Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Frequent Traveller Stream

The Frequent Traveller stream offers extended validity multiple-entry visas for regular visitors from eligible countries who have demonstrated excellent travel compliance.

Stream Highlights

This premium stream provides up to 10 years validity with multiple entries, perfect for those who need regular access to Australia.

Who Should Apply

• Regular business visitors with ongoing Australian interests
• Family visitors with Australian relatives
• Property owners managing Australian investments
• Frequent tourists who visit Australia regularly
• Retirees who winter in Australia
• Medical visitors requiring regular treatment

Key Benefits

Long-Term Convenience: ✓ Valid up to 10 years
✓ Multiple entries permitted
✓ 3 months per visit
✓ No need for repeated applications
✓ Flexibility for spontaneous travel
✓ Cost-effective for frequent visitors

Compared to Tourist Stream

Country Eligibility

Citizens of select countries including:

• 🇨🇳 China (specific provinces/cities)
• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia
• 🇹🇭 Thailand
• 🇵🇭 Philippines
• 🇨🇱 Chile
• Other countries assessed case-by-case

Travel History Requirements

Essential History:

• Minimum 3-4 visits to Australia
• All visits fully compliant
• No overstays or breaches
• Timely departures
• No visa cancellations

Strengthening Factors:

• 5+ Australian visits
• Travel to USA/UK/Canada/Schengen
• Business travel history
• Family in Australia
• Property ownership

Financial Capacity

Demonstrate:

• Substantial savings ($50,000+ AUD)
• Regular income streams
• Property ownership
• Investment portfolios
• Business interests
• Retirement funds

Understanding Stay Limits

The 3-12-18 Rule:

• 3 months: Maximum per entry
• 12 months: Maximum in any 18-month period
• 18 months: Rolling calculation period

Validity Periods

Factors Determining Validity:

10 Years Likely If:

• Excellent travel history (10+ visits)
• Strong financial position
• Clear ongoing need
• Perfect compliance
• Stable circumstances

5 Years Likely If:

• Good travel history (5+ visits)
• Adequate finances
• Regular travel need
• Full compliance
• Some changes expected

3 Years Likely If:

• Minimum travel history (3+ visits)
• Sufficient finances
• Occasional travel need
• Recent compliance
• First frequent traveller visa

Tips for Strong Applications

Do:

1. Provide extensive documentation
2. Show clear travel patterns
3. Demonstrate strong ties to home
4. Explain frequent travel need
5. Include compliance evidence

Don’t:

1. Rush application without preparation
2. Hide previous issues
3. Exaggerate travel needs
4. Forget health insurance
5. Assume automatic 10 years

Using Your Visa

Best Practices:

1. Track your stays carefully
2. Plan visits to avoid exceeding limits
3. Maintain eligibility throughout validity
4. Keep records of all entries/exits
5. Respect conditions strictly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding 3 months per visit
• Staying 12+ months in 18 months
• Treating as residence visa
• Working or studying extensively
• Not maintaining home country ties

Cost-Benefit Analysis

✅ Good Value If:

• Visit 2+ times per year
• Need flexibility
• Stable circumstances
• Long-term Australia connections
• Business interests

❌ Consider Alternatives If:

• Visit once yearly
• Uncertain travel plans
• Changing circumstances
• Limited finances
• First-time visitor

Cost Comparison Over 5 Years

Frequent Traveller:

• One application: $1,120
• Total: $1,120

Tourist Stream (2 visits/year):

• 10 applications: $195 × 10
• Total: $1,950

Alternative Options

If Not Eligible:

Tourist Stream for:

• Less frequent travel
• Longer individual stays
• Lower upfront cost

Business Visitor for:

• Pure business travel
• Fast-track option available

ETA/eVisitor for:

• Eligible passport holders
• Short frequent visits