Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Visit Australia for tourism, family visits or permitted short-term business activities.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows eligible visitors to travel to Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting family and friends, or permitted business visitor activities.
The length of stay, number of entries and visa conditions depend on the stream and the individual visa grant.
Subclass 600 at a Glance
The Visitor Visa is a temporary visa. The specific stay period, entry arrangements and conditions depend on the visa granted.
Choose the Appropriate Stream
Subclass 600 has different streams designed for different visitor circumstances and purposes.
Tourist Stream
The Tourist stream is available for eligible applicants visiting Australia for tourism, holidays or to visit family and friends.
Depending on your circumstances, the application may be made from inside or outside Australia.
Sponsored Family Stream
The Sponsored Family stream is for eligible visitors who are sponsored by an eligible family member in Australia.
The Department may require the sponsor to provide a security bond. Please note that sponsorship does not guarantee that the visa will be granted.
Business Visitor Stream
This stream is for eligible short-term business visitor activities, including:
- Attending business meetings
- Participating in conferences or trade events
- Making business enquiries
- Negotiating or entering into business contracts
Important: A Visitor Visa does not allow you to work in Australia. Permitted business visitor activities are strictly short-term and non-work in nature.
Genuine Visitor Requirement
You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily and comply with the conditions of your Visitor Visa.
What the Department May Consider
- Employment or business commitments in your home country
- Family and social ties
- Study commitments
- Financial circumstances
- Previous international travel
- Reasons for visiting Australia
- Planned itinerary and activities
Why Your Evidence Matters
Your application should present a clear and credible picture of why you are visiting Australia and why you intend to leave Australia at the end of your authorised stay.
Providing consistent and credible evidence can help demonstrate your genuine visitor intentions.
Terminology: The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) terminology should not be used for the Visitor Visa. The relevant concept is the genuine visitor requirement.
Financial Requirements
There is no single fixed bank-balance amount that applies to every Visitor Visa applicant.
What You Need to Show
You should demonstrate that you have adequate funds to support your intended stay, including relevant travel, accommodation and living expenses.
The amount considered adequate depends on the length and purpose of the visit and your individual circumstances.
Financial Position
- Your financial circumstances should be clear and credible
- Funds should be consistent with your proposed travel plans
- Income and employment information may support your circumstances
- Financial support from another person may be relevant, where applicable
Important: Do not rely on a universal minimum bank balance. Financial circumstances should be presented in a way that is consistent with the purpose and duration of the proposed visit.
Health Requirements & Insurance
Plan for Healthcare Costs during your stay in Australia.
Most visa applicants must satisfy the applicable health requirements, although whether health examinations are required depends on individual circumstances and the visa application.
Most visitors do not have access to Medicare and are responsible for their own healthcare costs in Australia.
Private health insurance is therefore strongly recommended, and evidence of adequate health insurance may be required depending on the visa and circumstances.
Condition 8503 — No Further Stay
Check Your Visa Conditions Carefully upon grant.
Some Visitor Visas may be granted with Condition 8503 — No Further Stay.
Where this condition applies, the visa holder generally cannot apply for another substantive visa while remaining in Australia, except in limited circumstances where the condition can be waived.
Always check your visa grant notification for the conditions attached to your individual visa.
Can You Work or Study?
Visitor Visa holders must follow the conditions attached to their visa and stay within the permitted visitor activities.
Can You Work?
No. Visitor Visa holders are not permitted to work in Australia.
Permitted business visitor activities are different from employment and must remain within the activities allowed under the Visitor Visa.
Can You Study?
You can generally undertake study or training for up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa, subject to the applicable conditions.
If your main purpose is to study for longer than three months, you should consider the appropriate Student Visa pathway instead.
Your Australian Visit Starts Here
Planning a holiday, family visit or short business trip to Australia?
At Jurist Migration, we help you understand the appropriate Visitor Visa pathway and present your circumstances clearly. Get personalised, professional and transparent migration advice for your Australian Visitor Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa allows eligible people to travel to Australia temporarily for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or permitted business visitor activities.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 600 visa?
The stay period granted depends on the stream and individual circumstances, typically ranging from 3, 6, to 12 months with single or multiple entries, as specified on your visa grant notification.
Can I work in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
No. Visitor Visa holders are strictly not permitted to work in Australia. Only permitted short-term business visitor activities (such as attending conferences or negotiations) are allowed under the Business Visitor stream.
What is the Genuine Visitor requirement?
You must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that you have a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia and return to your home country before your visa expires, supported by proof of employment, ties, and adequate finances.
Can I study on a Subclass 600 visa?
You can generally study or undertake training courses for up to 3 months. If your main purpose is to study for longer than three months, you must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
