Planning a short-term visit to Australia, whether for leisure, family time, or business discussions, starts with choosing the right visa. The visitor visa subclass 600 is one of the most commonly used Australian visas, offering flexibility for different travel purposes. This visa allows eligible travellers to visit Australia temporarily while meeting specific conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.

What Is A Visitor Visa Subclass 600?

The visa subclass 600 is a temporary visa for Australia that is meant to be used by individuals who plan to visit Australia for a short period. It includes tourism, visiting family/friends, short business trips, and other approved travel plans. The visa is not for long-term work, but may allow some business work based on the stream.

The visitor visa subclass 600 may be issued with a duration of three months to up to twelve months according to the circumstances of the applicant, the history of travelling, and the chosen stream. The visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry, based on assessment.

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Streams

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) has various streams that will match different travel purposes. Hence, applicants are allowed to select the one that will best suit them, depending on their purpose of visiting Australia.

1] Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia)

This tourist visa subclass 600 is applicable for individuals outside of Australia who are applying to visit friends and relatives, sightseeing or on holiday. The applicants have to show that they have a true desire to remain temporarily and adequate finances to fund their visit. This is the option usually used when travelling for leisure and short family visits.

Duration: Up to 3 to 12 months

2] Tourist Stream (apply in Australia / onshore)

The tourist visa 600 is applied for when the applicant is already in Australia and on another valid visa. Visitors usually use this stream to extend their tourism or business time in the country without leaving the country. During the application, they should undergo health and character requirements.

Duration: Up to 12 months

3] Business Visitor Stream

The Visa 600 business visitor stream allows short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. This stream does not allow paid employment or selling products and services to the public. It will be perfect for professionals who are in Australia and attending events or discussions.

Duration: Up to 3 months

4] Sponsored Family Stream

The 600 visa-sponsored family stream is for people visiting family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. The visitor might be requested to show a security bond by the sponsor, which has to fulfil particular requirements as the visitor travels. This stream is more strictly evaluated to verify real family ties.

Duration: Up to 12 months

5] Frequent Traveller Stream

The visitor subclass 600 of the frequent traveller stream is created to offer citizens of certain countries the opportunity to travel to Australia frequently due to business or personal purposes. It typically gives a long validity life with numerous entries, but every stay is typically restricted to three months. Business executives and frequent travellers usually use this stream.

Duration: Up to 10 years.

6] Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream

The tourist visa 600 requirements under the ADS stream apply mainly to Chinese passport holders travelling in organised tour groups approved by Australian authorities. Under bilateral agreements, this stream facilitates group travel.

Duration: Up to 12 months

Tourist Visa 600: Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents

Meeting the tourist visa Australia requirements is essential for a successful application. Candidates must show that they are legitimate tourists who intend to depart Australia prior to the expiration of their visa.

1. Identity Documents

For documentation, the visitor visa Australia checklist generally includes:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate and/or Driver’s License
  • National ID
  • Marriage certificate for candidates who changed their last name

2. Evidence Of Employment, Study, or Home Ties

If employed:

  • Certificate of employment
  • Recent payslips
  • Approved leave of absence

If you are self-employed:

  • Business permits and registrations
  • DTI/SEC documents
  • Mayor’s permit
  • Proof of income

If you are a student:

  • School ID
  • Enrollment certificate
  • Proof of upcoming classes
  • A letter from the school attesting to the fact that they are aware of the applicant’s temporary absence, that their enrolment will continue to be active during this time, and that they will eventually return.

If retired:

  • Pension documents
  • Retirement certificates

3. Proof Of Financial Capacity

You must show that you are able to cover the cost of your travel without using government assistance or staying longer than necessary. Your ability to pay should be sufficient to cover:

  • Airfare
  • Accommodation
  • Food
  • Local Transportation
  • Daily Expenses

Strong financial documents include:

  • Bank statements (3-6 months with consistent deposit or savings activity
  • Payslips
  • Certificate of Employment
  • Employment contract
  • ITR or Income Tax Return
  • Business documents (if you are self-employed)
  • Credit card statements
  • Savings accounts or time deposits

4. Proof Of Strong Home Ties

Apart from employment, educational, or commercial proof, you can also provide:

  • Property titles
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Business ownership papers
  • Family responsibilities (ex., children’s birth certificates)

5. Proof Of Purpose Of Visit

Documents that correspond with your travel narrative should amply support your goal.

