Australia's incredible landscapes, world-class cities, and unique wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. While many travelers can use the eVisitor or ETA for short trips, some need the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for longer stays or if they're from countries not eligible for electronic travel authorities.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Australia Visitor Visa, from requirements and application steps to insider tips for approval success. DoVisa makes the process straightforward with expert guidance every step of the way.
What is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is Australia's main tourist visa for travelers who can't use the eVisitor or ETA, or who need to stay longer than 3 months. It's suitable for tourism, visiting family, or business visitor activities.
Unlike the free eVisitor, the Subclass 600 requires a formal application with supporting documents and has processing fees. This visa allows stays of 3, 6, or even 12 months depending on your circumstances and the stream you apply under.
Subclass 600 at a Glance
Stay duration: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months
Entries: Single or multiple entry options
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, business
Cost: From $150 AUD
Processing: 20-60 days average
Apply: Online or at visa office
Who Needs the Visitor Visa?
You should apply for the Subclass 600 if:
- Your country isn't eligible for eVisitor or ETA (e.g., China, India, most of Africa, South America)
- You want to stay longer than 3 months
- You're visiting family and want extended time
- You've had visa issues before (refusals, overstays)
- You need a visa label in your passport (some countries require this)
- You're planning multiple visits within a year and need flexibility
- You're coming for business activities beyond what ETA/eVisitor allows
Visitor Visa Streams
Subclass 600 Streams
| Stream | Purpose | Max Stay | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Stream | General tourism, holidays | Up to 12 months | $190 AUD |
| Sponsored Family Stream | Visiting family in Australia | Up to 12 months | $190 AUD |
| Business Visitor Stream | Business activities | Up to 3 months | $190 AUD |
| Frequent Traveller Stream | Frequent visitors (invitation only) | 10 years validity | $1,065 AUD |
Visa Requirements
Requirements vary by stream, but generally you need:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed application form (online or paper)
- Recent passport-style photograph (white background)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips, tax returns)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- Travel itinerary and accommodation bookings
- Health insurance covering your entire stay
- For family visits: invitation letter and sponsor documents
- Health examination (if required based on country/stay length)
- Police clearance certificate (for some countries)
- Previous Australian visa grant letters (if applicable)
- Evidence of genuine temporary stay intention
Strong Ties Are Crucial
Australia wants to see that you'll return home after your visit. Strong evidence of ties to your home country — job, property, family obligations, bank accounts, ongoing commitments — significantly improves approval chances.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Determine the right stream — Tourist, Family, or Business based on your purpose
- Create an ImmiAccount — Australia's online visa portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Gather supporting documents — Passport, finances, ties to home
- Complete the application form — Form 1419 or online equivalent
- Upload all documents — Clear scans, translated if needed
- Pay the visa fee — From $190 AUD via credit/debit card
- Complete biometrics if required — Some countries require fingerprints
- Attend health exam if requested — Panel doctor appointment
- Wait for processing — 20-60 days average
- Receive visa grant — Notification via email with visa conditions
Use DoVisa for Guidance
DoVisa's expert team can guide you through the complex Subclass 600 application. We help prepare your documents, review your application for errors, and provide personalized advice based on your situation.
Costs & Processing Times
Subclass 600 Fees & Processing
| Component | Cost / Time |
|---|---|
| Base application fee | $190 AUD |
| Subsequent entrant (additional applicants) | $190 AUD each |
| Standard processing time | 20-60 days |
| Health examination (if required) | $300-500 AUD |
| Biometrics (if required) | Included |
Apply for Australia Visitor Visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Make These Errors
Even small mistakes can result in delays or rejection. Here are the most common issues we see with Subclass 600 applications:
- Insufficient funds evidence: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent balance
- Weak ties to home country: Include employment letters, property documents, family photos
- Inconsistent information: Details must match across all documents exactly
- Missing translations: All non-English documents need certified NAATI translations
- Poor quality scans: Documents must be clear, complete, and legible
- Undeclared visa history: Disclose ALL previous visa applications and refusals
- No cover letter: Explain your travel purpose clearly and compellingly
- Applying too late: Start your application at least 2-3 months before travel
DoVisa Prevents These Mistakes
Our document review team checks every application for common errors before submission. We catch issues early so you don't face delays or rejections.
