Visitor Visa 2026 Guide
Australia Visitor Visa Subclass 600
Not every visit to Australia needs the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). If you're eligible for the free eVisitor or the $20 Electronic Travel Authority, you may not need to apply for this visa at all. This guide covers who actually needs the Subclass 600, which of its four streams fits your situation, and what a strong application looks like.
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eVisitor vs ETA vs Visitor Visa (600)
Which visa do you actually need?
Before you start preparing documents, check whether you even need the Subclass 600. The table below shows how it compares to the two simpler options.
| eVisitor (651) | ETA (601) | Visitor Visa (600) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | ⚠️ ~$20 | From ⚠️ ~$250 (varies by stream) |
| Who it's for | Eligible European passport holders | Eligible passport holders (mostly Asia-Pacific) | Anyone not eligible for the above, or wanting a longer/more flexible stay |
| Apply from | Outside Australia only | Outside Australia only | Inside or outside Australia |
| Max stay | 3 months per visit | 3 months per visit | Typically 3, 6 or 12 months (longer possible for some parents — see our Long Stay Visitor Visa guide) |
If you've confirmed the Subclass 600 is right for you, choose your purpose below to see what applies to your situation.
What is the purpose of your visit?
Choose your purpose below. Each section shows what you can and can't do, which stream applies, and key details.
Pick what matches your trip
Visit Family or Friends
Use the Tourist Stream if you apply from overseas, or the Sponsored Family Stream if an eligible family member in Australia sponsors you (may require a security bond).
Requirements
- Intention to stay temporarily
- Enough funds for your stay
- Health insurance
- Meet health & character requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to home country
Documents you need
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Invitation letter from your host + their visa/passport
- Evidence of strong ties to home country
What you can do
- Stay typically 3, 6, or 12 months
- Visit for holidays or family visits
- Short-term study up to 3 months
What you cannot do
- Work (including casual or remote)
- Study longer than 3 months
Processing time & tips
Processing time: Several weeks to a few months, depending on stream, country of application, and completeness of documents. Delays are common during holiday periods.
Tips: Keep documents consistent. Avoid unexplained large deposits ("show money"). Write a clear cover letter. Apply early with complete documents.
Check your visa grant letter if you have a No Further Stay condition.
Do you need our help?
Sponsoring a family visit brings extra complexity most other streams don't have, particularly the Sponsored Family Stream's security bond. Consider a consultation if your case involves a bond, a previous visa refusal, or an overstay. See the full Subclass 600 document checklist.
Holiday and Tourism Tourist Stream
(Apply Outside Australia)
Apply under the Tourist Stream from outside Australia. Stay periods are typically 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your nationality, travel history, and the assessing officer.
Requirements
- Intention to stay temporarily
- Enough funds for your stay
- Health insurance
- Meet health & character requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to home country
Documents you need
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Itinerary, hotel bookings, or tour confirmations
- Evidence of ties to home country (e.g. employment, property, or family - as applicable)
What you can do
- Tourism and holidays
- Stay typically 3, 6, or 12 months
- Short-term study up to 3 months
- Single or multiple entries
What you cannot do
- Work (including casual or remote)
- Study longer than 3 months
Processing time & tips
Processing time: Several weeks to a few months, depending on stream, country of application, and completeness of documents. Delays are common during holiday periods.
Tips: Keep documents consistent. Avoid unexplained large deposits ("show money"). Write a clear cover letter. Apply early with complete documents.
Do you need our help?
Sponsoring a family visit brings extra complexity most other streams don't have, particularly the Sponsored Family Stream's security bond. Consider a consultation if your case involves a bond, a previous visa refusal, or an overstay. See the full Subclass 600 document checklist.
Business Trip
Business Visitor Stream
The Business Visitor Stream is for short business trips, attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. You cannot undertake paid work.
Requirements
- Genuine intention to stay temporarily
- Enough funds for your stay
- Health insurance
- Meet health & character requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to home country
Documents you need
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Employment or business documents
- Event invitation, conference registration, or business meeting details
What you can do
- Attend meetings and conferences
- Attend negotiations
What you cannot do
- Do paid work
- Work for an Australian employer (including remote)
Processing time & tips
Processing time: Several weeks to a few months, depending on country of application and completeness of documents.
Tips: Keep documents consistent. Provide clear evidence of the business purpose. Be honest, and never fabricate documents or information. Apply early with complete documents.
Do you need our help?
See the full document checklist for the evidence Immigration expects for a business visitor application. If your business purpose is complex, you've had a previous refusal, or you're unsure whether your planned activities fall within the Business Visitor Stream, book a consultation.
Extend Stay (Already in Australia)
Tourist Stream (Apply Inside Australia)
For people already in Australia on another visa who want to extend their stay. Apply under the Tourist Stream (Inside Australia) for tourism or visiting family.
Requirements
- Genuine intention to stay temporarily
- Enough funds for your stay
- Health insurance
- Meet health & character requirements
- Evidence of strong ties to home country
Documents you need
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Evidence of purpose (itinerary, or invitation letter if visiting family)
- Evidence of ties to home country (e.g. employment, property, or family, as applicable)
What you can do
- Extend for tourism or visiting family
- Apply while in Australia
- Short-term study up to 3 months
What you cannot do
- Work (including casual or remote)
- Study longer than 3 months
Processing time & tips
Processing time: Several weeks to a few months. Apply well before your current visa expires.
Tips: Keep documents consistent. Avoid unexplained large deposits ("show money"). Write a clear explanation letter. Apply early with complete documents.
Do you need our help?
See the full document checklist for what to prepare before your current visa expires. If your case is more complex, for example previous refusals, overstays, or you're unsure about your current visa conditions, book a consultation well before your visa runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a Visitor Visa 600?
No. You cannot work in Australia on a Visitor Visa 600, including casual work, remote work for Australian employers, or paid internships. If your goal is employment, explore Temporary Skill Shortage visa subclass 482, Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186, or skilled migration pathways. We strongly recommend speaking with a registered migration agent before making decisions.
Can I study on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, but only for up to 3 months. If you plan to study longer, you must apply for a Student visa subclass 500. Many students use a Visitor Visa to explore colleges, attend campus visits, or finalise enrolments. However, you must genuinely intend to stay temporarily.
How long can I stay?
Typically 3, 6, or 12 months depending on nationality, travel history, and purpose. The Long Stay Visitor Visa allows up to 3 years with multiple entries (12 months in any 18-month period).
What do I need to apply?
Genuine temporary intent, financial capacity, health insurance, and evidence of strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family). Documents: passport, bank statements, employment letter, proof of purpose (itinerary, invitation letter, or business event details).
What if my application is refused?
Common refusal reasons: weak ties to home country, insufficient finances, inconsistent purpose, unexplained large deposits, lack of genuine temporary intent. A refusal can affect future applications.
Planning a Student visa after visiting Australia?
From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government announced that Visitor visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa onshore, and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders cannot apply for a Student visa onshore, as part of measures to restrict “visa hopping”. If you need a Student visa, you will generally need to apply from outside Australia (or hold a different eligible visa).
Visitor Visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa onshore.
Does it lead to PR?
No. The Subclass 600 is not a work visa and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, it can be used strategically, for example exploring study pathways or meeting with potential employers (within business visitor limits). It may also help you attend consultations or prepare for a future application. If your goal is PR, explore skilled migration (189, 190, 491), employer sponsorship (482 to 186), or Educate to Migrate.
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In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
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