Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Visitor Visa (SC600) Requirements

Purpose: To allow people to travel to Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family on a temporary basis.

Tourist Stream
For people traveling to Australia for a holiday or to visit family or friends.

Applicant Requirements:
– Genuinely intend to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family and/or friends.
– Have access to sufficient funds to cover your costs while in Australia.
– Meet health and character criteria (may include obtaining health insurance for the stay in Australia).

Business Visitor Stream
For people traveling to Australia for short-term business purposes, such as attending a conference, negotiation, or meeting.

Applicant Requirements:
– Genuinely intend to visit Australia for an eligible business activity (e.g., attending a conference, participating in a negotiation, exploring a business opportunity).
– Have personal attributes and a business background relevant to your business activities in Australia.
– Have access to sufficient funds to cover your costs while in Australia.
– Meet health and character criteria (may include obtaining health insurance for the stay in Australia).

Sponsored Family Stream
For people traveling to Australia to visit family. Applicants for this visa must be sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in Australia.

Applicant Requirements:
– Be sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia.
– Genuinely intend to visit family in Australia.
– Have access to sufficient funds to cover your costs while in Australia.
– Meet health and character criteria (may include obtaining health insurance for the stay in Australia).

Sponsor Requirements:
– Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
– Be at least 18 years old.
– Have been settled in Australia for a reasonable length of time (usually at least 2 years).
– Be a close family member (spouse/de facto partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew, including ‘step’ or adopted equivalents).
– Not be the sponsor of another visitor with a valid visa (unless that person is a family member and has the same reason for traveling to Australia).
– Not have sponsored a visitor who breached visa conditions in the last 5 years.

Security Bond:
– If required, the sponsor must pay a security bond (usually between A$5,000 and A$15,000), refundable if visa conditions are met and the applicant leaves Australia before the visa expires.

Features of the Visitor visa (subclass 600)

This visa allows you to travel to Australia:

for tourism or business visitor purposes
for durations of up to three, six, or 12 months.

The application fee for this visa varies from AUD190 (for offshore applications) to AUD475 (for onshore applications).

Depending on your passport, you may qualify for a free or discounted visa:

The eVisitor (subclass 651) visa is free for passport holders of eligible countries.
The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa includes a AUD20 service charge for passport holders of eligible countries.

You may qualify for this visa if you are traveling to Australia:
- as a visitor
- for business activities
- to visit family
- on a tour arranged by a registered travel agent from the People’s Republic of China.
If you are currently in Australia with a valid visa that does not have condition 8503, you can apply online for the Tourist stream of the Visitor visa.

Outside Australia, only certain passport holders can apply online for this visa. If unable to apply online, you can submit a paper application.

Visa Entitlements

This visa allows you to travel to Australia for a holiday or to visit family and friends.

We will specify how many entries you are allowed with this visa:
- You may be permitted a single entry. In this case, you must apply for a new visa if you wish to return to Australia after leaving.
- Alternatively, you might be allowed multiple entries to and from Australia while your visa remains valid. However, the total time spent in Australia cannot exceed the approved period of stay.

Who could get this visa

To qualify for this visa, you must:

Meet health and character requirements.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
Intend to engage in activities permitted under the Tourist stream.

You must demonstrate that your visit to Australia is genuine, such as for tourism, recreation, or visiting family and friends.

If your purpose is to visit family, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will advise you on whether you need a sponsor or must provide a security bond when applying.

Additionally, you may be required to provide evidence of holding 12 months of health insurance coverage.

Visitor visas for parents of Australians

Extended Visitor Visa Options for Parents

Due to the lengthy queue for the permanent Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103) and the importance of family reunion, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) may grant more generous Visitor visas. You may be considered for this if you request a stay in Australia of up to 12 months and identify as a parent or step-parent of:

an Australian citizen or permanent resident,
an eligible New Zealand citizen.

DHA evaluates these applications on a case-by-case basis. The granted visas can have durations of:

up to five years for parents outside Australia in the Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103) queue,
up to three years for parents outside Australia with a previous Australian visa who have complied with its conditions and either have not applied for a Parent visa or are awaiting processing in the queue,
up to 18 months for parents who have not previously traveled to Australia and either have not applied for a Parent visa or are awaiting processing in the queue.

Visa Conditions

These visas include three additional conditions:

Maximum Stay: You cannot stay in Australia for more than 12 months per visit or more than 12 months within any 18-month period.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage is mandatory while in Australia. You may need to provide evidence of 12 months of health insurance cover when applying. Reciprocal health agreements do not fulfill this requirement.
No Further Stay: You cannot apply for another visa while in Australia. You must depart by the visa’s expiry date, except in extremely limited circumstances.

