Overview
What is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is the standard Australian visa for people who want to visit Australia temporarily. Whether you are coming to see family, explore the country as a tourist, or attend a short business event — the Subclass 600 is designed for you.
This visa is electronically linked to your passport — there is no physical stamp or sticker. It does not allow you to work or study long-term in Australia, but it allows genuine visitors to experience everything Australia has to offer.
The most critical factor in any Subclass 600 application is demonstrating genuine temporary intent — meaning you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and return home at the end of your stay. This is what the Department of Home Affairs assesses most carefully.
Important: Applicants from India, Pakistan, China, and the Middle East are statistically more likely to face longer processing times and additional scrutiny. A well-prepared application with strong supporting evidence significantly improves your chances of a smooth decision. This is where working with a MARA Registered agent makes a real difference.
The 4 Streams
Which stream is right for you?
The Subclass 600 has four streams. Choosing the correct stream is essential — applying under the wrong stream is one of the most common causes of refusal.
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Tourist Stream
For visitors who want to come to Australia for tourism, holidays, sightseeing, or to visit family and friends. This is the most common stream and is applied for while outside Australia.
From $190 AUD
⏱ 7–33 days processing · Stay up to 12 months
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Business Visitor Stream
For short-term business activities — attending conferences, meetings, contract negotiations. You cannot work for or be paid by an Australian business on this stream.
From $415 AUD
⏱ 12–28 days processing · Stay up to 3 months
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Sponsored Family Stream
For visitors sponsored by an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen. The sponsor provides a financial undertaking and may need to pay a bond.
From $190 AUD
⏱ Longer processing · Stay up to 12 months
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Approved Destination Status (ADS)
For Chinese nationals travelling to Australia as part of an approved tour group through an accredited travel agency. This stream is managed through the ADS scheme.
From $190 AUD
⏱ Processing varies · Group travel only
Eligibility
Who can apply for the Subclass 600?
To be eligible for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, you must satisfy the following requirements:
Genuine temporary intent — you must genuinely intend to visit temporarily and return home when your visa expires. The Department assesses this based on your ties to your home country, travel history, and the purpose of your visit.
Valid passport — your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia.
Sufficient funds — you must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Australia, without relying on public funds.
Good health — you may be required to undergo a health examination depending on your country of origin and the length of your intended stay.
Good character — you must not have a criminal record that would make you ineligible for the visa under Australian character requirements.
No intention to work — the Subclass 600 does not allow paid work in Australia. If you intend to work, a different visa is required.
Strong home country ties — employment, property, family, and financial ties to your home country significantly strengthen your application and support your genuine temporary intent claim.
Documents Required
What documents do you need?
A complete, well-organised application is the most reliable way to get a fast, positive decision. Every document you provide should support your claim that you are a genuine visitor with strong reasons to return home.
Valid passport — current and all old passports
Recent passport-size photographs
Bank statements — 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds
Evidence of employment — letter from employer, pay slips
Purpose of visit — invitation letter, event details, itinerary
Property ownership documents (if applicable)
Evidence of family ties in home country
Travel history — previous visa grants and travel records
Accommodation details in Australia — hotel booking or host address
Return flight booking or evidence of intent to depart
Sponsor details and evidence (Sponsored Family stream only)
Health insurance (recommended — not mandatory)
JRM Migration tip: The single most common reason for visitor visa refusal is a poorly written personal statement or insufficient evidence of genuine temporary intent. We help clients put together a compelling, complete application — not just a pile of documents.
Fees & Processing Times
What does it cost and how long does it take?
| Stream |
Application Type |
Government Fee (AUD) |
| Tourist Stream | Offshore (outside Australia) | $190 |
| Tourist Stream | Onshore (inside Australia — extend stay) | $630 |
| Business Visitor Stream | Offshore | $415 |
| Sponsored Family Stream | Offshore | $190 |
| Additional applicant (18+) | All streams | $95 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | All streams | $45 |
Government fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change annually in July. Fees shown are indicative as at August 2026. JRM Migration's professional service fees are separate and will be quoted before any work commences.
