Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Requirements 2025: Checklist of Documents You Need

The Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) may look simple at first glance but Immigration is very thorough about the documents you provide and how your story fits together.

To help you navigate the process more confidently, we’ve created a clear guide of essential documents you need, why they matter and what you can do to strengthen your application.

🛑 Important Disclaimer Before You Proceed

Disclaimer: Please note that this blogpost is a general guide based on common application requirements for the Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600). It is not legal advice. Visa rules are complex and can change based on your nationality, age, travel history, personal circumstances, and the specific visa stream. Contact us if you want to discuss your own visa application.

1. Identity Documents

Start with the basic. You must prepare the documents that confirm your identity and personal details:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate and/or Driver’s License
• National ID 
• Marriage certificate for applicants who made changes to their last name

Tip: Make sure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your intended travel date.

2. Proof of Financial Capacity

You need to show that you can pay for your trip without relying on government support or overstaying. Your financial capacity should reasonably cover:

• Airfare
• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Daily expenses

Strong financial documents include:

• Bank statements (3 to 6 months with consistent deposit or savings activity)
• Payslips
• Certificate of Employment
• Employment contract
• ITR or Income Tax Return 
• Business documents (if you are self-employed)
• Credit card statements
• Savings accounts or time deposits

Be mindful of a sudden and unexplained large deposits. Visa officers review financial patterns really closely.

3. Evidence of Employment, Study, or Home Ties

Immigration needs to see that you have strong reasons to return home after your visit.

If employed:

• Certificate of employment
• Recent payslips
• Approved leave of absence

If you are self-employed:

• Business permits and registrations
• DTI/SEC documents
• Mayor’s permit
• Proof of income

If you’re a student:

• School ID
• Enrollment certificate
• Proof of upcoming classes
• A letter from the school confirming that they are aware the applicant will be away for a temporary period, that their enrolment will remain active during this time, and that they will return afterward.

If retired:

• Pension documents
• Retirement certificates

These documents show that you have ongoing responsibilities and commitments waiting at home.

4. Proof of Purpose of Visit

Your purpose should be clearly supported by documents that match your travel story.

For tourists:

• Itinerary (flexible or planned)
• Hotel bookings
• Tour confirmations

Visiting family or friends:

• Invitation letter
• Copy Australian visa or passport of the person inviting you
• Relationship evidence (photos, conversations, etc.)

Event to Attend:

• Event invitation
• Booking records

Your reason for travel should align with your financial capacity and personal circumstances.

5. Proof of Strong Home Ties

In addition to job, school, or business evidence, you may also provide:

• Property titles
• Vehicle registrations
• Business ownership papers
• Family responsibilities (ex. children’s birth certificates)

These documents show that you are credible and you truly intend to come back to your home country.

6. If You Have a Sponsor in Australia

If someone in Australia is supporting your trip, their documents can help strengthen your application:

• Invitation letter
• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Employment letter
• Proof of Australian citizenship or visa
• Evidence of your relationship

A sponsor cannot “guarantee” approval but they can help fill gaps in your financial or itinerary documents.

7. Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on your situation, you may also include:

• Previous passports showing travel history
• Prior visa approvals and stamps
• A clear explanation or cover letter
• NBI clearance (if requested)
• Results of Medical exam (if required)

Submitting an organised application helps Immigration assess your case more easily.

Can an Australian tourist visa be rejected?

Even a complete application may still be refused. A visitor visa refusal does not automatically mean the applicant did anything wrong. It often means the visa officer was not fully satisfied with the information provided.

Common refusal reasons include:

• Insufficient financial documents
• Weak ties to home country
• Unclear or inconsistent purpose of visit
• Unexplained big bank deposits
• Lack of travel history (in some cases)
• Missing or vague explanation letter

Preparing a list of strong documents and a well-crafted explanation letter greatly improves your chances.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

• Keep your documents consistent and easy to verify
• Avoid abrupt “show money” deposits
• Write a clear explanation letter that ties your documents together
• Be honest! Never fabricate documents or information
• Highlight strong family, financial or personal ties at home

A well-prepared application tells a clear and complete story.