This visa has different streams to suit different requirements:
Tourist stream
This visa stream lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to see family and friends or for purposes other than business or medical treatment.
Sponsored family stream
You must be sponsored by an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
We might ask your sponsor to pay a security bond.
Business visitor stream
- This visa stream lets you visit Australia for business reasons.
- You can make a short visit for business visitor reasons, but you can't work or sell goods or services
- We might let you enter Australia once or many times while the visa is valid
- You must be outside Australia when you apply and when we decide your visa
Approved Destination Status stream
- This visa stream is for citizens from certain areas of China visiting Australia on a tour organized by an approved travel agent.
- This visa lets citizens of the People's Republic of China (excluding SARs) visit Australia with an organized tour group
- You must remain with the organized tour group
Frequent traveller stream
This visa stream is for citizens of the People’s Republic of China who travel often to Australia for business or personal reasons.
We might grant a validity period for up to 10 years.
- You must hold a passport from the People's Republic of China, SARs excluded
- You must provide biometrics within the People's Republic of China before you apply
- This visa lets you come to Australia for a holiday or to visit family and friends.
We will tell you how many times you can enter Australia on this visa:
- You might be allowed to enter only once. If so, you will need to apply for a new visa if you want to return to Australia again after you leave.
- You might be able to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid, but the total time you spend in Australia cannot be more than the period of stay that you have been granted.
- You can check your visa expiry date and visa conditions in VEVO, in your visa grant letter.
- If you are in Australia on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), you can check your ETA expiry and conditions through our Check an ETA service.
Visa conditions
No further stay condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535).
If you hold a visa with condition 8503, 8534 or 8535 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you can request to waive this condition if your visa will expire in less than 4 weeks.
Condition 8531 (must not remain in Australia beyond the period of stay permitted by the visa)
If you hold a visa with condition 8531 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you should apply for a further visa before your current visa expires. If you apply for a new visa you may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your visa application.
Condition 8558 (must not stay in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18 month period)
If you hold a visa with condition 8558 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you should apply for a further visa before your current visa expires. If you apply for a new visa you may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your visa application.
Australia Visitor Visa: Your Gateway to Exploring Down Under
Introduction to the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Australia beckons with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a plethora of activities for tourists and business visitors alike. The Visitor Subclass 600 Visa serves as a key to unlocking these opportunities. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sights of Sydney’s Opera House, explore the Great Barrier Reef, or engage in business meetings, understanding the specifics of this visa is crucial.
Understanding the Visitor Visa Subclass 600
Eligibility for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 encompasses a broad spectrum of tourists and business professionals. The visa facilitates short-term stays for people visiting Australia for tourism, business, or family visits. Applicants must prove they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay and intend to leave Australia at the end of their visit.
Detailed Breakdown of Visa 600 Streams
Each stream under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 caters to different visitor needs:
Tourist Stream: Ideal for those visiting Australia for leisure or to visit family and friends.
Sponsored Family Stream: For people visiting family in Australia, where an Australian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor your visit.
Business Visitor Stream: Tailored for individuals coming to Australia for short-term business activities like negotiations or conferences.
Approved Destination Status Stream: Designed for citizens from certain areas of East Asia visiting as part of a tour group.
Applying for the Visitor Visa 600 Tourist Stream
To apply for the Tourist visa for Australia, applicants need to provide proof of their travel plans, financial status, and ties to their home country to ensure their return. The Visa 600 application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls.
Navigating the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream
This stream requires an Australian sponsor who is responsible for the visitor during their stay. The visitor visa subclass 600 sponsored family stream involves more rigorous documentation to prove the sponsor’s legal status and financial ability to support the visiting relative.
Exploring the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Business Visitor Stream
Business visitors must demonstrate their visit is strictly for business purposes and not for long-term employment or selling goods and services directly to the public. The Visa 600 Business Visitor Stream requires applicants to have a letter from their company detailing the purpose of the visit.
The Approved Destination Status Stream of Visa 600
This stream allows citizens from certain countries to visit Australia as part of an organized tour. Each tour is pre-approved, and applicants must apply through an approved travel agent.
Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Processing Time
Processing times can vary significantly based on the stream, with the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 processing time typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, influenced by the completeness of the application and the time of year.