For tourists:

  • Itinerary (flexible or planned)
  • Hotel bookings
  • Tour confirmations

Visiting family or friends:

  • Invitation letter
  • Copy the Australian visa or passport of the person inviting you
  • Relationship evidence (photos, conversations, etc.)

Event to attend:

  • Event invitation
  • Booking records

6. Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the circumstances, you might also incorporate:

  • Previous passports showing travel history
  • Prior visa approvals and stamps
  • A clear explanation or cover letter
  • NBI clearance (if requested)
  • Results of Medical exam (if required)

7. If You Have a Sponsor in Australia

Your application may be strengthened by the following documents if an Australian is funding your trip:

  • Invitation letter
  • Payslips
  • Bank statements
  • Employment letter
  • Proof of Australian citizenship or visa
  • Evidence of your relationship

Having a proper visitor visa 600 checklist can also minimise the chances of delays or rejection because of the lack of necessary information.

What Is The Processing Time For A Tourist Visa 600 In Australia?

The tourist visa Australia processing time varies according to the stream, location of application and personal situations. Online applications that are submitted with proper documents are usually processed faster.

The average Australia visitor visa processing time is between a few weeks and a couple of months. Peak travel seasons, extra document requests, and background checks are among the factors that can influence timelines.

Visa Stream 50% Application 90% Application
Business Visitor Stream 7 Days 18 Days
Sponsored Family Stream 45 Days 84 Days
Tourist Stream 12 Days 29 Days

The 600 visa processing time is usually checked by the applicants to determine the real dates when they can travel, and it saves them the hassle of having to travel at the last minute.

Cost Breakdown For The Subclass 600 Visa

Before starting the application process, it is necessary to know the 600 visa fee. It will depend on the stream taken and whether the application is submitted online or offline.

The standard visitor visa 600 fee begins at a minimum cost, which has been established by the Australian government, and the cost may be increased by an extra fee due to a longer duration of stay or sponsored applications.

Visa Stream Costs
Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia) AUD200.00
Tourist Stream (apply in Australia / onshore) AUD500.00
Business Visitor Stream AUD200.00
Sponsored Family Stream AUD200.00
Frequent Traveller Stream AUD1,480.00
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream AUD200.00

The subclass 600 visa fee is not refundable, regardless of whether the application is rejected. Hence, precision and completed documents are essential when making an application.

How To Apply For A Visitor Visa 600 Subclass

The Australia tourist visa application process is mostly completed online through the official immigration portal. The applicants are required to open an account, choose the right stream and submit all the necessary documents. Steps typically include:

  • Create an Online ImmiAccount- You should create an online account to initiate, file and monitor your visa application on the official Australian immigration portal.
  • Complete the Application Form- Fill the application form with the correct personal, travelling and background information as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Upload Supporting Documents- Attach all necessary documents that you may have regarding your application, and to prove that you qualify as per the visa requirements.
  • Pay the Visa Fee- Submit the applicable visa fee online to allow your application to move forward for assessment.
  • Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required)- Go to the designated centre to give biometrics in case needed during the application.
  • Wait for the Visa Decision- Check your ImmiAccount to see that immigration authorities are processing and finalising your application.

Ensuring consistency between documents and application details improves approval chances.

Start Your Visitor Visa Application With Immigration Agent Perth!

Applying for a visitor visa can feel overwhelming, especially when rules and documentation requirements change frequently. Working with experienced Immigration Agents Perth can make the process smoother and more reliable.

Our registered immigration consultant Perth can assess your profile, choose the right stream, and prepare your application to meet current immigration standards.

Professional immigration services Perth also help minimise errors, reduce delays, and improve approval prospects. Starting your application with our trusted immigration experts in Perth can be a smart first step toward a successful Australian visit.

FAQs

Depending on the grant, the stay period can be up to 3, 6, or 12 months.

No, paid work is not permitted on a visitor visa 600. Only limited business visitor activities are allowed under specific streams.

Tourist visa subclass 600 is available to most nationalities, while eVisitor visas are limited to passport holders from certain countries.

Entry rights depend on whether your visa is granted as a single-entry or multiple-entry.

Yes, you definitely need a financier for this.

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