Dreaming of exploring Australia’s sun-kissed beaches, vibrant cities, or iconic landmarks?
Whether you’re planning a leisurely holiday, attending a business conference, or reuniting with family, the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is your official pass to experience all that Australia has to offer. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, business, or family purposes.
However, navigating the application process can be intricate, and understanding the specific requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential facts about the Subclass 600 visa, including its different streams, eligibility criteria, and application tips. To qualify for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, you must be a genuine visitor with a clear intention to explore Australia temporarily, and you should have enough funds to comfortably support your stay and return home, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.
Types of Subclasses 600 Visa Streams
- Tourist Stream: Ideal for travellers seeking a holiday, a cruise, or to visit family and friends. This stream allows stays of up to 12 months and is available to applicants both inside and outside Australia.
- Business Visitor Stream: Designed for individuals visiting Australia for short-term business activities such as attending conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities. The most important thing is that this stream does not permit employment or direct sales activities.
- Sponsored Family Stream: For individuals visiting family members in Australia. An eligible relative must sponsor applicants, and the visa allows stays of up to 12 months.
- Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: Exclusively for citizens of certain regions in China, this stream facilitates organised tours to Australia by approved travel agents.
- Frequent Traveller Stream: Aimed at citizens of the People’s Republic of China, this stream offers multiple-entry visas with extended validity, catering to frequent travellers.
Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)
The Tourist Stream of the Subclass 600 visa is your gateway to making those dreams a reality. Designed for travellers applying from outside Australia, this visa allows you to visit for holidays, recreation, or to spend time with family and friends. With flexible options for short or long stays, it’s perfect for anyone eager to explore the wonders of Australia while staying fully compliant with immigration requirements. With the Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa, you can fully enjoy your Australian adventure while staying compliant with visa conditions. This includes:
- Visiting family or friends: Spend quality time with loved ones, celebrate special occasions, or catch up while exploring the country together.
- Tourism and leisure activities: Whether it’s a relaxing holiday, an exciting cruise, or sightseeing across Australia’s iconic landmarks, this visa lets you experience it all—except for business or medical treatment purposes.
- Short-term study or training: You’re allowed to study or take short courses for up to 3 months, perfect for learning new skills or attending workshops during your stay. If your primary purpose is to research, however, a student visa would be more appropriate.
How Much Time Can You Spend in Australia on a Tourist Visa
The Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa is a temporary visa designed to allow you to experience Australia for a limited period. The exact duration of your stay is specified in your visa grant letter and is determined on a case-by-case basis. When assessing your application, the authorities consider factors such as:
- How long do you intend to stay
- The purpose of your visit to Australia
Above all, it’s important to note that the length of stay you request may not always be granted, so planning is essential. This visa can be issued with either a single-entry or multiple-entry option:
- Single-entry: Enter Australia once during the validity of your visa.
- Multiple entry: Leave and return to Australia multiple times while your visa remains valid, providing greater flexibility for travel.
In most cases, visitors are granted a 3-month stay, which is ideal for short holidays or family visits. However, in certain circumstances, the Department may grant a more extended stay of up to 12 months, allowing you to fully enjoy Australia’s iconic destinations, culture, and experiences.
Want to Stay Longer in Australia
The Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa is strictly temporary, and you cannot extend your stay beyond the dates specified on your visa. If you wish to remain in Australia longer, you must apply for a different visa that permits an extended or permanent stay.
You may be eligible to apply for a new visa if your current visa does not have restrictions such as Condition 8503 – No Further Stay. In some exceptional cases, this condition can be waived, but such instances are limited If your goal is to stay in Australia for an extended period or even permanently, you’ll need to explore visas designed for extended or permanent residence, rather than trying to extend your current Tourist Stream visa. Planning ensures your stay remains smooth, legal, and worry-free.
Including Family Members
When applying for the Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa, you cannot include family members in your application. Everyone, even those listed on your passport, must submit their own
separate application. This ensures that every traveller’s eligibility, purpose of visit, and supporting documents are assessed individually, keeping the visa process smooth and compliant with immigration requirements.
Visa Cost and Additional Expenses
The Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa fee includes the base visa fee—additional costs may apply depending on your individual circumstances. You might also need to budget for:
- Health checks – required to ensure you meet Australia’s health standards.
- Police certificates – to demonstrate good character and security compliance.
- Biometrics – fingerprinting or photo requirements for identification purposes.
Therefore, planning for these additional expenses ensures a smoother and less stressful visa application process.
Make Your Australian Adventure Happen
The Tourist Stream Subclass 600 visa is your key to exploring Australia’s vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and unforgettable experiences with family or friends. By knowing the visa requirements, how long you can stay, and the application process, you can plan your trip with confidence and ease.
At ImmiVisa, we make the visa process simple and hassle-free. From eligibility guidance to tips on preparing your documents, our goal is to help you maximise your Australian adventure while staying fully compliant with immigration rules. Take the first step toward your Australian journey today and let ImmiVisa guide you from application to arrival with confidence and ease.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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