Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family. This visa is suitable for those who do not qualify for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa.
Overview
he Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) permits short-term stays in Australia for various purposes, including:
Tourism: Holidaying, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
Business Visitor Activities: Making business inquiries, attending conferences, or negotiations.
Visiting Family: For those sponsored by an eligible family member in Australia.
The visa does not permit work or the sale of goods or services directly to the public.
🧾 Visa Streams
Tourist Stream:
Purpose: For tourism or visiting friends and family.
Application: Can be applied for from within or outside Australia.
Stay Duration: Up to 12 months.
Business Visitor Stream:
Purpose: For business-related visits, such as attending conferences or meetings.
Application: Must be applied for from outside Australia.
Stay Duration: Up to 3 months.
Sponsored Family Stream:
Purpose: For visiting family members in Australia who are willing to sponsor the applicant.
Application: Must be applied for from outside Australia.
Requirements: A formal sponsorship by an eligible family member is necessary.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Genuine Temporary Entrant: Applicants must demonstrate the intention to stay temporarily in Australia.
Financial Capacity: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the stay and departure.
Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards set by the Australian government.
Health Insurance: While not mandatory, it is recommended to have adequate health insurance for the duration of the stay.
💰 Visa Fees
Visa application charges vary based on the stream and applicant’s circumstances. As of the latest update:
Base Application Charge: AUD 150.
Additional Applicant Charges:
18 and over: AUD 150.
Under 18: AUD 75.
⏳ Processing Times
Processing times can vary based on the stream and individual circumstances. As of the latest data:
Tourist Stream (Outside Australia):
75% of applications: Processed within 20 days.
90% of applications: Processed within 29 days.
Business Visitor Stream:
75% of applications: Processed within 10 days.
90% of applications: Processed within 17 days.
Sponsored Family Stream:
75% of applications: Processed within 50 days.
90% of applications: Processed within 60 days.
Processing times are subject to change and can be influenced by various factors, including the completeness of the application and the volume of applications received.
📌 Important Considerations
No Work Rights: The Visitor Visa does not permit the holder to work in Australia.
No Extension: Extensions are not typically granted. If a longer stay is desired, a new visa application must be submitted.
Overstaying Consequences: Remaining in Australia beyond the visa validity can lead to detention, removal, and future visa refusals.