Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Guide 2025: Requirements, Process & Insider Tips

Complete 2025 guide to Australia Visitor Visa Subclass 600—streams, costs, documents, step‑by‑step application, FAQs & expert travel tips.

Jun 18, 2025 - 16:07
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Planning a holiday Down Under to see the Sydney Opera House, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or hug a koala? You’ll need an Apply for a Visitor Visa 600 —commonly called the “Visitor Visa.” This SEO‑optimised guide breaks down every detail so you can lodge a winning application the first time.

The Visitor Visa lets you visit Australia for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short study. Depending on the stream, you can stay up to 12 months and enter once or multiple times.

For official wording, see the Department of Home Affairs Visitor 600 page.


Stream Typical Purpose Max Stay Key Feature
Tourist Holiday, sightseeing 3, 6 or 12 months No sponsor needed
Sponsored Family Visit relatives Up to 12 months Relative in Australia must sponsor & pay bond
Business Visitor Meetings, conferences Up to 3 months No work allowed beyond business activity
Approved Destination (ADS) Chinese tour groups Per itinerary Group travel only
Frequent Traveller High‑frequency visitors (mainly Chinese nationals) 10 years, visits ≤ 3 months each Multiple trips without re‑applying
Core requirements
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Convince officers you’ll return home.

  • Sufficient funds: Bank statements covering trip cost & AUD 5,000 buffer.

  • Health & character: Health insurance recommended; police checks if requested.

  • Valid passport with ≥ 6 months validity.

Recommended documents

  • Return flight itinerary

  • Employer letter approving leave

  • Property or lease documents proving ties to home

  • Comprehensive travel insurance for Australia

Create ImmiAccount and start a Visitor 600 application.
  1. Upload documents (see checklist above).

  2. Pay the Visa Application Charge (AUD 190 as of 1 July 2025).

  3. Biometrics appointment (if required in your country).

  4. Track status via ImmiAccount & respond to requests.

  5. Visa grant notification—print it before you travel!

Need one‑on‑one help? Our licensed agents can guide you—book a consult on the migration agent services page.

Base charge: AUD 190 (offshore or onshore Tourist stream).
  • Processing time: 75 % in 19 days; 90 % in 35 days (as at June 2025). Check live averages on our visa processing times tracker.

  • Extension: Apply online inside Australia before your current visa expires; you may get another 3‑month Visitor 600.

Meet Julia from Brazil—she wanted to attend her sister’s graduation in Melbourne and travel the east coast for two months.
  • Applied under the Tourist stream with flight bookings and AUD 8,000 savings.

  • Received biometrics request; attended within 48 hours.

  • Visa granted in 9 working days with multiple entry, 12‑month validity.

Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros Cons
Easy online application No work rights (must apply for other visas)
Multiple streams & entries Overstay risks hefty penalties
Relatively low fee Medical exams for some applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How long can I stay on a Visitor Visa?
Up to 12 months per visit for most streams.

Q 2. Can I study?
Yes—short courses ≤ 3 months.

Q 3. How many times can I enter?
If granted a multiple‑entry visa, unlimited entries within validity.

Q 4. What if my visa is refused?
Read our guide on Visitor Visa refusal appeals.

Compare Australian visas: types of Australian visas
  • Travel health insurance tips: Australian travel insurance requirements

  • Government info: Visitor 600 on Home Affairs

Conclusion & Call to Action

Securing an Australia Visitor Visa information is straightforward when you plan ahead, prove strong home ties, and submit a complete application. Ready to get started? Reach out to our expert team for personalised guidance—or download the free checklist and start your journey today!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments, share this guide with fellow travellers, and follow us on social media for real‑time visa updates.