Touristic Visitor Visa
Do you wish do come to Australia for a holiday, business visit or to visit family members? Or would you like to visit for work and holiday purpose? Depending on the purpose of your visit, your individual circumstances and the proposed period of stay, you may be eligible for either a Visitor Visa or a Working Holiday visa, if you meet the relevant requirements.
Visitor visa:
The visitor visa is commonly known as a “tourist visa” if the purpose of your stay is holidaying in Australia or visiting family and friends for up to 3, 6 or 12 months. There are a few different visa subclasses available depending on the purpose of your visit as well as your current location and country of passport. To meet the criteria for a visitor visa, you must:
- Have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily only
- Have adequate access to or means to support yourself
- Meet the relevant health and character requirements.
If you are in Australia holding a Visitor visa, you may also be eligible for an extension of your stay, if you meet the relevant criteria.
The 600 Visa has 6 streams:
Tourist Stream (apply in Australia) Onshore Tourist Stream allows you to visit Australia as a tourist or visitor to see your family or friends. You can stay up to 12 months for this visa and you must be in Australia to apply.
Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia) Offshore Tourist Stream allows you to visit Australia as a tourist or visitor to see your family or friends. You can stay up to 12 months for this visa and you must be outside Australia to apply.
Sponsored Family Stream You might be eligible for the Sponsored Family Stream if you have a family member in Australia. This stream allows you to study up to 3 months and you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months as a visitor.
Business Visitor Stream You might be eligible for the Business Visitor Stream if you are a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and you want to travel to Australia with an approved travel agent.
Approved Destination Status Stream You might be eligible for the Business Visitor Stream if you intend to come to Australia for business visitor activities. This stream allows you to stay and undertake business visitor activities for up to 3 months.
Frequent Traveller Stream You might be eligible for the Business Visitor Stream if you are a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. This stream allows you to visit Australia as a visitor and undertake business visitor activities for up to 3 months. You can stay up to 3 months with this visa and it can be granted up to 10 years
What are the benefits of the 600 Visa?
With a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) you can:
- stay up to 12 months in Australia
- either travel to and from Australia as many times as you want or enter only once depending on your visa grant
- study up to 3 months (except the Business Visitor, Frequent traveller and Approved Destination Status streams)
- not work
What are the costs of the 600 Visa?
The Department of Home Affairs visa cost for
- Tourist Stream – Onshore is AUD $365
- Tourist Stream – Offshore is AUD $145
- Sponsored Family Stream is AUD $145
- Business Visitor Stream is AUD $145
- Approved Destination Status Stream is AUD $145
- Frequent Traveller Stream is AUD $1,065
How long does it take to get the 600 Visa?
The Department of Home Affairs assesses applications on a case-by-case basis and processing time for
- Tourist Stream – Onshore is 3 – 4 months
- Tourist Stream – Offshore is 3 – 4 months
- Sponsored Family Stream is 4 – 5 months
- Business Visitor Stream is 1 – 2 months
- Approved Destination Status Stream is not available
- Frequent Traveller Stream is not available
Completing application with necessary documents, responding to any requests quickly and providing required information can help expedite the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend the Visitor Visa? You cannot extend the Visitor Visa. You need to apply for the same or another visa to remain in Australia.
How long can parents stay with the 600 Visa in Australia? The Visitor Visa allows you to stay up to 12 months but if you are a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent residents, you may be eligible to get a visa up to 5 years if you have applied for the Parent Visa (Subclass 103).
Can I get a Visitor Visa for a medical surgery? You can apply for a Visitor Visa for medical purposes such as you are coming for a orthopaedic surgery, eye surgery, or visiting a cosmetic surgery clinic.
Why choose us?
Visitor visas in particular can be highly complex especially for applicants from high risk countries. Our Immigration lawyers ang agents can help you assess your eligibility and tailor your visa application to your circumstances ensuring the relevant criteria is met. Contact one of our immigration specialists on 0292830888 or request a call back.
