Australia is a beautiful nation that is known for its iconic landmarks, vast outback landscapes, unique wildlife, and laid-back beach culture. It’s also known for its indigenous culture, sporting achievements and friendly, easy going people.

foreign nationals that wants to travel to Australia to stay for a short period of time must first apply for an Australian visitor visa (subclass 600).

What is an Australian Visitor Visa?

An Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) is a legal document that the Australian government issues to foreign nationals which gives them the right to enter Australia for the purpose of tourism, visit to close relatives or friends in Australia, etc.

Australian Visitor Visa Streams (Subclass 600)

The Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) has various streams. Below you will find the various streams of the Australian subclass 600 visa

• Tourist Stream: This stream lets foreign nationals visit Australia for tourism, recreation, visit to close friends and family members.

• Sponsored Family Stream: This stream allows foreigners visit family members in Australia who are citizens or permanent residents. Kindly note that the Department of Home Affairs may request for a security bond from your sponsor in Australia if you choose to visit Australia using this stream.

• Business Visitor Stream: This stream lets foreign nationals visit Australia to engage in non paid business activities like attending meetings, conference, negotiating contracts, etc.

• Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: This stream is for Chinese citizens traveling to Australia as part of an organized tour group.

• Frequent Traveller Stream: This stream is for foreign nationals from certain countries who frequently travel to Australia for either tourism or business purposes.

You can also read our article on: Australia Student Visa – Subclass 500

What can I do in Australia with an Australian Visitor Visa?

As an Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) holder, you can take part in any of the following permitted activities below in Australia;

• Visit family and friends in Australia.

• Engage in tourist activities.

• Participate in short time-term study or training for up to 3 months.

• Engage in cruise activities.

• Engage in voluntary work without pay.

What am I prohibited from doing with an Australian Visitor Visa?

As an Australian visitor visa holder (Subclass 600), below are the activities that you are not allowed to engage in while in Australia;

• You are not allowed to engage in any paid job.

• You are not allowed to engage in a long-term study or training that is more than 3 months.

• You are not allowed to engage in any paid business activities.

Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Requirements

If you plan applying for an Australian visitor visa, you must meet the following requirements below in order to be issued a Subclass 600 visa;

• International Passport: You must have an international passport with a validity period of at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in Australia.

• Financial Capacity: You must have the financial capacity to support yourself in Australia.

• Genuine Visitor: You must prove that your intention to visit Australia temporarily is genuine and you plan leaving Australia before the expiration of your Subclass 600 visa.

• Health Insurance: You must maintain an adequate health insurance throughout your stay in Australia.

What is the cost of an Australian Visitor Visa?

The cost of the Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) varies depending on the stream you are applying for. Below you will find the cost of applying for a subclass 600 visa for the various streams.

• Tourist Stream: The cost for an Australian subclass 600 (tourist stream) visa is 500 AUD.

• Sponsored Family Stream: The cost of applying for an Australian subclass 600 (sponsored family stream) visa is 200 AUD.

• Business Visitor Stream: The cost of an Australian subclass 600 (business visitor stream) is 200 AUD.

• Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: The cost is 200 AUD.

• Frequent Traveller Stream: The cost is 1,480 AUD.

How long can I stay in Australia with a Subclass 600 Visa?

How long you can stay in Australia on a subclass 600 visa depends on the stream you are applying for. Below you will find a breakdown of how long you can stay in Australia;

• Tourist Stream: If you are visiting Australia through the tourist stream, then you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

• Sponsored Family Stream: If you are visiting Australia through this stream, you can expect a visa with a validity period of 12 months.

• Business Visitor Stream: If you are visiting Australia through this stream, then you can stay in Australia for up to 3 months.

• Approved Destination Status Stream: If you are visiting Australia using this stream, then you can stay for the period or the date the Australian government specifies in your grant letter.

• Frequent Traveller Stream: If you are visiting Australia through this stream, the Australian government can issue you a visa that is valid for up to 10 years but you can stay up to 3 months for each entry.

What is a Security Bond?

A security bond is a set amount that a sponsor of an Australian subclass 600 visa applicant (sponsored family stream) has to pay which ensures that the visitor abides to all the visa rules and leaves Australia before his or her visa expires.

The Australian government usually returns this fund to the sponsor provided that the visitor obeys the visa rules and does not overstay his or her visa.

Australia Subclass 600 Application Process

• Create an ImmiAccount: The first step of an Australia subclass 600 visa application process is to create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

• Gather your documents: Before you start your application, it’s important that you gather all your documents in an accepted electronic format.

• Start your application: After creating an ImmiAccount, kindly proceed by starting your visa application. Make sure you select the right visa category in this case which is subclass 600 visa.

• Fill in the required fields and upload all your supporting documents.

• Complete your application and pay the required fees.

• Submit your subclass 600 visa application.

Is Biometric submission mandatory for a Visitor Visa Application?

Yes biometric submission is a crucial part of a subclass 600 visa application process. After you submit your visa application online, you must book an appointment at the Australian consulate in your home country.

On the visa appointment day, you will submit your biometric (fingerprint and face capture). Failure to submit your biometric will lead to a visa denial.

Note: If you have already submitted your biometric on a previous Australian visa application that you made within the last 10 years, you do not need to submit another biometric because an Australian visa biometric is valid for 10 years.

What is the Processing Times of an Australian Subclass 600 Visa?

The processing times for an Australian subclass 600 visa varies from country to country. Some region have a shorter processing times while some other region have a longer processing times because of the large number of applications in those regions.

The number of staffing at the Australian embassy can also affect the processing times.

To get an idea of the timeframe that it will take for the Australian embassy to finalize your visitor visa application, use the visa processing times guide tool at the Department of Home Affairs website.

Can I apply for a new Visa while in Australia on a Visitor Visa?

No while you are in Australia on a subclass 600 visa, you cannot apply for any other type of Australian visa except an Australia protection visa.

Possible reasons for an Australian Visitor Visa Denial

Below you will find the possible reasons for an Australian visitor visa denial. This helps you to prepare better before sending in your application to the Australian government.

You can also read our article on: Canada Visitors Visa

• Not having the financial capacity to support yourself during your stay in Australia

• Incomplete or inconsistent application

• Lack of strong ties to your home country

• Applying from a high risk country

• Owing the Australian government money

• Lack of genuine temporary entrant status

• Having a criminal record in your home country

• Having a deadly and communicable disease

• Having a history of overstaying your visa

• Having an immigration intent

• Providing false and misleading information during your application

• Submitting fraudulent documents

Here at Schmick Travel, we have expert consultants with years of experience in the travel industry. If you would like us to assist you with your Australian visitor visa application, kindly get in touch with us and one of our expert consultants will be more than happy to assist you.