Australia is a popular travel destination, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or to see family, the Visitor Visa 600 (subclass 600) is your gateway to experiencing this beautiful country. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of applying for the Visitor Visa 600, including its requirements, application process, conditions, fees, and much more.
The Visitor Visa 600, also known as the Visitor Visa Subclass 600, allows foreign nationals to travel to Australia for a short stay for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa is ideal for those who wish to explore Australia’s natural beauty, attend business meetings or conferences, or visit relatives or friends.
The Visitor Visa 600 is offered in different streams, including the Tourist stream, Business Visitor stream, and Family-sponsored stream. Each stream serves a specific purpose and has its own set of eligibility requirements and conditions.
For individuals who wish to visit Australia for tourism or recreational purposes, including vacations, sightseeing, or short-term visits to family and friends.
For businesspeople who need to travel to Australia for short-term business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or attending conferences.
This stream is designed for individuals who are visiting family members in Australia. The applicant must be sponsored by a relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Before you apply for the Visitor Visa 600, it’s crucial to understand the key requirements you need to meet. These requirements can vary depending on the stream you are applying for.
Genuine intention to visit: You must prove that you intend to stay temporarily in Australia and that you have no plans to overstay or work during your visit.
Financial capacity: You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your stay in Australia.
Health and character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements. You may be asked to undergo a medical examination or provide police certificates.
Tourist Stream: Evidence of your travel plans and accommodation arrangements in Australia.
Business Visitor Stream: Evidence of your business activities, such as invitations or contracts for meetings, conferences, or business negotiations.
Family-Sponsored Stream: Proof of your relationship with the sponsor and their ability to support you during your stay in Australia.
The process of applying for the Visitor Visa 600 is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure that you provide the correct documentation and meet all eligibility requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Australian Visitor Visa 600.
The first step in the application process is to fill out the correct form. You will need to complete the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 form online or on paper. The online process is more streamlined and quicker, so it’s recommended to apply online through the Australian Visitor Visa Form 600 portal.
Once you’ve filled out the application form, you’ll need to gather the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents will depend on the stream you’re applying for, but common documents include:
A valid passport
Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, pay slips)
Health and character documents (medical reports, police certificates)
A letter of invitation (for family-sponsored or business streams)
Travel itinerary and accommodation details
Evidence of your return to your home country (e.g., return flight tickets)
Once you’ve completed the visitor visa 600 application form and gathered all the required documents, it’s time to submit your application. You can submit it online via the Department of Home Affairs website or by post. If you’re submitting your application online, you’ll need to pay the Visitor Visa 600 application fee at the time of submission.
The visitor visa 600 application fee varies depending on the stream you are applying for. It’s important to check the current fees on the official website as they may change over time. For example, the Tourist stream usually has a lower fee compared to the Business Visitor stream.
After submission, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. The processing time for the Visitor Visa 600 can vary, but it typically takes anywhere from 15 days to several months, depending on the stream, your application’s complexity, and whether you need to provide additional information or attend an interview.
If your application is approved, you will receive your Visitor Visa 600, which will be linked electronically to your passport. The visa will have specific visitor visa 600 conditions, such as the duration of stay (usually up to 3, 6, or 12 months), travel restrictions, and whether or not you’re allowed to work while in Australia.
The Visitor Visa 600 conditions vary based on the visa stream and the applicant’s specific circumstances. Below are some common conditions you may find attached to your visa:
No work conditions: Visitors are not allowed to work while holding the Visitor Visa 600.
Stay limit: The visa may specify the duration of your stay in Australia, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months.
Travel restrictions: Some Visitor Visa 600 holders may be restricted to certain regions or require approval to travel outside of Australia.
The length of stay permitted under the visitor visa subclass 600 depends on the stream you’ve applied under and your individual circumstances. Generally, the visa is granted for up to 3, 6, or 12 months. In some cases, you may be able to apply for an extension if you need to stay longer, although this is not guaranteed.
Yes, it’s possible to extend your Visitor Visa 600, but the approval is not automatic. You will need to apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires and demonstrate that you still meet the eligibility requirements. Extensions are usually granted for short periods, and you may need to provide new evidence of your financial capacity, health, and character.
If you're a parent looking to visit your children in Australia, you can apply for the Visitor Visa 600 for parents under the Family-sponsored stream. To apply, your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and they must act as your sponsor for the visa application. You will also need to provide proof of your relationship with your child and meet the other general visa requirements.
The Visitor Visa 600 application fee varies depending on the type of visa stream you choose. As of 2025, the fees can range from AUD 145 to AUD 365, with additional costs for any dependents or supplementary services (such as expedited processing or medical examinations). Ensure that you check the latest fees before applying, as they can change over time.
No, the Visitor Visa 600 conditions typically prohibit visitors from working in Australia. However, you can engage in certain activities such as volunteering, as long as it doesn't affect the primary purpose of your visit.
The processing time for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 can vary, but it generally takes between 15 days to several months. Check the current processing time on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Yes, the Australian visitor visa form 600 can be completed and submitted online via the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Conditions may include a maximum stay of 3, 6, or 12 months, no working rights, and specific travel restrictions. Ensure that you check the conditions attached to your visa once it's approved.
Applying for the Visitor Visa 600 can be a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Whether you're traveling to Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family, this visa allows you to explore the country for a short stay. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring that you understand the requirements, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful application.