Costs Associated with Visa 600
The Visa 600 fees depend on the stream applied for. As of now, the base application charge starts around AUD 145, but this can increase if additional documentation or checks are required.
Australia Tourism Visa and Its Benefits
Holding an Australia tourism visa opens up countless opportunities to explore the country’s iconic destinations and hidden gems. Beyond the major tourist sites, visitors can engage in activities like diving, hiking, and exploring the indigenous heritage of the region.
How to Optimize Your Visitor Visa 600 Application
To enhance your chance of a successful visa application:
Double-check all documents for accuracy.
Provide evidence of your ties to your home country as proof of your intent to return.
Consider consulting with a migration expert to review your application.
Legal Considerations and Compliance
Visitors must comply with all visa conditions, including not working illegally and not overstaying their visa. Non-compliance can result in cancellation of the visa and deportation.
Extending Your Stay in Australia
If you wish to extend your stay under the Visitor Visa 600, you must apply for a new visa before the current one expires, ensuring that you continue to meet all the requirements.
What to Do If Your Visa Application Is Denied
If your visa application is denied, review the reasons for denial carefully, address the issues, and reapply. Alternatively, you may seek a review of the decision if you believe there has been an error.
Traveling with a Visitor Visa 600
While traveling in Australia with a Visitor Visa 600, always carry copies of your visa and passport for identification. Respect local laws and customs to ensure a pleasant stay.
Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette in Australia
Australia’s diverse culture warrants respect for local customs and traditions. Be aware of cultural sensitivities, especially when visiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Conclusion
The Visitor Subclass 600 Visa is a gateway to exploring Australia’s rich landscapes and cultural offerings. By understanding the application process, requirements, and compliance details, travelers can enhance their chances of a memorable and hassle-free Australian adventure. Enjoy your journey down under, exploring all that this magnificent country has to offer!
FAQs
The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is designed for travel to Australia for tourism, business or family visits. The visas are designed for short stays only, typically up to 3 month with multiple entries allowed depending on the stream you have applied for.
To be eligible for a tourist visa (Visitor Visa subclass 600), you must intend to visit Australia on a temporary basis and meet the health and character requirements. You must also prove you have sufficient financial ability to support yourself during your visit and that you have a strong incentive to return to your home country after.
The Tourist Stream of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family. The Sponsored Family Stream requires an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor the applicant and is designed for those visiting family in Australia.
The length of stay on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) can vary with purposes of the visitor visa. Typically, you can stay for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Processing times for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) can vary depending on the stream you apply for, the volume of visa applications at the time and the completeness of your application. As a rough guideline, Tourist Stream applications are processed in 25 to 40 days, while the Sponsored Family Stream may take longer, between 40 and 90 days.
You typically will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, evidence of funds to support your stay, travel itinerary, health insurance, and proof of ties to your home country (such as employment or family obligations). If you are applying under the Sponsored Family Stream, you will also need documents from your sponsor.
The Sponsored Family Stream allows Australian citizens and/or permanent residents to sponsor their family members to visit Australia for a special occasion. Sponsors must provide an undertaking to support the visitor and may be required to provide a security bond. This stream is ideal to invite a family member over to Australia for a short visit.
In some cases, you may be able to extend your stay on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) by applying for a another visa onshore before your current one expires. However, the possibility of extending your stay largely depends on the conditions of your current visa and the reason for your extension.
No, you are not permitted to work while on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). The visa is strictly for tourism, business visitor purposes, or family visits.
Yes, you can apply for certain streams of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), such as the Tourist Stream, from within Australia if you are already in the country on a valid visa. However, you must ensure that your current visa conditions allow you to apply for a new visa while in Australia.
No, each family member must also lodge a separate application for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). There is no provision for adding dependents to a single visitor visa application.
You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds set away to cover your expenses during your stay in Australia. This typically includes accommodation, travel, and living costs as well as your return ticket.
Yes, if your Visitor Visa (subclass 600) application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). However, not all refusals are eligible for appeal, and it’s important to understand the specific reasons for the refusal.
A security bond is an amount of money that a sponsor may be required by the department of immigration to provide when applying for the Sponsored Family Stream of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). This bond is to ensures that the visitor complies with the visa conditions, and it is refundable once the visitor leaves the country.
