Visitor Visa Australia: The Definitive Legal Guide by Nilesh Nandan

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

1. Choose the right stream — Align the purpose of visit with the correct stream.
2. Create an ImmiAccount — Register and start your online application.
3. Gather supporting documents — Proof of identity, funds, travel plans, and relationship (if applicable).
4. Complete online application form — Answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
5. Attach documents — Ensure all files are legible, certified, and translated where required.
6. Pay visa fee — Starting from AUD 190 depending on stream.
7. Provide biometrics — If requested by the Department.
8. Health checks — Mandatory for some nationalities or longer stays.
9. 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

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.

For further resources, visit Visa Refusals, Visa Cancellations, Partner Visas, and Contact MyVisa to arrange your consultation.

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