Health Requirements

You must meet specific health requirements based on factors such as your stay duration, citizenship, recent travel history, and intended activities in Australia. Health examination results are typically valid for 12 months, and you can arrange these examinations before lodging your visa application.

Health Insurance

You are responsible for all health-related expenses during your stay in Australia, as you will not be covered by Australia’s Medicare unless your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement. DHA recommends obtaining health insurance each time you travel to Australia.

Character Requirements

You must satisfy character requirements, which may include providing police certificates from countries where you have resided for 12 months or longer since turning 16 years old. Do not obtain these certificates until requested by DHA.

Debts to the Australian Government

You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have made arrangements to repay any debts before the visa can be granted.

Biometrics

You may be required to provide biometrics as part of your visa application. More information on countries and visa subclasses included in the biometrics program is available from DHA

Tourist Stream: document checklist

Visa Application Requirements

Visa application requirements vary by country. If you are outside Australia, your nearest immigration office will provide specific instructions on how to lodge your application and which documents to submit.

Document Submission

You must provide supporting documents for your visa application. It is crucial to include as much information as possible to facilitate prompt processing.

Provide certified copies of original documents. Do not send original documents unless requested. Original police certificates are required.
Non-English documents must be accompanied by accredited English translations.

Application Checklist

Ensure your application includes the following:

Forms: Complete the application form.
Charges: Pay the visa application fee.
Identity: Certified copies of the biographical pages of current passports or travel documents for all applicants, including photographs (45 mm x 35 mm) with names printed on the back.
Name Changes: If applicable, certified evidence of name changes.
Birth Certificates: Certified copies showing names of both parents for all applicants.
Character Requirements: If applicable, certified copies of military service records or discharge papers.
Documents as a Visitor:
- Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, pay slips, etc.).
- Invitation letter from Australian relatives or friends (if applicable).
- Proof of financial support from relatives or friends in Australia (if applicable).
- Itinerary for your stay in Australia (Tourist stream).
Incentive to Return: Evidence such as:
- Letter from employer indicating intent to return to job.
- Proof of enrollment at a school, college, or university in your home country.
- Evidence of immediate family members in your home country.
- Proof of visa or residence status in your home country and right to return.
- Evidence of property or significant assets in your home country.
Children Under 18:
- Consent from every person legally entitled to decide where the child resides.
- If traveling without one or both parents, provide a statutory declaration or Form 1229 Consent form.
- If staying with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, provide a declaration (Form 1257) from the responsible person in Australia.
- Evidence of school enrollment.

These requirements ensure your application is complete and ready for assessment.

Business Visitor Stream: document checklist

Visa Application Requirements

Visa application procedures vary by country. Contact your nearest immigration office outside Australia for detailed instructions on how to apply and which documents to submit.

Documentation Requirements

To support your visa application, provide the following documents. Submit certified copies of original documents unless otherwise specified. Police certificates must be originals, and non-English documents require accredited English translations.

Application Checklist:

Charges: Pay the visa application fee.
Identity:
- Certified copies of biographical pages of current passports or travel documents for all applicants.
- One recent passport-sized photograph (45 mm x 35 mm) of each applicant, head and shoulders against a plain background with the person’s name printed on the back.
- Certified evidence of name changes, if applicable.
- Certified copies of birth certificates showing both parents’ names for all applicants.
Character Requirements:
- Certified copies of military service records or discharge papers for applicants who served in any country’s armed forces.
Visitor Documents:
- Evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
- Invitation letter from Australian relatives or friends (if applicable), with evidence of their financial capability if sponsoring your visit.
- Itinerary for your stay in Australia if visiting under the Tourist stream.
- Additional evidence demonstrating intention and ability to return to your home country, such as:
  - Employer letter affirming your return to work.
  - Enrollment proof at a school, college, or university in your home country.
  - Evidence of immediate family members in your home country.
  - Proof of visa or residence status and right to return.
  - Evidence of property or significant assets in your home country.
Children Under 18:
- Consent from all guardians with legal authority to decide the child’s residence.
- If traveling without one or both parents, provide a statutory declaration or Form 1229 Consent form. Attach certified copies of parent/guardian identification documents with photograph and signature.
- Declaration (Form 1257) if staying with someone other than a parent, legal guardian, or relative.
- Evidence of school enrollment.
Additional Documents:
- Business visit: Invitation letter from the host organization, conference registration details, employer letter stating purpose, and itinerary with business contacts.
- Educational or professional qualifications.
- Employment details and role during your visit to Australia.
- Previous contacts with Australian businesses or organizations.
- Proof that your employer is an actively operating business (e.g., business registration certificate, annual report).