You can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to provide all necessary documents, including your passport, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and any sponsorship details if applying under the Sponsored Family Stream.
Yes, you can study on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), but only for courses that are less than three months in duration. If you wish to study for a longer period, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Overstaying your visa is always a bad idea. Failure to leave the country after the expiration of your Visitor Visa (subclass 600) can result in penalties, including being banned from re-entering Australia for a certain period. It is essential to comply with your visa conditions and apply for a new visa or leave Australia before your visa expires.
Typically, up to 12 months, depending on individual circumstances.
Yes, but for no more than three months.
Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
Family members must apply separately, but you can link your applications.
You should renew your passport before it expires, as having a valid passport is a condition of the visa.
Volunteering is allowed, provided it’s truly voluntary, benefits the community, and isn’t paid work.
This depends on whether you have a single or multiple entry visa.
Seek medical attention. If you have travel insurance, contact your provider for advice on covering medical expenses.
There are many courses available in Melbourne to international students who are looking to apply for a student visa. They range from, English language courses (ELICOS), VET courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses which include specialised courses in IT, Business and Healthcare.
They provide expert guidance on the whole application process and assist you in choosing the right course and institution., along with advising on any issues you have with visa compliance.
It is important when you are choosing a student visa agency you are looking for ones that are MARA-registered. You will also need to consider factors like, their knowledge of Australian education institutions, and experience in student visas. Reading client reviews on their Google page is also helpful.
By using a student visa agent you can rest assure that your application is submitted correctly which increases your chances of approval. During the process, the agent will guide you on course selection, documentation and visa requirements.
You will need to provide your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) which states you are enrolled full time in a CRICOS registered institution, meet the English language requirements, have health insurance (OSHC) and have sufficient financial capacity to apply for a student visa.
This will depend on the course you are enrolled in. Your student visa is valid for the duration of your course with the addition of a few months. Courses such as university degrees will have a visa duration from 3-4 years.
Melbourne offers a wide selection of courses to international students who are looking to apply for a student visa. They range from, English language courses (ELICOS), VET courses, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses which include specialised courses in IT, Business and Healthcare.
You first need to be enrolled in a CRICOS registered course to apply for a student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. You can engage in a student visa migration agent to assist you with the process.
Yes, a student visa agency can help you change courses or institutions. It is important to note that the Department of Home Affairs states you must complete at least 6 months in your principal course before making the switch.
It costs approximately $650AUD to apply for an Student Visa 500. If you include health checks, police certificate, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) etc, additional fees may apply.
You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course while holding a Student Visa 500 and uncapped hours on scheduled course breaks. There are some sectors that have temporarily relaxed conditions, please check the Department of Home Affairs for updates.
You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to apply for a student visa in Australia. This helps cover medical and hospital expenses for the duration of your stay. You may consult with your student visa migration agent to pick the suits you.
You can apply for an extension on your student visa if your course finishes past the expiration of your current visa, or if you want to continue studying. You should seek assistance from a student visa migration agent to submit an extension application before your visa expires.
After completing their studies, many international students use their qualifications was a stepping stone to obtain permanent residency. You may be eligible to apply for a 485 Graduate Visa or other skilled migration visas depending on your work experience and qualifications.
You will need to provide the following: your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), a valid passport, English proficiency test results (if applicable), health insurance (OSHC) , evidence of sufficient financial capacity and possibly health and character assessments to apply for a student visa.
Yes, family members such as your spouse or dependant children can be included on your Student Visa 500 application. If granted, they may have work or study right, depending on the conditions of their visa.
The average time frame to process a Student Visa 500 is between 4 to 6 weeks but can vary depending on how well you complete the application and time of year. Working with a student visa migration agent will ensure it is processed a fast as possible.
You will need look for CRICOS-registered institutions that offer courses that align with your career goal. You can seek the advice from a student visa migration agent to help you with this process.
No, it is a requirement that holders of the Student Visa 500 study full-time. Part time study must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs, however this will only be under exceptional circumstances such as medical reasons.
You have the right to appeal the decision through Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You can seek the advice of a student visa migration agent to understand the reason for your visa being refused and how to maximise your chances of a successful appeal.
