Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Complete Guide 2026
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600, commonly known as the visitor visa 600, 600 visa, or visa 600, allows people to visit Australia for tourism, family visits, or short-term business. This visa is one of the most popular options in Australia due to its flexibility and various streams.
Whether you want to explore Australia, see family, or attend business meetings, this guide covers eligibility, streams, requirements, processing times, costs, conditions, and common mistakes. This information will help you apply with confidence.
What Is a Visitor Visa Subclass 600?
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a temporary Australian visa that allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the stream and the decision made by the Department of Home Affairs.
This visa does not permit long-term work, but limited business activities are allowed under specific streams.
- Common Names Used
- Visitor Visa
- Visitor Visa Subclass 600
- Visitor Visa 600
- Visa 600
- 600 Visa Australia
- Streams Under Visitor Visa 600
The visitor visa 600 has four main streams, each for different travel purposes.
- Tourist Stream
Best for:
- Holidays and sightseeing
- Visiting friends or relatives
- Short recreational courses (less than 3 months)
- You can apply inside or outside Australia.
- Sponsored Family Stream
Best for:
Visiting close family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents
Key requirement:
- A sponsor in Australia
- A security bond may be requested
- Business Visitor Stream
Best for:
- Business meetings
- Conferences and trade fairs
- Contract negotiations
Not allowed:
- Paid employment
- Selling goods or services directly to the public
- Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Best for:
Chinese citizens traveling through approved tour operators
Length of Stay on a 600 Visa
Depending on your profile and travel history, you may receive:
3 months
6 months
12 months
Some applicants get a multiple-entry visitor visa 600, allowing several trips during the visa’s validity.
Visitor Visa 600 Eligibility Criteria?
- To qualify for a visa 600, you must:
- Be a genuine temporary entrant (GTE)
- Have enough funds for your stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Plan to return home after your visit
- Follow previous Australian visa conditions
Visitor Visa 600 Requirements?
- Essential Documents
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-size photographs
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips)
- Invitation letter (if needed)
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Health insurance (recommended)
- Additional Documents (if required)
- Sponsor documents (Sponsored Family Stream)
- Business invitation (Business Visitor Stream)
- Previous travel history
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
- The GTE requirement is crucial for visitor visa 600 approval.
Visa officers assess:
- Purpose of visit
- Employment and financial stability
- Family and social ties
- Travel history
- Immigration history
- Offering clear, honest, and consistent information will improve your chances of approval.
Visitor Visa 600 Cost?
As of current guidelines:
- Base application fee: AUD 190 (subject to change)
- Additional costs may include:
- Health examinations
- Biometrics
- Document translations
Always check official fees before applying.
Visitor Visa 600 Processing Time?
Processing times vary based on:
- Stream type
- Country of application
- Completeness of documents
Estimated timeframes:
- Tourist Stream: 2 to 4 weeks
- Sponsored Family Stream: 4 to 8 weeks
- Business Visitor Stream: 2 to 3 weeks
It’s strongly recommended to apply early.
Conditions on Visitor Visa 600?
ommon visa conditions include:
- No work (Condition 8101)
- Maximum study of 3 months
- No further stay condition (8503) may apply
- You must leave Australia before your visa expires
Violating conditions may affect future visa applications.
Can You Extend a Visitor Visa 600?
ou cannot automatically extend a visitor visa 600. However, you may:
- Apply for a new visitor visa while in Australia (if no 8503 condition applies)
- Leave Australia and reapply from outside
- Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your circumstances.
Common Reasons for Visitor Visa 600 Refusal?
- eak ties to your home country
- Insufficient funds
- Unclear purpose of visit
- Inconsistent information
- Previous visa refusals or overstays
Benefits of Applying Through a Registered Migration Agent
- Weak ties to your home country
- Insufficient funds
- Unclear purpose of visit
- Inconsistent information
- Previous visa refusals or overstays
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Visitor Visa Subclass 600?
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 allows people to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short-term business activities.
2. How long can I stay in Australia on a 600 visa?
You can stay for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the visa conditions granted.
3. Can I work on a visitor visa 600?
No, the visitor visa 600 does not allow paid work in Australia.
4. How much does a visitor visa 600 cost?
The base application fee for a visitor visa 600 is approximately AUD 190, excluding additional charges.
5. Can I apply for a visitor visa 600 online?
Yes, most applicants can apply online through the Australian immigration system.
6. Is health insurance required for a visa 600?
Health insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended to cover medical expenses during your stay.
7. Can family sponsor me for a visitor visa 600?
Yes, under the Sponsored Family Stream, an eligible family member in Australia can sponsor you.
8. What is the processing time for visitor visa 600?
Processing usually takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the stream and applicant profile.
9. Can I study on a visitor visa 600?
Yes, but only for up to 3 months.
10. What happens if my visitor visa 600 is refused?
If refused, you may reapply with stronger evidence or seek help from a registered migration agent.
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is a flexible and widely used visa that enables millions of people to experience Australia each year. By understanding the requirements, streams, and conditions, and preparing a strong, genuine application, you can greatly improve your chances of success.