The Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets non-citizens visit Australia temporarily for tourism, business or to see family. Stays can be granted for short visits (typically up to 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the stream). For many travellers the subclass 600 is the correct choice when an ETA or eVisitor is not available.
QUICK FACTS
• Visa type: Temporary visitor visa (Subclass 600).
• Typical stay: up to 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the stream and the Department’s decision.
• Main streams: Tourist (standard), Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Frequent Traveller and special streams (e.g. Approved Destination Status).
• Application method: Lodge online via ImmiAccount (or paper in limited cases).
• Fees: base charges vary by stream and where you apply from — public estimates and practitioner guides show offshore fees often start low (e.g. ~AUD200) with onshore lodgement fees higher; check current charges on the Department site when applying.
WHO THE VISA IS FOR
• Tourists and holidaymakers.
• People visiting family and friends (including those sponsored under the Sponsored Family stream).
• Business visitors attending short business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations).
THE MAIN STREAMS — AT A GLANCE
- Tourist (Standard) stream — for general tourism, holidays and visiting family or friends. Evidence should show genuine temporary stay and adequate funds.
- Sponsored Family stream — for visitors who are sponsored by an Australian family member. Sponsorship and character checks are part of the assessment.
- Business Visitor stream — for short, business-related activities (not for paid work) such as attending meetings or conferences.
- Frequent Traveller and ADS streams — for eligible passport holders or Approved Destination Status arrangements (industry specific). Check the Department for current eligibility lists.
KEY ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Applicants must generally demonstrate that they are a genuine visitor (intend to stay temporarily), have sufficient funds for the visit and will depart Australia when the visa expires. The Department also considers character and health checks where required. These tests are applied to each application and vary with the applicant’s circumstances.
DOCUMENTS USUALLY REQUIRED
• Current passport and identity documents.
• Evidence of travel plans / itinerary (if available).
• Evidence of funds (bank statements, payslips, sponsor’s financials if applicable).
• Letter of invitation or sponsor documents for the Sponsored Family stream.
• Employment letter or evidence of ties to home country (to show intent to return).
• Any supporting police checks or medical reports if requested by the Department.
PROCESS & TIMINGS (what to expect)
• Lodge online via ImmiAccount with complete supporting documents. The assessment is case-by-case.
• Processing times vary widely depending on the stream, country of lodgement, volume of applications and whether additional checks are required. In 2025 visitor visa service levels have fluctuated — expect variability and plan to apply well ahead of intended travel dates. Recent practitioner commentary and migration agent resources underline that processing times can change rapidly, so check current benchmarks and apply early.
FEES & COSTS
Visa application charges change frequently. Public practitioner guides show example ranges (some offshore lodgements noted at low entry fees while onshore charges can be higher). Always check the Department of Home Affairs visa fees page at lodgement time for the official charge.
HOW SKYLINE MIGRATION LAWYERS CAN HELP
For applicants
• Review your situation and recommend the correct stream.
• Prepare and organise evidence showing genuine temporary intent and financial capacity.
• Draft sponsor letters and supporting statements (Sponsored Family stream).
• Liaise with the Department where required and respond to requests for additional information.
For sponsors (family or businesses)
• Prepare sponsor declarations and supporting evidence.
• Advise on sponsor obligations and likely documentation the Department will seek.
• Provide practical, commercial advice where visits are linked to business activities.
Book a free consultation to discuss your case
COMMON QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: How long before travel should I apply?
A: Apply as early as possible — processing times change by stream and nationality. If you have fixed travel plans, submit complete documentation well ahead of your travel date. Recent industry commentary shows visitor processing times can vary, so earlier is safer.
Q: Can I work on a Visitor (600) visa?
A: No — the subclass 600 does not permit paid work. Business visitors may undertake limited, short business activities only (meetings, conferences, negotiations).
Q: What if my visa is refused?
A: If your application is refused, review rights depend on where you are and the reason for refusal. We can advise on review options and prepare any further submissions where appropriate.
Q: Is the Sponsored Family stream easier?
A: The sponsorship helps, but the Department still requires evidence that the visitor is a genuine temporary entrant and that sponsorship is genuine. Sponsors must provide verifiable details and may be asked for supporting documents.