Official resources:
Visitor visa (subclass 600) •
eVisitor (651) •
ETA (601)
Visitor Visa 600 Australia (2025): Easy Guide to Streams, Requirements & FAQs
The Visitor Visa 600 Australia allows genuine visitors to come to Australia for tourism, to see family, or for short business activities. Depending on your stream and personal circumstances, the visa may be granted for 3, 6 or 12 months, sometimes with multiple entry. You must be a genuine visitor, have sufficient funds for your stay, and intend to depart before your visa expires.
Visitor Visa 600 Australia: Streams
- Tourist stream – Holiday, visit friends/family, or take a cruise. You can study for up to 3 months; you cannot work.
- Sponsored Family stream – Visit family when a suitable sponsor in Australia agrees to support your stay (a security bond may be requested).
- Business Visitor stream – Short business trips such as meetings, conferences, exploratory visits, or contract negotiations. No paid employment or selling to the public.
- Approved Destination Status (ADS) – For eligible tour-group travel arranged through registered operators (primarily for certain Chinese tour groups).
Key requirements (what case officers look for)
- Genuine visitor intent (temporary stay only; clear reason for travel).
- Ties to home country (employment, study, family, lease, property, obligations).
- Financial capacity (bank statements, pay slips, sponsor support if relevant).
- Health & character (health insurance recommended; health/bio may be requested).
- Travel history (previous compliant travel helps).
What you can and can’t do on a Visitor Visa 600
| Can do | Cannot do |
|---|---|
| Tourism, visit family/friends, attend business meetings or conferences. | Undertake paid work in Australia or provide services to/for the public. |
| Study or training for up to 3 months. | Study for more than 3 months (choose a student visa if needed). |
| Multiple entry if granted (check your grant letter). | Overstay your visa or breach conditions (this risks future visas). |
How long can I stay on a Visitor Visa 600?
Typical grant periods are 3, 6 or 12 months. The Department decides case-by-case; frequent or long stays can be restricted. Read your grant letter carefully for the stay period, entries allowed, and any “no further stay” condition.
Costs & processing time
Government charges vary by stream and can change. Processing time depends on your location, seasonality, security checks and the completeness of your application. Provide clear, decision-ready documents to avoid delays.
Visitor Visa 600: documents checklist
- Identity & travel: passport, photo, travel history, itinerary or tour booking.
- Funds: recent bank statements, payslips, sponsor support if applicable.
- Evidence of ties: employment letter/leave approval, enrolment, property/lease, family obligations.
- Visit purpose: invitations from family/business, conference registration, cruise booking, tour details (ADS).
- Health insurance (recommended for the full trip).
How to apply for the Visitor Visa 600
- Choose your stream (Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, ADS).
- Create/Log in to ImmiAccount and complete the online form honestly and fully.
- Upload documents that prove funds, ties, and genuine visitor intent.
- Pay the visa charge and submit; biometrics/health may be requested.
- Wait for a decision and comply with any requests for more information.
Refusals & appeals
If your Visitor Visa 600 is refused, your decision letter explains the reasons and whether you have review rights. Time limits for review are strict. See our guide on Visa Appeals Australia or speak with us promptly.
When to use a migration agent
Consider professional help if you have a complex history (previous refusals/overstays), limited travel history, unclear funds, or you need to visit for a sensitive reason (medical, family emergency, business deadlines). A well-prepared application that clearly addresses the genuine visitor requirement can make a real difference – and a successful visitor visa 600 Australia outcome!
Need help with your Visitor Visa 600 Australia?
Book a consultation — 22+ years of migration experience.
FAQs — Visitor Visa 600 Australia
Can I work on a Visitor Visa 600?
No. You can attend meetings or conferences (Business Visitor stream) but you cannot take paid work or provide services to the public while on a Visitor Visa 600 Australia.
Can I extend my stay?
You can’t “extend” the same visa, but you may be able to apply for another visa while onshore if your current visa doesn’t have a no further stay condition. Always follow the rules in your grant letter.
Do I need travel insurance?
It’s strongly recommended. Medical costs in Australia can be high, and insurance helps protect you against unexpected expenses.
How soon should I apply?
Apply as early as practical before your planned travel. Peak periods (school holidays, major events) can increase processing times.
What if my circumstances change?
Update your application promptly (e.g., itinerary changes, new passport). If you can’t travel, withdraw before a decision to avoid a refusal on record.
Note: Government charges, processing times and policy settings can change. Always read the latest official guidance and your visa grant letter.
Fee credited toward your visa process if you proceed