Visitor Visa: A Guide To Visitor Visa Subclass 600 For Australia [Update March 2023]

What Is A Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?

Subclass 600 is a visa that permits you to visit Australia as a tourist, to see family and friends or for business purposes on a temporary basis.

How Long Does A 600 Visitor Visa Last?

Grant periods are usually three, six or twelve months. 

How Long Does It Take To Process A 600 Visa?

Processing times vary depending on which stream you are applying for, ranging from 16 Days to up to 5 months.

How Much Does A Subclass 600 Visa Cost?

The application fee for a subclass 600 visitor visa ranges from AUD$145 to AUD$1065. This depends on the stream that you are applying for.

If you are a passport holder of the following countries, you are eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) online with a charge of AUD$20:

• Brunei – Darussalam
• Canada
• Hong Kong (SAR PRC)
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Korea, Rep of (South)
• United States

If you are a citizen of the countries below and you hold a valid passport, you may be eligible to apply for an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) through your Immi Account for free:

Which stream should I apply to?

There are 5 different streams for visitor visas:

Tourist stream

For the tourist stream, you can apply inside or outside Australia. However, if you are in Australia and you would like to lodge a visitor visa application, you must not have the dreaded ” 8503 No Further Stay ” condition attached to your visa grant. Recently processing time is 3 months give or take 1 month. 

Sponsored family stream

If you have a relative who is at least 18 years old and he or she is an Australian permanent resident or citizen, then you might be able to apply for a visitor visa under the sponsored family stream. Normal processing time for a family-sponsored visitor visa is 4 months plus or take 1 month.

Business visitor stream

This stream will suit you if you are currently outside Australia, and you plan to visit Australia for business purposes for a short time for business meetings but not actually to “work” in Australia. The normal processing time for this stream is typically shorter than the others. You will be required to provide evidence of your trip, this may include but is not limited to:

• an invitation from a host organisation
• conference registration details
• a letter from your employer stating why you are visiting
• your plans for your stay and details of your Australian business contacts
• proof of your current employment and professional qualifications
• evidence your company is an active business, such as an annual report
• evidence of prior contact with Australian businesses

You can apply to fast-track your application under this stream if you are a citizen of China (Mainland), United Arab Emirates or India with an extra cost of AUD$1000. The fast track cannot be applied for online, you can check the Immigration partner institution for this service.

Approved destination status stream

This stream is for people who plan to travel as part of a group for a temporary short period of stay in Australia. Your travel agent can apply for this on your behalf. Please contact your local overseas-based travel agent for further assistance.

If you are a travel agent who is looking for assistance in applying for this visa stream for your client, and you need the help of an immigration lawyer, you can book a consultation with me to discuss this further.

Frequent traveller stream

If you are a passport holder of China (Mainland) who travels often to Australia for business or personal reasons, you may consider the frequent traveller stream which can be granted for up to 10 years with a stay of up to 3 months for each time you enter.

Health and character concerns?

Do you have health issues? Or do you have a criminal record that you are worried that Immigration might refuse your visitor visa application? Talk to me today. Book a consultation, and together we can decide what you should do next.

How do I apply for a tourist visa to Australia?

Visitor visas can be applied for online through an online portal called the Immi Account without any assistance and in most cases, you do not need the assistance of a migration lawyer like me. 

You should understand that a visitor visa can be applied for in most cases outside of Australia (offshore) but also in limited cases when you are already inside Australia (onshore).

For a discussion about making an application for a visitor visa to enter Australia or for making a further visitor visa application or visitor visa extension whilst onshore, please book a chat with me to discuss your options.

How much money do you need in the bank?

To apply for a visitor visa, you need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a genuine temporary entrant
• Have adequate means of support
• Meet the Australia Public Interest Criteria
• Meet special return criteria

There is no specific amount of money that is required when you apply for a visitor visa. The case officer may seek evidence including, but not limited to: 

• bank statements and/or passbooks showing a consistent history of saving
• letters from banks and/or other financial institutions concerning the financial position of the applicant or the applicant’s access to the funds of another person
• air tickets that have already been purchased
• available credit card funds.

Please note, cash and traveller’s cheques are not considered acceptable evidence of funds. You’ll need to prove that you “own” such funds. That’s awkward!

If you are invited by a family or friend, and they will cover the expenses for your stay, generally the person offering the support should confirm their offer, in writing. 

You can book a consultation with me to discuss how I can help you put a better visitor visa submission.

Your Experience?

Please share your comments with me.

I’d love to know more about your experience with applying for this visa subclass!