explaining your purpose of visit, itinerary, and why you will return home
- Be honest — misrepresentation is a serious offence under the Migration Act and can result in a 3-year or 10-year ban
Official Resources
- Subclass 600 Visitor visa — Home Affairs
- ImmiAccount — Apply online
- Processing times
- VEVO — Check visa conditions
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa fees, processing times, and requirements change regularly. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs.