Visitor Visa Australia: The Definitive Legal Guide by Nilesh Nandan
By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa® Immigration Lawyers
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site.
Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
Introduction
If you’re planning to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family, or to attend business meetings, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) may be the ideal visa for you. However, while it may appear straightforward, this visa category is one of the most refused in Australia due to misunderstanding, incomplete evidence, or incorrect choice of stream.
As an Australian immigration lawyer, I’ve represented hundreds of clients who assumed that a visitor visa was “simple” — only to discover that it’s one of the most scrutinised visas under the Migration Regulations 1994. The Department of Home Affairs applies strict standards to ensure visitors are genuine and that they return home before their visa expires.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Visitor Visa Australia — eligibility, application process, refusal risks, costs, and how to strengthen your application. I’ll also explain what to do if your visa is refused or if you need to extend your stay legally.
Understanding the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa allows people to come to Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting friends or family, or business visitor purposes. The visa is flexible — offering multiple streams to cater to different needs. Each stream, however, comes with distinct requirements.
The key purpose of the visa is to ensure the applicant is a genuine temporary entrant (GTE). The GTE requirement assesses whether your circumstances support your claim that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily.
While it may sound simple, the Department examines your entire profile — family ties, employment, assets, travel history, and reasons to return home. A failure to convince the Department of your temporary intent is the leading cause of refusals under the Migration Act 1958.
The Four Streams Explained
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) has four main streams. Choosing the correct stream ensures the Department assesses your application under the right purpose and avoids refusal for incorrect visa type.
1. Tourist Stream
Designed for individuals visiting Australia for leisure or to see family and friends. You can apply while inside or outside Australia. You must demonstrate sufficient funds, a return flight, and strong home ties. Tourist stream visas are typically valid for 3, 6, or 12 months.
2. Sponsored Family Stream
This stream allows Australian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor relatives for visits. Sponsors may need to provide a financial bond, ensuring visitors comply with visa conditions and return home. This stream is often used by parents or elderly relatives visiting children.
3. Business Visitor Stream
Intended for short-term business trips, conferences, or negotiations. You cannot work or provide paid services. You must show evidence of your role, your employer’s permission, and proof of business activity.
4. Frequent Traveller Stream
For Chinese nationals who travel frequently to Australia for business or personal reasons. The visa can be granted for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to three months each visit. This stream is invitation-only and involves strict eligibility checks.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
General Criteria
- Hold a valid passport and meet health and character requirements.
- Provide evidence of genuine intention to visit temporarily.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means for travel, accommodation, and return.
- Show strong ties to home country — employment, property, family commitments.
- Meet GTE criteria (Genuine Temporary Entrant test).
Specific Stream Requirements
Each stream has additional conditions:
- Tourist Stream: Financial independence, travel itinerary, and proof of ongoing ties.
- Sponsored Family Stream: Sponsorship approval from a relative and willingness to provide bond.
- Business Visitor Stream: Letters from Australian counterparts or event organisers, evidence of business registration.
- Frequent Traveller Stream: Evidence of ongoing business and previous travel history to Australia.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose the right stream — Align the purpose of visit with the correct stream.
- Create an ImmiAccount — Register and start your online application.
- Gather supporting documents — Proof of identity, funds, travel plans, and relationship (if applicable).
- Complete online application form — Answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
- Attach documents — Ensure all files are legible, certified, and translated where required.
- Pay visa fee — Starting from AUD 190 depending on stream.
- Provide biometrics — If requested by the Department.
- Health checks — Mandatory for some nationalities or longer stays.
- Wait for decision — Processing can take 10 to 45 days depending on stream.
Submitting a detailed, well-organised application reduces the likelihood of delay. Many refusals occur due to missing or conflicting information, especially regarding finances and travel intentions.
Comparison of Visitor Visa Streams
| Stream | Purpose | Stay | Apply From | Work Rights | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Holiday or family visit | Up to 12 months | Onshore or Offshore | Not permitted | Can reapply while onshore if eligible |
| Sponsored Family | Visit relatives | Up to 12 months | Offshore only | Not permitted | Sponsor may provide financial bond |
| Business | Short business activities | Up to 3 months | Offshore | Not permitted | Invitation or event evidence required |
| Frequent Traveller | Frequent travel (China citizens) | 3 months per stay | Offshore | Not permitted | Up to 10 years validity |
Essential Document Checklist
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Travel itinerary and flight bookings.
- Evidence of financial means (bank statements, payslips, sponsor letters).
- Proof of accommodation.
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family).
- Health insurance policy.
- Employment confirmation or student enrolment letter (to show ties).
- Relationship evidence (for Sponsored Family Stream).
Costs, Duration & Processing Time
The Department of Home Affairs adjusts visa fees periodically. As of October 2025:
- Tourist Stream: AUD 190
- Sponsored Family Stream: AUD 190
- Business Stream: AUD 190
- Frequent Traveller Stream: AUD 1,050
Processing times range from 10 to 45 days depending on nationality and completeness of the application.
Extending, Waivers & Condition 8503
Many applicants wish to extend their stay once in Australia. While you can apply for a new Visitor Visa onshore, you must not have Condition 8503 — “No Further Stay” attached to your visa.
This condition prevents you from lodging another visa while in Australia unless the Department agrees to waive it. A waiver request must show that compelling and compassionate circumstances have developed since you entered Australia — such as a family emergency, illness, or unforeseen travel restrictions.
If your visa expires while waiting for a decision, you’ll need a Bridging Visa to remain lawful.
Common Reasons for Refusal & Legal Remedies
Visitor visa refusals are common, often for simple reasons that could have been avoided:
- Insufficient proof of funds or accommodation.
- Failure to demonstrate strong home ties.
- Past overstays or immigration breaches.
- Applying under the wrong stream.
- Inconsistent or false documentation (triggers PIC 4020).
If your visa has been refused, you may have review rights through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). I regularly represent clients whose refusals were overturned on appeal due to improved evidence or legal submissions addressing the Department’s concerns.
Real Client Scenarios
1. Family Visit Approval After Initial Refusal
A retired couple from India applied to visit their daughter under the Sponsored Family Stream. Their first application was refused for “insufficient funds”. We restructured the evidence, showing detailed bank records, property documents, and the daughter’s financial sponsorship. The visa was granted within 28 days.
2. Business Visitor with Tight Deadlines
A Singaporean business executive needed to attend urgent trade meetings in Melbourne. By presenting company correspondence, conference registrations, and an expedited processing request, the visa was granted within 5 working days.
3. Overstay Regularised Through Legal Support
A tourist from Malaysia overstayed her visa due to illness and fear of penalties. We assisted in obtaining a Bridging Visa and lodging a new visitor visa with medical evidence and a compassionate explanation. The Department accepted her case without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work on a Visitor Visa Australia?
- No. You cannot take paid work. You can only attend unpaid meetings or business visits.
- Can I study on this visa?
- Yes, but only for short courses of up to 3 months.
- How long can I stay?
- Usually 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your visa conditions.
- Can I extend my stay?
- Yes, unless Condition 8503 applies. You can apply for a new visitor visa before expiry.
- What happens if my visa is refused?
- You may appeal to the AAT if you applied in Australia. Offshore applicants generally cannot appeal but may reapply.
- Can my visa be cancelled?
- Yes. Breaching conditions, providing false documents, or working unlawfully can result in visa cancellation.
Book a Consultation
Applying for a Visitor Visa Australia may appear straightforward, but the Department assesses every application with precision. Even a small inconsistency can lead to refusal. My team and I can help you prepare a stronger, compliant application that addresses every legal requirement under the Migration Act and Migration Regulations 1994.
Book a consultation with me today to discuss your visa situation.
Legal Disclaimer
By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa®️ Immigration Lawyers
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice
43 Responses
Good day.
I would like my daughter to come and visit me here in Asutralia. Currently she is not working but she is studing online in South Africa. We are applying for a sublclass 600 tourist visa how can we go about this.
Hi Hendrika,
Thank you very much for your post and your patience. Here are the first three (3) things that come to my mind:
1. It’s great that you’re planning to apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor visa for your daughter — this visa can allow family visits, but the Department will want to be satisfied that she has a genuine reason for visiting and plans to return home afterwards.
2. Since your daughter is not currently working, it’s helpful that she’s enrolled in online study. Still, it may be important to show strong personal and financial ties to South Africa (such as family support, ongoing studies, or commitments at home) to improve her chances.
3. Another important concern is that your own visa status in Australia is unclear. Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident? Are you on a Bridging visa? Have you had a Protection visa refused or cancelled? These legal questions will significantly affect the outcome.
There may also be other important issues that arise from your particular circumstances.
Seek specific immigration law advice before taking any further steps.
You might also find these helpful:
👉 Visitor visa help
👉 Visa refusal advice
✈️😊
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer & Special Counsel
MyVisa Immigration Law Advisory
https://myvisa.com.au
Disclaimer: In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. See Notes and Disclosures at the footer of my work emails.
Hi Nilesh,
How do I book a consultation?
Hi,
What is usual country of residence for 600 onshore applicant. I am applying 6 month extension on 600 tourist extension.
Thanks
Dear Ravi,
Thank you for your message, and apologies for the delayed response. For onshore applicants applying for a six-month extension of a subclass 600 visa, Australia is generally considered your “usual country of residence,” as it reflects where you are living while lodging the application.
If you have any further questions or need more specific guidance, feel free to reach out or book a chat with me here: MyVisa/appointment.
In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Best regards,
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer & Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
https://myvisa.com.au
My mother got her visa for 1 year with (3 months max stay) without “no further stay” multiple entries.
Her visa expires in late January 2024
Can i apply her visit visa again as onshore applicant ?
Regards
Omer
Hi Nilesh,
My mum has applied for 864 visa while on vsitor visa(multiple visi with max stay of 12months and must not arrive by feb2025) She arrived on 13march 2022 and planning to leave 5mar2023. She is now granted bridgingA which will come into effect after substantiative visa expires. does this mean she can leave australia and come back on her vistor visa? please advise
My sister and family of 4 have applied for tourist visa on 2nd Dec to Australia from Denmark and not much progress yet. They just attached the return flight tickets on 29th Jan. they plan to travel end of March 2023.
Can we convert to sponsored family tourist visa as she is a blood relative. Also does her husband also qualify for sponsored family visa if travelling with her?
Regards
Sunita
please guide me in planning for partner visa.I want to apply for partner Visa 820, if I get visitor visa600 that does not have No further stay. Should I mention about temporary visa or satisfy the clause about returning back.
I got finalised status on my application on 10 November but still didn’t get my e paper.Can you please help me with that?
Hello, i have a question,
my mother is in the country and she is currently on 600 visa with the following conditions
8558, 8101, 8201 –
she has been about 11 months here, and i am looking at a way to extend this visa for another year or more, what are my current options,
I am not on PR yet but have lodged the application in April 2022.
thank you
Hi Nilesh Nandan!
I have Swedish nationality and i want to stay in Australia legally, so which the best way can i stay and work there. I have my cousin who Australian citizen and he has jobb.
I will buy a coffe for you ,,,
Best regards
Ahmad Alissa
Hello,
My application for tourist visa subclass 600 was rejected. The reason was I failed to satisfy the decision maker that I will go back to my country. My question is: can I reapply for a tourist visa or not..?
Can I apply for tourist visa again immediately with additional documents?
Thank you
Hi,
My parents are here in Australia on tourist visa subclass 600. I want to extend their visa. So what are the requirements for it and what are the processing Times for onshore subclass 600 visa.
Thanks
Hi Nilesh,
I have applied for my tourist ( subclass 600) on June 5th ,2022 and I’m still waiting till now . Just wanted to follow up regarding my Visa because I really wanna visit Australia during this festive season to see families and friends before I return back to continue with my studies here in Fiji. Can you just help me out on this , please ?
Thank you 😌
Hi Ratu
Thank you very much for your question. Here are the first three (3) things that come to my mind in relation to your post. There may also be other important issues which arise from your particular circumstances and you should seek specific immigration law advice before taking any further steps. It could be that I misunderstood you.
1. To access the current processing times for a given visa type visit this site https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times . Remember it keeps changing.
