The Australian 600 Visa caters to temporary stays in Australia for various purposes including tourism, business, and visiting family. It offers multiple streams, each with specific eligibility and benefits.
Visitor Visa Streams:
- Tourist Stream (apply in Australia): For visitors already in Australia, allowing a stay extension of up to 12 months.
- Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia): For visitors applying from outside Australia, with a stay validity of up to 3, 6 or 12 months.
- Sponsored Family Stream: For visitors sponsored by a close relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Business Visitor Stream: For short business trips such as attending meetings or conferences.
- Frequent Traveller Stream: For frequent visitors from China who meet specific requirements.
- Approved Destination Status Stream: For visitors from mainland China traveling as part of an accredited tour group.
The duration of stay allowed under the Visitor Visa ranges from three to twelve months depending on the specific visa and stream chosen. If you apply for the tourist stream while already in Australia, it's important to note that you must be physically present in the country during the application process. For all other streams, applications need to be made from outside Australia and applicants should remain in that country until a decision is reached on their visa application.
The Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) offers a variety of benefits depending on the chosen stream. Business Visitor and Frequent Traveler streams allow participation in specific business activities while you're in Australia.
This visa can also be useful for international students. They can enter Australia on a visitor visa initially and then transition to a student visa later. Additionally, students with expiring visas without the "No Further Stay" condition can extend their stay by applying for a specific visitor visa category. It's important to note that some visitor visas allow enrollment in Australian courses up to three months in length. If you plan to pursue a longer course of study, you'll need to obtain a different visa while you're already in Australia.
Each Visitor Visa stream has its own unique set of requirements and limitations. To ensure a smooth visit to Australia, carefully consider your individual needs and goals when choosing the most suitable stream for your situation. Don't forget to check the official website for the latest information on eligibility requirements and application processes for each stream.
Purpose of the 600 Visa
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) offers a versatile visa option for various travel purposes in Australia. Here's a breakdown of its key functionalities:
- Tourism: Explore Australia's vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich culture.
- Business Activities: Attend conferences, meetings, or negotiations for short-term business ventures.
- Family Visits: Reunite with close family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. (Sponsored Family stream)
- Organized Tours: Participate in pre-arranged tours if you're from a country with Approved Destination Status.
- Pre-Student Visa Entry: Enter Australia with a visitor visa and transition to a student visa while in the country for a smoother start to your studies.
- Extending Stay after Student Visa: Extend your time in Australia by applying for a suitable visitor visa stream if your student visa without the "No Further Stay" condition is expiring.
- Short Courses: Enroll in short-term educational or vocational programs lasting up to three months.
- Cruise Stopovers: Disembark from your cruise ship and explore Australia during your scheduled stopover.
Stream Options for 600 Visa
Tourist Stream:
- Apply from anywhere (inside or outside Australia)
- Ideal for leisure travel, cruises, or visiting family and friends.
- