Visitor Visa, Subclass 600
The 600 visa lets people visit Australia for a short stay, for tourism, to see family and friends, or for limited business visits. It looks simple, but refusals are common when the application does not show clearly that the visit is genuine and temporary. Southern Stone helps applicants and their Australian family prepare it properly.
The 600 is for short visits to Australia, whether for tourism, to see family, or for limited business activities. Refusals usually come down to whether the visit is shown to be genuine and temporary, so the way the application is presented matters.
- TypeTemporary
- StreamsTourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor
- StayCommonly 3, 6 or 12 months
- WorkNot allowed
Overview
The Visitor visa (600) is for short visits to Australia, for tourism, visiting family and friends, or limited business activities.
- There are several streams, such as Tourist, Sponsored Family and Business Visitor, and the right one depends on the purpose of the visit and who is inviting you.
- Applications are assessed on whether the visit is genuine and temporary, so the evidence and how it is presented matter.
Who this suits
Tourists visiting Australia
Parents, relatives and friends visiting family in Australia
Business visitors attending meetings, conferences or negotiations
Key facts
- Temporary visa for short stays, commonly granted for 3, 6 or 12 months
- Streams include Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor and others
- Work is not allowed, and business visits are limited to specific activities
- The visa often carries a condition that no further stay is possible
Government application fees
Visitor (600), Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor and Approved Destination Status, applying outside Australia
Main applicant$250
Each person, including children, lodges their own application.
Visitor (600), Tourist stream, applying in Australia
Main applicant$630
A subsequent temporary application charge of $700 may apply to later applications made in Australia.
Visitor (600), Frequent Traveller stream
Main applicant$1,845
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- A genuine reason to visit and a clear plan for the stay.
- Enough funds to support the visit, shown clearly.
- Ties to your home country that show you intend to return.
- No intention to work or study beyond what the visa allows.
- Health and character requirements, and a sponsor’s details for the Sponsored Family stream.
How the process works
- 01Confirm the purpose of the visit and choose the right stream
- 02Gather identity, funds, travel and ties evidence
- 03Prepare the application, with sponsor documents if a family member is inviting you
- 04Lodge the application and respond to any requests
- 05Receive the decision and check the conditions before travelling
Documents you will need
- Passport and identity documents
- Evidence of funds, such as bank statements and employment details
- Evidence of ties to your home country, such as work, family and property
- Travel plans, or an invitation letter for family and business visits
- Sponsor documents for the Sponsored Family stream, where required
After the visa is granted
- Check the length of stay, the entry conditions and the end date on the visa.
- Work is not allowed, and business visitors must keep to permitted activities.
- Many visas carry a condition that no further stay is possible, so plan the visit within the period granted.
- If your plans change, speak to us before you act.
How we help
- Identify the right stream for the visit
- Check the visit is presented as genuine and temporary
- Help organise the evidence of funds, ties and travel plans
- Prepare the application and any sponsor documents for family visits
Common pitfalls
- Not showing strong enough ties to the home country
- Unclear purpose or itinerary for the visit
- Funds that are not clearly shown or explained
- Choosing the wrong stream, or planning to work or study during the visit
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. The 600 does not allow work. Business visitors can take part in limited activities such as meetings, and we can confirm whether yours is allowed.
How long can I stay?
The visa is commonly granted for 3, 6 or 12 months, but the period granted is set on your visa, so always check it.
Why are visitor visas refused?
Often because the visit is not shown to be genuine and temporary, or because funds and ties to the home country are not clear. A clear, consistent application matters.
Can my family in Australia sponsor me to visit?
Yes, the Sponsored Family stream is for visitors invited by an eligible family member in Australia. The sponsor’s details and sometimes further assurances are part of the application.