Visitor visa (subclass 600)

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business activities, or to visit family and friends.

1. Purpose: The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is designed for individuals who wish to travel to Australia for short-term stays for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings or conferences, or participating in short-term study or training programs.
2. Stream Options:
   • Tourist Stream: For individuals traveling to Australia for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting landmarks, or experiencing Australian culture and lifestyle.
   • Business Visitor Stream: For individuals traveling to Australia for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating business contracts.
   • Sponsored Family Stream: For individuals who are sponsored by an eligible relative in Australia to visit family members for extended periods.
   • Approved Destination Status Stream: For individuals from certain countries who are traveling to Australia on organized tours arranged by an approved tour operator.
3. Duration and Conditions:
   • The subclass 600 visa allows for stays of up to three, six, or 12 months, depending on the stream and individual circumstances.
   • Visa holders are generally not allowed to work in Australia, although certain limited work-related activities may be permitted under the Business Visitor Stream.
   • Visa conditions may vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances, so it's important for visa holders to familiarize themselves with the conditions attached to their visa.
4. Eligibility:
   • Applicants must meet health and character requirements.
   • They must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia and to cover the cost of their return journey.
   • Applicants may be required to provide evidence of their intended purpose of visit, such as a letter of invitation, itinerary, or proof of accommodation bookings.
5. Application Process:
   • Applicants can apply for the subclass 600 visa online or by paper application.
   • They must provide supporting documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, evidence of health insurance coverage, and any additional documents required for their specific stream.
   • Visa application fees apply, and processing times may vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances.
6. Health Insurance:
   • It is recommended that Visitor visa holders have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia, as they are not entitled to government-funded healthcare.

Overall, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) provides individuals with an opportunity to visit Australia for various purposes, including tourism, business, and visiting family and friends. It's important for applicants to understand the specific requirements and conditions associated with their chosen stream and to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.