You need to meet the following requirements:
- Enrolment in a course: You must have been accepted to study a course in Australia as a full-time student at a registered educational institution.
- Financial requirements: You must have enough money to cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and travel costs to and from Australia. The amount of funds required may vary depending on the duration and level of study.
- English language proficiency: You must be able to demonstrate your English language proficiency by providing evidence of an English language test score that meets the minimum requirements of your chosen course.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): You must demonstrate that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily and have a genuine intention to study and return to your home country once you complete your studies.
- Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must have health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Age requirements: If you are under 18, you will need to have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements in place.
Check the latest information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or consult a qualified migration agent like us to ensure you meet all the requirements before applying for a student visa.
No, you cannot stay in Australia after your student visa expires. If you wish to remain in Australia, you must apply for a new visa before your current student visa expires.
There are a few different visa options you may be eligible for, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, you may be eligible for a skilled migration visa, a partner visa, or a working holiday visa.
It’s important to note that staying in Australia after your visa expires is considered unlawful and could result in serious consequences, including detention and removal from the country.
You can change courses while you are on a student visa in Australia. However, Student visa 500 holders studying cannot change their course of study if you are a working on a thesis, or research topic as part of your studies without receiving approval from the Minister. You will only receive approval once the Minister has obtained an evaluation from the appropriate Australian authority that determines you are unlikely to pose a direct or indirect threat to Australian national security.
If your student visa in Australia is about to expire, you may have a few different options, depending on your circumstances and future plans.
Extend your student visa: If you need more time to complete your current course or pursue further studies in Australia, you may be able to apply for a new student visa. To do so, you must meet the eligibility requirements and provide evidence of enrolment in a registered course.
Apply for a graduate visa: If you have recently completed a degree or higher education course in Australia, you may be eligible for a graduate visa. This allows you to work, study, or travel in Australia for up to 18 months.
Apply for a skilled migration visa: If you have skills or qualifications that are in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a skilled migration visa. This allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Return to your home country: If you do not wish to extend your stay in Australia, you can return to your home country before your student visa expires.
Yes, in most cases, it is possible to bring dependents on an Australia student visa. A dependent is defined as a spouse or de facto partner or a child under the age of 18 who is not married or in a de facto relationship.
To bring your dependents to Australia, you must include them in your student visa application or submit a subsequent application for them after you have been granted your student visa. You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship with your dependents, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, and evidence of your ability to support them while in Australia financially.
The amount of money you will need to show depends on a number of factors, such as the length of your course, your accommodation costs, and your personal circumstances.
As a general rule, you will need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover:
- Tuition fees: You must provide evidence of payment for your course fees for the first year of study.
- Living expenses: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs provides a guide to minimum living costs, which can vary depending on the location of your education provider.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must purchase OSHC for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. The cost of OSHC will depend on the provider and the length of your stay.
- Flights to arrive in australia but also to return home after your studies.
You can show that you meet these financial requirements in several ways, such as by providing bank statements, a letter from a financial institution, or a scholarship award letter.
Several English language proficiency tests are acceptable for an Australia Student visa application, including:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
The required minimum score for each test may vary depending on the institution and program that you are applying for.
Yes. A few of the scholarships available for international students in Australia are:
- Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers these scholarships and are available to international students from selected countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards: The Australian government also offers these scholarships and are available to international students who wish to undertake a postgraduate degree or research program in Australia.
- University-specific scholarships: Many universities in Australia offer scholarships specifically for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.
- Private organization scholarships: Many private organizations in Australia offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, community involvement, or other criteria.
The eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadline for each scholarship may vary. International students should research and carefully review the scholarship options available to them to determine which scholarships they may be eligible for and how to apply.
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued by an Australian educational institution that confirms that a student has been accepted and enrolled in a specific course of study. It is a mandatory requirement for international students who wish to apply for an Australian Student visa.
The CoE contains important information such as the student’s personal details, the course of study they will be undertaking, the course’s start and end dates, and the study’s expected duration. It also includes information on the total course fees and any payments made towards those fees.
Yes. However, there are certain restrictions and conditions that international students must comply with to work in Australia.
International students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during scheduled course breaks, such as during semester breaks and vacations. Additionally, international students must not start working until their course of study has commenced.