Tourist Stream
7 – 33 days
90% of applications finalised within 33 days. Median: 16 days (as at July 2026)
Business Visitor Stream
12 – 28 days
50% decided in 12 days · 90% in 28 days with complete documents
Sponsored Family Stream
Longer processing
Both applicant and sponsor are assessed — allow 2+ months and apply early
High-volume countries
Allow extra time
India, Pakistan, China, Middle East applicants — apply 4–8 weeks before travel
Visa Conditions
What can and can't you do on this visa?
✅Holiday, tourism, sightseeing, and travel around Australia
✅Visit family members, friends, and relatives
✅Attend conferences, meetings, or business negotiations (Tourist or Business stream)
✅Participate in short recreational courses lasting up to 3 months
✅Cruise from or around Australia
✅Multiple entries during the validity period (usually granted)
❌Work for or receive payment from any Australian employer or business
❌Study for more than 3 months at any registered institution
❌Access Australian government social security or welfare benefits
❌Overstay the visa — doing so can result in a 3-year or permanent ban
❌Violate "No Further Stay" condition (8503) if applied to your grant
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Subclass 600 from India? +
Yes — Indian nationals can apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa online through ImmiAccount. However, Indian applicants are typically subject to additional scrutiny and longer processing times. A well-prepared application with strong evidence of genuine temporary intent, employment ties, financial proof, and a clear purpose of visit significantly improves your chances.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Visitor Visa? +
The Subclass 600 can be granted for 3, 6 or 12 months. The duration granted is at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs. First-time applicants are typically granted 3 or 6 months. A 12-month grant is more common for applicants with strong ties to their home country, a clear reason for the longer visit, and a solid immigration history.
My parents want to visit me in Australia — which stream should they use? +
Your parents can apply under either the Tourist Stream or the Sponsored Family Stream. The Sponsored Family Stream requires you (as the sponsor) to be an Australian citizen, PR holder, or eligible NZ citizen. You will sign a sponsorship form and provide a financial undertaking. In some cases, a security bond may be required. We strongly recommend getting professional assistance for parent visitor visa applications — they are assessed carefully and refusals are common when applications are incomplete.
Can I extend my visitor visa while I am in Australia? +
Yes — you can apply for a further Subclass 600 from inside Australia (onshore) if your circumstances have genuinely changed or if there is a compelling reason to extend your stay. However, the government fee for an onshore application is $630 — significantly higher than the offshore fee. Be aware that if your current visa has a "No Further Stay" (8503) condition, you generally cannot extend your stay onshore. Always seek advice before your current visa expires.
What is the most common reason for a visitor visa refusal? +
The most common reason is failure to demonstrate genuine temporary intent — meaning the Department does not believe you will leave Australia when your visa expires. This is often caused by weak ties to your home country, insufficient financial evidence, a vague or unconvincing purpose of visit, or a history of visa overstays. Working with a MARA Registered agent ensures your application clearly and compellingly addresses these concerns.
Can I work in Australia on a visitor visa? +
No. The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa does not allow you to work in Australia or be paid by any Australian employer. If you intend to work, you need a different visa such as a Skills in Demand visa (482), Working Holiday visa (417/462), or another appropriate work visa. Working on a visitor visa is a serious breach of visa conditions and can result in visa cancellation and future bans.
Why JRM Migration
Why use a migration agent for a visitor visa?
You do not need a migration agent to apply for a visitor visa — but having one significantly improves your chances of approval, especially if you are from a high-scrutiny country like India, Pakistan, or China.
At JRM Migration, we review your entire situation before you apply. We identify any weaknesses in your case, help you gather the right evidence, prepare a compelling personal statement addressing genuine temporary intent, and lodge a complete, decision-ready application on your behalf.
We have offices in both Australia and India, and we consult in English, Punjabi, and Hindi. Your first consultation is completely free.