Visitor visa 600
Tourism, family visits and business visits: Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status and Frequent Traveller streams.
In force
Who it is for
People visiting Australia for a holiday, to see family or friends, or for business visitor activities (not work).
Main requirements
- A genuine temporary visit, enough money, health and character.
- Sponsored Family stream: an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsor, who may be asked for a security bond. This stream usually carries condition 8503 (No Further Stay).
- No work. Visitors cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
- Insurance is strongly recommended and required for some.
- Approved Destination Status stream: citizens of the People's Republic of China visiting on a tour organised by an approved travel agent, who lodges for them. You must be in China at lodgement and decision.
- Frequent Traveller stream: citizens of China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam; biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre; outside Australia at lodgement and decision. Granted for up to 10 years; up to 3 months each entry and no more than 12 months in any 24 months.
Where you apply from
Most streams outside Australia; the Tourist stream can be applied for in Australia to extend a visit.
Streams
- Tourist (outside Australia)
- Tourist (in Australia)
- Sponsored Family
- Business Visitor
- Approved Destination Status
- Frequent Traveller
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Choose the stream
Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor or Frequent Traveller.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent picks the right stream. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence
Invitation letter, ties to home, funds, itinerary and insurance.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares a clear ties and funds case. - Lodge
One application per person.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains condition 8503 before travel. - Grant and travel
Leave on time; overstaying can bring exclusion periods.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent advises on the 870 or parent options for longer stays.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Outside Australia (Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status) | A$250 |
| Tourist stream in Australia | A$630 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge, Tourist stream in Australia | A$700 |
| Frequent Traveller | A$1,845 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Tourist | 50% in 21 days, 90% in 33 days |
|---|---|
| Sponsored Family | 50% in 40 days, 90% in 3 months |
| Business Visitor | 50% in 7 days, 90% in 19 days |
Common refusal reasons
- Doubts about a genuine visit: weak ties at home or long previous stays.
- Not enough money.
- Incomplete sponsor evidence.
- Previous breaches.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
- Sponsored Family
Recent and upcoming changes
- 14 March 2026
The Minister can stop specified groups of temporary visa holders outside Australia from travelling for up to 6 months. A grant does not always mean you can travel.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.