Australia/Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Requirements

Complete guide to Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) requirements for tourism, family visits, and business activities.

Processing: 20-30 days for most applications (can be longer for some nationalities)

Fee: AUD 195

Last verified: January 2026

Updated: 27 January 2026

Verified: January 2026

Reviewed by VisaCalm Editorial Team

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What This Means for You

You will need to apply online for an Australia Visitor Visa through ImmiAccount. The process involves creating an account, completing the online application, uploading documents, and paying the fee.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometrics at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC). Processing typically takes 20-30 days but can vary significantly based on your country and circumstances.

The visa fee is AUD 195 (approximately AUD 150 for some nationalities). You may also need to pay for a health examination if required. Budget approximately AUD 250-350 for the complete application including medical checks if needed.

Overview

The Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is the main tourist visa for visiting Australia. It allows you to visit for tourism, visit family and friends, or conduct business visitor activities.

There are several streams within this visa: - Tourist stream: For tourism and visiting family/friends - Business Visitor stream: For business meetings, conferences, negotiations - Sponsored Family stream: For visiting family who are Australian citizens or permanent residents - Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream: For Chinese citizens on organized tours

Most applicants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Philippines will apply under the Tourist or Sponsored Family stream.

Eligibility Requirements

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Genuine intention to visit temporarily
Sufficient funds to support your stay
Meet health and character requirements
Have health insurance (strongly recommended)
Genuine temporary entrant - will leave Australia before visa expires
No outstanding debts to Australian government

Required Documents

Valid Passport

Required

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay

Include bio-data page copy

Passport Photo

Required

Recent digital photograph meeting Australian specifications

Flight Itinerary

Required

Evidence of travel arrangements to and from Australia

Check the Department of Home Affairs website for accepted travel documentation

Accommodation Proof

Required

Hotel bookings or invitation from Australian host

Include hotel confirmation or host invitation letter

Financial Evidence

Required

Bank statements (3-6 months) showing sufficient funds

Recommend AUD 5,000-10,000 or more depending on stay length

Employment Evidence

Required

Employment letter, payslips, or business documents

Shows ties to home country

Travel Itinerary

Optional

Day-by-day plan of your visit

Use our Travel Itinerary Generator Try it now

Cover Letter

Optional

Letter explaining purpose of visit

Recommended - use our Cover Letter Generator Try it now

Invitation Letter (Sponsored Family)

Optional

If visiting family, letter from Australian host

Include host's Australian status proof Try it now

Health Insurance

Optional

Travel insurance covering medical expenses

Strongly recommended - Australian healthcare is expensive

Application Steps

Create ImmiAccount

Complete Online Application

Fill in all sections of the visa application form

Upload Documents

Attach all required documents in acceptable formats

Pay Visa Fee

Pay AUD 195 online via credit card

Biometrics (if required)

Attend appointment at AVAC if requested

Wait for Decision

Monitor application status in ImmiAccount

Receive Visa Grant

Visa grant notification sent by email

Visa Fees

Type	Amount	Note
Tourist Stream	AUD 195	-
Business Visitor Stream	AUD 195	-
Sponsored Family Stream	AUD 195	-
Biometric Fee	AUD 0	Free if required

Common Reasons for Refusal

Understanding these can help you strengthen your application

1Insufficient evidence of genuine temporary stay intent
2Weak financial position or unclear source of funds
3Limited ties to home country
4Previous visa refusals or immigration issues
5Health concerns or failure to complete health checks
6Character concerns or criminal history
7Inconsistencies in application or documents
8Failure to meet public interest criteria

If your application is refused: You will receive a letter explaining the reason. In most cases, you can reapply immediately with a stronger application addressing the concerns raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Australia with a Visitor Visa?

The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows stays of 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the stream and circumstances. Most tourist stream applicants receive 3 or 6-month validity.

Can I work in Australia with a Visitor Visa?

No. The Visitor Visa does not permit work. You need a work visa or Working Holiday Visa for employment.

Can I extend my Visitor Visa while in Australia?

In most cases, you cannot extend a Visitor Visa while in Australia. You should leave before your visa expires and apply for a new visa from outside Australia.

Do I need confirmed flight tickets for Australia visa?

You need evidence of your travel plans. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for specific documentation requirements for your visa subclass.

How much money do I need to show for Australia visa?

There is no fixed amount, but recommend showing AUD 100-150 per day plus accommodation. Bank statements should show consistent balance, not sudden deposits.