2. Check that you have uploaded necessary supporting material.
3. I wonder whether you have travelled previously to Australia on a visitor Visa. Make sure that your expectation level is appropriate and that you have clearly demonstrated that you will return after your period of stay in Australia.
Did you benefit from this response? Feel free to buy me a coffee if this was useful. It helps me answer more questions like yours! https://Buymeacoffee.Com/NileshNandan
Regards Nilesh Nandan BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus) Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory myvisa.com.au/about/ 1300558472
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
How are you. My mum would like to invite my grandma to visit to Australia. She will apply sponsor subclass 600.My grandma is 90 now, but she is still strong. Could my mom invite her? Does the visa subclass 600 limited the age?
Hi, I have a question,
I got refused on my 408 visa as I haven’t uploaded my police check. (I am 100% sure I did but I can’t find the document in the application) i am not sure if I could win the aat. I was on bridging visa a and now I have 35 days to leave the country, or to get another visa. Will it be possible to apply for a onshore visitor/tourist visa?
I’ll prefer to be able to apply for the covid visa again but I’m not sure if that willl be possible?
Thanks, shazz
Hi we have applied for a visitor visa 600 for my son’s Filipino girlfriend. We did apply while we were on holiday in the Philippines and we also git the Biometric scan done in Manila. I’ve also attached a letter stating that my son’s girlfriend will be staying with us and she will also have travel insurance. I am just wondering about the wait time? Is it because she is from the Philippines that the application takes much longer??? Also when the visa is approved and maybe only 3 month’s at a time? Would she need to leave the country and come back to get another 3 month’s? Or can we apply for extension?
Can we fast track the visit visa?
Hi,
I have applied for my mother’s tourist visa – 600 from Fiji. Last updated on 08/07. All the documents uploaded, biometrics & medical completed as well in May/July. Immi account is still showing further assessment. How long does it take usually? Or is there anything I can do about it?
She has been to Australia few times in the past. However, during her last stay, she over stayed 1 day as I completely forgot to reapply. We hired the migration lawyer who applied for the visa (on-shore) and got approved for 3 months. She went back to Fiji and reapplied in June’22 and since then no update.
Please assist. I really appreciate your help.
Thanks
Hi Nilesh
I submitted a visitor visa for my mum to visit. I put in the application on the 27th of June, had the biometrics and health checks done in her home country and I acknowledged that we had provided all the information sought after she went for both the biometrics and health checks. But all it says on the the application home page is further assessment and it still displays the “arrange biometrics collection”. It approaching the maximum processing time frame of 37 days and we not heard anything back from them. Is this normal, for them to take such a long time to process visitor visas. She was granted one pre covid once we submitted all the requested documents. I am not sure what we can do at this stage. She can’t travel alone and we had hoped that she will get the visa in time to travel with my sister who has gotten her visa and will be travelling down on the 26th. Any advise is appreciated.
Hi Nilesh,
I applied for visitor visa family sponsored stream subclass 600 in march 2020..after two years in june 2022 i recieved an emal and they asked me for further information via s56 request..i have submitted very next day..now one month has passed but i am still waiting..can u help me regarding this issue?
Please contact me if you are still waiting for a response after a few days of having provided the additional material. Unfortunately it can be that your case has been handed to another person or added to another persons work queue And delays of several months are not uncommon.
I know this must be frustrating for you. Once you get it is not uncommon.
Did you benefit from this response? Feel free to buy me a coffee if this was useful. It helps me answer more questions like yours!
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
myvisa.com.au/about/
1300558472
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Hi, thanks for the informative website.
My husband has applied for a tourist visa on 9th April and its well over 37 days at this point. We are thinking of withdrawing our application and applying for a new fasttrack visa. However MHA is unclear about fast track processing time, and if it goes against the applicant or not? Would you have any advice on this?
Hi, my application for tourist visa subclass 600 was rejected. The reason was I failed to satisfy the decision maker that I will go back to my country. My question is: if I will not appeal will I still be able to apply for a visa in the future?