Sponsored Family Stream: document checklist

- Visa Application Requirements
  
  Visa application requirements vary by country. Contact your nearest immigration office outside Australia for specific instructions on how to apply and which documents to provide.
  
  Document Submission
  
  To support your visa application, provide certified copies of original documents unless stated otherwise. Original police certificates are required, and non-English documents must be accompanied by accredited English translations.
  
  Application Checklist
  
  Ensure your application includes the following:
  - Charges: Pay the visa application fee.
  - Identity:
    - Certified copies of the biographical pages of current passports or travel documents for all applicants, including recent passport-sized photographs (45 mm x 35 mm) of each person with names printed on the back.
    - Certified evidence of name changes, if applicable.
    - Certified copies of birth certificates showing both parents’ names for all applicants.
  - Character Requirements:
    - Certified copies of military service records or discharge papers for anyone who served in any country’s armed forces.
  - Visitor Documents:
    - Evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
    - Invitation letter from Australian relatives or friends, with evidence of their financial capacity if sponsoring your visit.
    - Itinerary for your stay in Australia (if under the Tourist stream).
    - Additional evidence demonstrating intent and authority to return to your home country:
      - Letter from employer confirming intention to return to job.
      - Proof of enrollment at a school, college, or university in your home country.
      - Evidence of immediate family members and visa/residence status in your home country.
      - Evidence of property or significant assets in your home country.
  - Children Under 18:
    - Consent from all guardians with legal authority over the child’s residence.
    - If traveling without one or both parents, provide a statutory declaration or Form 1229 Consent form. Attach certified copies of parent/guardian identification documents with photograph and signature.
    - Declaration (Form 1257) if staying with someone other than a parent, legal guardian, or relative.
    - Evidence of school enrollment.
  - Additional Documents:
    - Certified copies of marriage certificates or relationship registrations, even if not joining you in Australia.
    - For de facto relationships, provide independent evidence of at least 12 months’ duration (e.g., joint bank account statements).
    - If widowed, divorced, or permanently separated, provide certified copies of death certificates, divorce decrees, or separation certificates.
    - Evidence of financial dependency for dependents aged 18 or older:
      - Certified copy of their birth certificate and proof of relationship.
      - Proof of cohabitation and dependency for the past 12 months.

To apply for the ADS visa, you must provide supporting documents. We assess your application based on the information you submit. Please include as much detail as possible for a timely decision.

Document Checklist:

1. Charges

Pay the visa application fee.

2. Identity

Certified copies of the biographical pages of all current passports or travel documents for all applicants (pages with photo, personal details, issue/expiry dates).
One recent passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm) of each applicant, head and shoulders against a plain background.
If names have changed, include certified evidence of the name change.

3. Character Requirements

For any applicant who served in any country’s armed forces, provide certified copies of their military service record or discharge papers.

4. Children Under 18

If under 18, provide evidence of consent for travel to Australia from all legal guardians. If parents are not accompanying, include:
- Notarial Certificate of consent from non-traveling parent(s), or
- Form 1229 Consent form, along with certified copies of parent/guardian ID and child’s birth certificate.

5. Applicants Aged 75 or Older

Evidence of health insurance covering the stay in Australia.

6. ADS Tour Groups (submitted by ADS agents)

Letter from ADS agent with tour group name list and itinerary.
ADS tour itinerary during the stay in Australia.
Copy of ADS Tour Leader’s passport, Tour Leader Certificate, and visa grant letter (if applicable).

7. Integrity Statement

ADS agent’s statement detailing integrity checks for:
- Unemployed working-age applicants,
- Previously refused or cancelled visa holders.

Sponsorship for Family Members

Sponsor must be:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident,
- Over 18 years old,
- Settled in Australia for a reasonable period (typically more than two years).
Sponsorship conditions and obligations apply. Please refer to specific requirements for sponsoring a family member.

Additional Information:

For specific visa types (e.g., Visitor visa subclasses), follow additional guidelines and conditions provided by the Department of Home Affairs

Visitor visa (subclass 600)-01

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Features of the Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Who could get this visa

Visitor visas for parents of Australians

Tourist Stream: document checklist

Business Visitor Stream: document checklist

Study Abroad

Services

Packages

Company

Favourite Things