Visitor Visa Subclass 600 – Opportunity to Explore Australia

Australia, known for its stunning natural landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities, is a top destination for tourists from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of walking along the white sands of Bondi Beach, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the rugged Outback, or immersing yourself in the culture and cosmopolitan vibe of Sydney and Melbourne, Australia has something for everyone.

To experience all this country has to offer, international visitors often need a Visitor Visa Subclass 600. This visa opens the door to exploring Australia legally and comfortably, for both short holidays and extended stays. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what the Subclass 600 visa is, who it’s for, how to apply, and why it might be the perfect gateway for your Australian adventure.

What is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?

The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is designed for people who want to travel to Australia temporarily for purposes such as:

• Tourism – for holidays, recreation, or seeing family and friends 
• Business visitor activities – including attending conferences, making business inquiries, or attending meetings 
• Visiting family – with options for sponsorship by a family member living in Australia 

This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your personal circumstances and the decision of the Department of Home Affairs.

Streams of the Visitor Visa Subclass 600

There are several streams under this visa, catering to different types of visitors:

1. Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia)

The Tourist Stream for applicants outside Australia is designed for those who wish to visit the country temporarily for holidays, recreation, or to visit family and friends. This stream is ideal for leisure travelers looking to explore Australia’s iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and vibrant cities. Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa decision, and they must demonstrate a genuine intent to stay temporarily. Evidence of sufficient funds and strong ties to their home country will support a successful application.

2. Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia)

If you’re already in Australia and wish to extend your stay for tourism purposes, the Tourist Stream (apply in Australia) allows you to remain longer as a visitor. This is suitable for individuals who may have entered Australia on another visa but want to stay and explore more of the country. You must apply for this visa before your current visa expires, and you need to show that you continue to meet visitor visa requirements. It’s essential to prove that you are a genuine visitor and have adequate funds to support your extended stay.

3. Sponsored Family Stream

The Sponsored Family Stream is intended for people who are invited and sponsored by a family member living in Australia. This stream helps reunite families temporarily and is a popular option for those visiting close relatives for special occasions or short stays. The sponsor must be an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident and may be required to provide a security bond. The visa applicant must meet the same visitor criteria and may be subject to more rigorous checks to ensure they will comply with visa conditions.

4. Business Visitor Stream

The Business Visitor Stream caters to individuals who need to visit Australia for short-term business activities. This includes attending business meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploratory visits for new ventures, but does not allow employment or the sale of goods and services. Applicants must demonstrate a clear business purpose and have documents to support their visit, such as invitation letters or business itineraries. The stream is ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs who want to engage with Australian businesses without working locally.

5. Approved Destination Status Stream

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream is specifically designed for citizens of certain parts of China who wish to travel to Australia as part of a government-approved tour group. This stream is part of a bilateral agreement between the Australian and Chinese governments to promote regulated tourism. All arrangements must be made through an approved travel agent or tour operator. The visa ensures that tourists follow their group itinerary and return to China after their holiday.

Key Features and Benefits

• Flexible duration: You can stay for up to 3, 6, or 12 months based on your purpose and visa grant. 
• Multiple entries possible: In some cases, you may be granted a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to leave and re-enter Australia during the validity period. 
• Eligibility for all nationalities: People from all around the world can apply, with specific criteria depending on the applicant’s background. 
• Convenient online application: Most applicants can apply online, making the process more efficient. 

Who Can Apply for a Subclass 600 Visa?

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:

• Have genuine intent to stay temporarily in Australia 
• Have sufficient funds to support their stay 
• Meet health and character requirements 
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government 
• Have no intention of working (unless applying under business stream) 
• Agree to abide by Australian laws and visa conditions

How to Apply for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600

Applying for the visa involves a few structured steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Typical documents include:

• A valid passport 
• Recent passport-sized photos 
• Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, payslips, etc.) 
• Travel itinerary (if available) 
• Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family) 
• Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., job letter, property documents) 
• For business stream: letter from employer, conference invitations, etc. 

Step 2: Apply Online

Most applicants apply via the ImmiAccount portal on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

As of 2025, the standard base visa application fee for the Subclass 600 is AUD 190, though this may vary depending on the stream and your circumstances.

Step 4: Submit Biometrics (if required)

In some countries, you may be asked to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).

Step 5: Wait for the Outcome

Processing times vary:

• Tourist stream (outside Australia): 15 – 30 working days 
• Tourist stream (inside Australia): 15 – 30 working days 
• Business stream: 10 – 20 working days 
• Sponsored family stream: 30 – 50 working days

Visa Conditions

The Subclass 600 typically includes the following conditions:

• No work (Condition 8101) 
• No study for more than 3 months (Condition 8201) 
• Must not stay beyond visa expiry date 

Failure to comply with visa conditions can affect your ability to apply for future Australian visas.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Be honest and transparent in your application 
• Demonstrate strong ties to your home country 
• Provide detailed itineraries and financial proof 
• Double-check that all documents are certified and translated if necessary 
• Submit a complete application to avoid delays

Common Reasons for Refusal

Even though many people are granted the Subclass 600 visa, applications can be refused. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient financial evidence 
• Unclear purpose of visit 
• Weak ties to home country (suggesting risk of overstaying) 
• Incomplete documentation 
• History of visa breaches or immigration violations

Why Visit Australia on the Subclass 600 Visa?

This visa offers a unique opportunity to:

• Explore Australia’s natural wonders from the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru 
• Experience the cosmopolitan lifestyle of major cities 
• Enjoy world-class food, wine, arts, and festivals 
• Spend time with friends and family 
• Attend important business meetings or events 

Whether you’re coming for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or frequent visits for personal or business reasons, the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is a versatile and accessible option.

Final Thoughts

Australia is a land of contrast and beauty, and the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 offers the perfect gateway to experiencing it firsthand. By understanding the visa types, preparing your application carefully, and complying with visa conditions, you’ll be set for an unforgettable Australian journey.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Land Down Under. Your adventure starts with the right visa.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about the visa application process or need help gathering documents, consider consulting a registered migration agent in Australia or immigration lawyer for professional guidance.