Hi, I have a small concern. I applied for a tourist visa as a friend back in March 2022 from UAE. However, I had done biometrics and health examinations. The health examinations have been cleared, but there is still a flag indicating “arrange biometrics collection”, with the overall status as “Further assessment” When we contacted the Department of Home Affairs, they informed us that there has been a technical issue. But this issue has been going on for a few months. We are in two minds if we should reapply the application again. Is there something we can do re-submit the biometrics?
They have now increased the global processing time for 90% of the applications to 20 months.
Hi,
If I applied for 600 onshore and ask for 2 days stay, would I be able to get 2 days visa instead of 3month?
HI Nilesh Nandan,
You are doing a great job.
Can I ask one question?
Can we apply for a Partner visa while the partner is in Australia on a Visit visa SC 600?
Does she get a bridging visa?
Thanks
1. yes.
2. yes.
I’m assuming that there is no condition on the Visa which suggests “No further stay”. If such a condition does attach to the Visitor Visa held in an application will need to be made for a waiver of that prohibition.
I can help with making submissions in respect of the waiver in certain circumstances.
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*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
I would like to know, Does DUI conviction (First Offence , NZD $800 fine only in New Zealand) prevent to obtain Visitor visa to Australia? with Nepalese Passport? & as I am Nepalese passport holder, am I eligible to apply (Fast-Track processing)? I opt your team to apply my visa Asap.
Certainly would be easier if you did not have any drink driving charge at all. I do not believe the charge is photo of particularly in circumstances where it was only a fine. I am more concerned about the fact that you are the holder of a Nepali passport and whether or not you will meet the requirements to be a genuine temporary entrant. This involves looking at the factors pulling you back to Nepal after your temporary stay on the one hand and potential motivation for you to stay in Australia and overstay your Visa on the other hand. Your employment and social ties could particularly impact this as well your immigration history not just with Australia but with other countries.
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
What if my visa subclass states, must enter before 30/03/2022 and I am entering Australia on 15/03/2022, in this case what is the maximum time I can stay in Australia?
Is it true, that a tourist visa 600 stream- requested period of stay 3 months, does not require a medical check to be done, by the applicant?
I managed to get a 600 visa, however, I requested the visa for a period of 12 months but I got it granted for 6 months only. Is there a way to appeal or should I just apply for a new visa when this expires?
After a visa subclass 600 is approved, how much time do you have to travel to Australia/ what is the start date of the visa?
Hi Nilesh,
My husband working in Australia and we applied 190 visa and waiting for the PR grant. He is planning to apply visitor VISA for us to travel from India. Are we eligible to apply this VISA as we yet to get the PR grant?
Is there any approvals of visitors visa in Australia during this period for South Asia?
Bijay
If you’re asking whether or not immigration has ceased processing applications for visitor visas to enter Australia, I’m not aware of any cessation in processing.
The difficulty of course is in obtaining a travel exemption in respect of crossing Australian borders even if a visitor visa is held.
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Informative article so I thought I would share my experience with subclass 600 visa. I am a NZer who was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment in 2005. My application for a visitor visa has been sitting under further assessment for the past 3 months they have not asked for any further information nor have they notified if it has been sent to the character assessment (VACCU). I have had two previous such visas granted; the first one took 9 months for a decision to be made and was granted for 1 years. The 2nd was a 2year visa that took just 2 weeks to process after application. I am at a loss at the current delay as my circumstances are unchained e.g. no further convictions, same employer/residence for past 10 years
I don’t know why the delay this time.
The discretion applied by a decision maker is unique to that decision maker.
Additionally, guidelines and policies may change from time to time. This may require a different consideration or a different weighting to be given to the the nature and seriousness of the particular offending or the present likelihood of re-offending.
In short, unfortunately, just because you were granted previously, it does not necessarily follow that you’ll be granted again.
Does that help?
Hi Nilesh,
Thanks for the insights.I also have a query, I applied for a Visitor visa (family visit) 600 ( paid AUD 145)a month back on 26th April 2022. Since, my brother is on a PR, I thought this would be the fastest visa to get. However, till date status on immi showing only application received. What could be the reasons, was it better to apply for Tourist visa instead & can I do anything further to expedite the visa processing. I was planning to travel in June 1st week. I am seriously not sure what went wrong.