Visitor and other · Subclass 600
Visitor visa
Tourism, family visits and business visits: Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status and Frequent Traveller streams.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
People visiting Australia for a holiday, to see family or friends, or for business visitor activities (not work).
Key eligibility
- A genuine temporary visit, enough money, health and character.
- Sponsored Family stream: an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsor, who may be asked for a security bond. This stream usually carries condition 8503 (No Further Stay).
- No work. Visitors cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
- Insurance is strongly recommended and required for some.
- Approved Destination Status stream: citizens of the People's Republic of China visiting on a tour organised by an approved travel agent, who lodges for them. You must be in China at lodgement and decision.
- Frequent Traveller stream: citizens of China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam; biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre; outside Australia at lodgement and decision. Granted for up to 10 years; up to 3 months each entry and no more than 12 months in any 24 months.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Most streams outside Australia; the Tourist stream can be applied for in Australia to extend a visit.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Choose the stream
Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor or Frequent Traveller.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent picks the right stream.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
Invitation letter, ties to home, funds, itinerary and insurance.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares a clear ties and funds case.
Lodge
One application per person. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains condition 8503 before travel.
Grant and travel
Leave on time; overstaying can bring exclusion periods.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent advises on the 870 or parent options for longer stays.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Outside Australia (Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status) | A$250 |
| Tourist stream in Australia | A$630 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge, Tourist stream in Australia | A$700 |
| Frequent Traveller | A$1,845 |
Streams: Tourist (outside Australia), Tourist (in Australia), Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status, Frequent Traveller.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Doubts about a genuine visit: weak ties at home or long previous stays.
- Not enough money.
- Incomplete sponsor evidence.
- Previous breaches.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
The Minister can stop specified groups of temporary visa holders outside Australia from travelling for up to 6 months. A grant does not always mean you can travel.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Home Affairs: Approved Destination Status stream
- Home Affairs: Frequent Traveller stream
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.