Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Overview:
Australia remains one of the most sought-after destinations globally, attracting millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, and family visits. The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa provides an accessible and flexible option for individuals looking to enter Australia for short-term stays. Whether you are looking to explore Australia’s landscapes, visit family or friends, or attend a business event, this visa offers a convenient solution. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, including its eligibility criteria, fees, processing times, and other important factors for prospective applicants from around the world.
What is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows individuals to visit Australia for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business activities. This visa is intended for temporary stays, and applicants can typically remain in Australia for up to 12 months, depending on the purpose of the visit and the visa conditions granted.
Main purposes for applying for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa include:
Tourism: Visit Australia’s iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, and natural wonders.
Family or Friend Visits: Spend time with loved ones living in Australia.
Business: Attend business meetings, conferences, and short-term work-related events (excluding employment).
Applications for the Subclass 600 can be lodged either within Australia (for extensions or visa changes) or outside Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 600:
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is available to applicants from all countries, but it comes with specific eligibility requirements that must be met for approval. Key criteria include:
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate that their stay in Australia is temporary. This includes proving that they intend to return to their home country after the visit.
Financial Capacity: You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in Australia, including accommodation, living expenses, and any associated travel costs.
Health Requirements: Applicants are required to meet Australia’s health standards. Depending on the length of the visit and the applicant’s health history, a health examination may be necessary. This is particularly applicable for those staying for extended periods or those with existing health conditions.
Character Assessment: A clean criminal record is essential for obtaining the Subclass 600 visa. Applicants may need to provide a police certificate from their home country or any other country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. A criminal record or history of immigration violations could result in a visa refusal.
Intent to Leave Australia: Applicants must demonstrate that they will leave Australia at the end of their visa period. This is typically shown through evidence of employment, family obligations, property ownership, or other strong ties to their home country.
Visa History: A history of overstaying a previous visa or breaching Australian visa conditions may negatively impact your current application. A clean visa history increases your chances of approval.
Travel Insurance: While not a mandatory requirement, it is highly recommended that applicants obtain travel insurance for the duration of their stay. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Fees and Charges:
The cost of applying for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s circumstances. As of 2025, the base application fees are as follows:
Tourist Stream (Outside Australia)-AUD 200.
Tourist Stream (Within Australia)-Tourist Visa fee is AUD 500.
Processing Times:
Processing times for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the completeness of the documents submitted, and the volume of applications being processed at the time. On average, the visa processing time ranges from a few weeks to several months.
It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow ample time for processing. Incomplete applications or requests for additional documentation may result in delays.
Other Key Considerations:
Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry Visa: The Subclass 600 visa can be granted as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa allows one entry into Australia during the visa's validity, whereas a multiple-entry visa enables you to leave and re-enter Australia multiple times. Multiple-entry visas are particularly useful for individuals who need to travel in and out of the country during their stay.
Extending Your Stay: If you are already in Australia on a Subclass 600 visa and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed, and the reason for your extension must be well-documented and valid.
Conditions on Work: The Subclass 600 visa does not permit paid employment. Visitors are only allowed to participate in business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences, but they cannot engage in paid work. Violating these conditions could lead to visa cancellation and deportation.
Dependents: If you intend to travel with dependents (such as children or family members), you must include them in your visa application. Dependents will need to meet the same eligibility requirements as the primary applicant. You will need to submit additional documentation for each dependent, such as birth certificates and financial support evidence.
Visa Compliance: Adhering to the conditions of your Subclass 600 visa is crucial. Non-compliance, such as overstaying your visa or engaging in unauthorized work, could result in serious consequences, including deportation and restrictions on future visa applications.
Conclusion:
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is a flexible and accessible option for individuals worldwide who wish to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, business, or family purposes. By carefully adhering to the eligibility criteria, providing the necessary supporting documentation, and considering key factors such as visa fees and processing times, applicants can improve their chances of a successful visa application.
It is essential to plan ahead, ensure that all information is accurate, and seek professional advice if needed. With the right preparation, the Subclass 600 visa provides an excellent opportunity to experience all that Australia has to offer.
How Can we help?
We at, Visamigo lawyers provide expert assistance in applying for the visa by offering comprehensive legal guidance throughout the entire application process. We begin by assessing your unique circumstances and providing tailored advice based on your travel plans, financial status, and other specific requirements and ensures all necessary documentation, including proof of funds, travel itinerary, and health insurance, is accurately prepared and meets Australian immigration standards. With our expertise we will ensure a smooth, efficient process and maximize the likelihood of your visa being approved.
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Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
