Visitor Visa Updated August 2025

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist Stream

Complete guide to Australia's Visitor Visa (600) Tourist stream. Requirements, application process, costs, processing times and tips for tourism and family visits.

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3-12 months
Stay Period
No work rights
Work Rights
No PR pathway
Path to PR
1-4 weeks
Processing
MARA Registered (MARN: 2016128)
5.0 ★ Google Reviews
100+ Successful Clients
1,500+ Assessments Completed

Key Features

Most popular visitor visa stream
Tourism and sightseeing activities
Visit friends and relatives
3-12 month stay periods available
Single or multiple entry options
Study up to 3 months permitted
No work rights whatsoever
Apply online via ImmiAccount

The Tourist stream is the most popular pathway for visitors wanting to explore Australia, visit friends and family, or enjoy a holiday.

Stream Highlights

This stream offers flexibility for tourism, family visits, and short-term recreational activities with stay periods ranging from 3 to 12 months.

Who Should Apply

  • Tourists exploring Australia’s attractions
  • Family and friends visiting Australian residents
  • Short-term visitors for recreation
  • Cruise passengers extending their stay
  • Medical visitors seeking treatment (with evidence)

Key Benefits

  • Most straightforward visitor visa option
  • Single or multiple entry available
  • Study up to 3 months permitted
  • Can include family visits with tourism
  • Relatively fast processing times

Core Requirements

Essential Criteria:

  1. Genuine Visitor: Must intend to visit temporarily
  2. Financial Capacity: Sufficient funds for entire stay
  3. Health Requirements: May need medical examination
  4. Character Requirements: Clean criminal record
  5. No Outstanding Debts: To Australian Government

Financial Requirements

Demonstrate access to:

  • $5,000 AUD minimum for short stays
  • $1,000-2,000 AUD per month of stay
  • Return/onward travel tickets
  • Accommodation costs covered

What You Can Do

✓ Tourism and sightseeing
✓ Visit friends and relatives
✓ Cruise Australian waters
✓ Study up to 3 months
✓ Attend events and festivals
✓ Multiple entries (if granted)

What You Cannot Do

✗ Work (paid or unpaid)
✗ Study over 3 months
✗ Access Medicare
✗ Bring family on same application

1

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet health, character, and genuine visitor requirements

Self-assessment
2

Gather Documents

Collect passport, bank statements, travel itinerary, and invitation letters

1-2 days
3

Create ImmiAccount

Register online account for visa application submission

15 minutes
4

Submit Application

Complete online form and upload all required documents

1-2 hours
5

Biometrics & Health

Provide biometrics if requested and complete health exam if required

1-7 days if required
6

Visa Decision

Receive decision notification via ImmiAccount

20-33 days
Swipe to see all steps

Required Documents Checklist

Interactive checklist of required documents for your 600 application. Print or save as PDF from the checklist page.

This checklist includes all mandatory documents organized by category:

Identity Documents Skills Assessment English Proficiency Health & Character

Government Application Fees

Approved Destination Stream
Approved destination status stream

Approved destination status visa

$200
Business Stream
Business Visitor stream

Business visitor visa

$200
Frequent Traveller Stream
Frequent traveller stream

Frequent traveller visa

$1,480
Sponsored Family Stream
Sponsored Family stream

Family sponsored stream

$200
Tourist Stream
Tourist stream

Standard visitor visa

$200
Typical Family Total (2 adults, 1 child): Varies by stream

Other Mandatory Costs

Health examination (if required)

Only if risk factors or length of stay trigger a health check

Based on country or health criteria

$300-500
Biometrics

If requested, generally included without extra fee

These costs are required but vary based on individual circumstances.

Optional Professional Services

Migration agent (basic)

Application assistance

$500-1500
Priority processing

48 hour processing

$1,000

Professional assistance can significantly improve your chances of success.

Want a personalized cost estimate for your family?

Use Cost Calculator

Migration Journey

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist Stream

600

Temporary Visa

Tips for Success

Strong Applications Include:

  1. Clear travel purpose with detailed itinerary
  2. Strong home ties (job, property, family)
  3. Previous travel history showing compliance
  4. Adequate funds well above minimum
  5. Genuine documentation - no false statements

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Insufficient funds shown
  • Weak ties to home country
  • Previous visa violations
  • Incomplete applications
  • Suspected work intentions

Application Best Practices

  • Apply 4-6 weeks before travel for best results
  • Demonstrate strong ties to home country
  • Include detailed travel itinerary
  • Show genuine tourist activities planned
  • Provide comprehensive financial evidence
  • Be honest about visit purpose
  • Don’t mention any work intentions

After Visa Grant

Before Travel:

  • Check visa grant letter carefully
  • Note stay period and conditions
  • Arrange health insurance
  • Book accommodation
  • Plan activities

In Australia:

  • Enter before “must enter by” date
  • Don’t overstay granted period
  • Comply with all conditions
  • Keep records of compliance
  • Depart on time

Quick Reference

Visa Category: Visitor
Stream: Tourist
Success Rate: 94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay periods range from 3 to 12 months depending on your application and circumstances. Most visitors receive 3-month stays, but 6 or 12-month visas are possible for strong applications.
Generally no, if condition 8503 ‘No Further Stay’ is imposed. Without this condition, you may apply for another visa, but extension isn’t guaranteed.
Generally $5,000-$10,000 AUD per person for a 3-month stay, plus return tickets and accommodation. More may be required for longer stays.
You can apply for single or multiple entry. Multiple entry visas allow you to leave and re-enter Australia during the visa validity period.
While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended as you won’t have access to Medicare. Medical costs in Australia can be very expensive.

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The Australian Visa System is Complex.

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