Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

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600 Visa

Snapshot

What you get	Key points
Purpose	Short-term tourism, family visits or business visitor activities
Stay	Up to 3, 6 or 12 months per entry (case-by-case)
Cost (VAC)	Offshore Tourist/Business/Sponsored Family – AUD 200 · Onshore Tourist – AUD 500 · Frequent Traveller – AUD 1,480 · Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) if re-applying onshore – AUD 700
Processing (median 2025)	Tourist– 50 % 13 days, 90 % 26 days · Business visitor – 50 % 7 days, 90 % 19 days · Sponsored family – 50 % 34 days, 90 % 49 days
Work / study	No work. Study ≤ 3 months
Streams	Tourist · Sponsored Family · Business Visitor · Approved Destination Status (ADS) · Frequent Traveller

Choose the right stream

Stream	Best for
Tourist	Holidays, visiting friends, cruises
Sponsored Family	Relatives invited & financially supported by an Australian PR/citizen
Business Visitor	Attending conferences, negotiating contracts, official government visits
ADS	Chinese tour groups
Frequent Traveller	Citizens of 11 Indo-Pacific countries who visit often

What you can / can’t do

Allowed

Holiday, visit family or friends
Attend business visitor activities (Business Visitor stream)
Undertake short, non-formal study ≤ 3 months
Leave and re-enter Australia if granted a multiple-entry visa

Not allowed

Work for, or provide services to, an Australian business
Sell goods or services directly to the public
Overstay—doing so risks a future ban and visa refusal

Eligibility checklist

Genuine visitor – show you will leave before your visa expires.
Funds – evidence you can pay for flights, accommodation & daily costs.
Health & character – standard medicals / police checks if asked.
Honest application – false or misleading info can lead to refusal or cancellation.

Application step-by-step

Create / log in to ImmiAccount
Select the correct stream (Tourist, Business etc.).
Upload documents – passport, itinerary, proof of funds, ties to home country, invitations, Form 1149 (Sponsored Family).
Pay VAC – card or PayPal.
Biometrics / health – attend if requested (s56 notice).
Track & respond swiftly – supply extra info within the deadline.
Outcome – check VEVO; note visa grant date and must-arrive-by date.

Extending your visit

A subclass 600 cannot be “extended”. To stay longer you must:

Apply for another 600 (and pay the STAC if you are still onshore), or
Transition to another visa type if no ‘No Further Stay’ condition applies.
Plan ahead—lodgement after your current visa lapses leads to unlawful status.

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on your future.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

Do I need a return ticket?

Home Affairs doesn’t require it, but showing booked return or onward travel helps prove you’ll leave on time.

Can one Visitor 600 cover multiple trips?

Only if you’re granted a multiple-entry visa. Single-entry visas let you enter Australia once.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

It isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended because visitors can’t access Medicare.

What if my passport expires soon?

Renew it before applying. Your visa will be linked to the passport you used at lodgement.