Visitor visa Australia
Visitor & Short-term Visas
Planning a holiday, visiting family or attending a short-term business event in Australia? The Subclass 600 visitor visa covers a range of purposes and stay lengths. Our immigration lawyers help you identify the right stream and put together a complete, well-supported application.
What is a visitor visa (600)?
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows people to come to Australia temporarily for tourism, family visits or short-term business purposes. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the purpose of travel, stays of 3, 6 or 12 months may be granted.
Applicants must show a genuine intention to visit temporarily, demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay and provide evidence of meaningful ties to their home country — such as employment, family or property — that confirm they will return. Work is generally not permitted on this visa, though limited short-term study may be allowed in certain circumstances.
Types of visitor visa streams in Australia
Tourist Stream For people visiting Australia for a holiday, cruise or to spend time with family and friends. A stay of 3, 6 or 12 months may be granted depending on circumstances. Can be applied for from inside or outside Australia.
Business Visitor Stream For people travelling to Australia for short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences or commercial negotiations. Ongoing employment or extensive business dealings are not permitted under this stream. Must be applied for from outside Australia — stay of up to 3 months.
Frequent Traveller Stream For citizens of the People’s Republic of China who travel regularly to Australia for business or personal reasons. Visa validity of up to 10 years with stays of up to 3 months permitted on each entry. This stream carries more conditions than other streams — we recommend seeking advice before applying.
Visitor visa conditions while in Australia
All Subclass 600 holders must comply with the conditions attached to their visa. Common conditions include:
- No work (8101): Work is not permitted — business visitor and frequent traveller stream holders may undertake business visitor activities only
- Limited study (8201): Study or training must not exceed 3 months during the stay
- No further stay (8503): A new substantive visa application generally cannot be lodged from within Australia while this condition is in place — except for a protection visa
- Exit before expiry (8531): The visa holder must depart Australia before the permitted stay period ends
- Health insurance (8501): Adequate health insurance must be maintained for the full duration of the stay
- Limited activities (8115): Work is not permitted other than approved business visitor activities
- Tour arrangements (8530): Where applicable, the holder must follow the approved travel schedule set by their travel agent
Conditions vary between streams. For full details, the Department of Home Affairs website is the authoritative source — our lawyers also advise on the specific conditions relevant to your application.
Financial capacity requirements
Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), financial evidence requirements depend on your country of citizenship and education provider’s risk rating.
You may be required to show evidence of funds to cover, as an example, the following:
| Expense type | Amount (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Living costs (student) | $24,505 per year |
| Living costs (partner) | $8,574 per year |
| Living costs (child) | $3,670 per year |
| Schooling costs (per child) | $9,661 per year (unless exempt) |
| Travel costs | $2,000 (or more depending on location) |
| Tuition fees | As per CoE (first 12 months or full course if shorter) |
Visitor visa requirements in Australia
To be eligible for the Subclass 600, applicants must generally:
- Meet the health requirements — examinations may be required prior to grant
- Satisfy the character requirements and remain of good character
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or have made arrangements to repay them
- Have access to sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of the stay
- Be a genuine visitor — intend to stay temporarily and comply with all conditions and the permitted stay period
- Where the applicant is under 18, the visa must be in the best interests of the child
- Sponsored Family Stream applicants must have an eligible sponsor and provide a letter of invitation from their family member
How Amity Lawyers Can Help
Our immigration lawyers provide personalised guidance through every stage of the visitor visa process. We advise on the most suitable stream for your travel purpose, assist with all supporting documentation and address any complications — including previous refusals, health considerations or complex financial circumstances — before they become problems. We stay with you throughout the application and respond promptly if the Department requests further information.
Contact us today to get started.