Travel Tips for Australia
Make the most of your Australian adventure with these essential travel tips from our experts.
- Best time to visit: September-November (spring) or March-May (autumn) offer pleasant temperatures nationwide
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards widely accepted; cash needed for markets
- Getting around: Domestic flights connect major cities; rent a car for road trips
- Sun protection: Australia has strong UV - wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses daily
- Driving: Australians drive on the left. International license required for tourists
- Healthcare: Expensive without insurance. Always have comprehensive travel insurance
- Wildlife safety: Respect wildlife, watch for snakes in bush areas, swim only at patrolled beaches
- Time zones: Australia spans 3 time zones. Plan accordingly for internal travel
Tips for Approval
- Show strong ties: Employment letter, property documents, family obligations
- Demonstrate sufficient funds: Bank statements showing stable balance
- Be honest: Declare any previous visa refusals or immigration issues
- Provide complete documents: Missing documents cause delays
- Get certified translations: All non-English documents need certified translation
- Include a cover letter: Explain your travel purpose clearly
- Have travel insurance: Shows you're prepared for your visit
- Book refundable accommodation: Demonstrates genuine intent with flexibility
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Expert document preparation guidance
Application form assistance
Document checklist customized to your situation
Cover letter assistance
Processing status updates
Trusted by 1,000+ Australia visa applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Subclass 600 processing take?
Can I extend my Visitor Visa while in Australia?
Do I need a health examination?
Can I work on a Visitor Visa?
What's the Sponsored Family Stream?
Can I apply from inside Australia?
What if my application is refused?
Do I need return flights booked before applying?
What's the difference between Subclass 600 and eVisitor?
Can my family apply together?
Ready to Explore Australia?
Australia offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences — from ancient rainforests to the Outback's red deserts, from the Great Barrier Reef to cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) opens the door to extended stays and unforgettable adventures.
Start your application with DoVisa today and let our experts guide you through the process!
Australia
Capital: Canberra
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language: English
Timezone: UTC+8 to UTC+11 (varies by state)
Processing: 20-60 days
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: September - November or March - May
- Population: 26 million
- Power: 230V, Type I plugs
- Country code: +61
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Comments(12)
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Indian passport holder here. The Subclass 600 process was smooth but took about 45 days. Make sure you have strong financial documents - I included 6 months of bank statements plus my employment letter.
Do I need to do biometrics for the visitor visa from China?
Applied from Brazil, got approved! Key tip: include a detailed cover letter explaining exactly why you're visiting and why you'll return. I think it helped a lot.
Is the health examination mandatory or only sometimes required?
Nigerian here - got approved for 6 months to visit my sister in Melbourne! The sponsored family stream really helped. My sister had to lodge a bond but it was refunded after I left.
The wait was nerve-wracking but so worth it. Australia is amazing! Spent 3 months exploring - Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, and Cairns for the reef.
Can I include my spouse and children in one application or do we each need separate applications?
Got approved! Very impressed with the outcome. Had solid documentation - property papers, company employment letter, and detailed itinerary showing my return plans.
Russian passport holder - the documentation requirements are thorough but reasonable. Got a full 12-month multiple entry visa! Proper document preparation is key.
What happens if I need to extend my visa while already in Australia?
DoVisa helped me prepare all my documents correctly the first time. The cover letter template they provided was especially helpful. Highly recommend their service!
Just came back from 3 months in Australia - absolutely incredible country! The Great Ocean Road was my favorite part. Make sure you have good travel insurance though, healthcare is expensive there.