Visitor visa (subclass 600)

What is the Visitor visa 600?

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is designed for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis. It can be used for holidays, visiting friends or family. Depending on the stream you apply under, the visa may allow stays of a few weeks through to 12 months, and in some cases multiple entries to Australia during its validity.

Streams of the Visitor visa 600

The visa is divided into different streams, each catering to a specific purpose of travel:

• Tourist stream – for holidays, leisure travel or visiting friends and relatives.

• Sponsored Family stream – when an eligible family member in Australia sponsors your visit.

• Business Visitor stream – for short business purposes such as meetings, negotiations or attending conferences.

• Frequent Traveller stream – available to certain applicants who need to travel often to Australia.

Choosing the correct stream is crucial as the application requirements differ.

Who can apply?

To be considered for a Visitor visa 600, applicants generally need to:

• Intend to stay in Australia temporarily and genuinely plan to depart before their visa expires.

• Show they have enough funds to cover travel, accommodation and living expenses.

• Meet health and character requirements, which may include medical checks or police clearances.

• Provide evidence of their reason for travel, such as a travel itinerary, invitation letters or event registrations.

• If applying under the Sponsored Family stream, ensure the sponsor in Australia meets the eligibility rules.

Documents usually required

While each case is different, most applications will involve:

• A valid passport and identification documents.

• Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, payslips or sponsor evidence).

• Travel details such as flight bookings, accommodation or event invitations.

• Information about ties to the home country (employment, family commitments, property).

• Health or police checks if requested.

Processing times

The time taken to process a Visitor visa 600 varies. Factors that affect timing include:

• The stream you apply under.

• The country you are applying from.

• Whether your application is complete and decision-ready.

• Current demand at the Department of Home Affairs.

Applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of planned travel dates, as processing can take weeks or months depending on circumstances.

Common reasons for refusal

Applications may be refused if:

• The decision-maker is not satisfied the applicant will leave Australia before the visa expires.

• Financial evidence is weak or inconsistent.

• Past visa refusals or overstays are not disclosed.

• Required documents are missing or incomplete.

• Health or character concerns are not addressed.

A well-prepared application that clearly demonstrates genuine temporary entry and adequate funds significantly improves prospects.

How to apply

Applications for the Visitor visa 600 are lodged online through the ImmiAccount system. The steps usually involve:

1. Creating or logging into an ImmiAccount.

2. Selecting the correct stream of the Visitor visa 600.

3. Completing the application form honestly and thoroughly.

4. Uploading supporting documents.

5. Paying the visa application charge.

6. Monitoring your account for updates or requests for further information.

7. If granted, reading the visa grant notice carefully to understand all conditions.

Visa conditions

The Visitor visa 600 usually carries conditions such as:

• No permission to work.

• Study limited to short courses (generally up to three months).

• Requirement to leave Australia before the visa expires.

The exact conditions will be listed in the grant notice.

When to seek professional assistance

Although many people apply for the Visitor visa on their own, professional help may be valuable if:

• You have had a previous visa refusal or cancellation.

• You are unsure which stream is most suitable.

• Your circumstances are complex (e.g. sponsorship issues, medical conditions, travel history concerns).

Registered Migration Agents, such as those at Melbourne Migration Services, can provide tailored advice and support with your application.

Summary

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is one of Australia’s most commonly used visas for short-term travel. Success depends on choosing the correct stream, lodging a complete application, and demonstrating strong evidence of temporary stay and financial stability.

For travellers who want peace of mind, consulting a Registered Migration Agent ensures professional assessment of your individual situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute migration advice and should not be relied upon as an individual assessment.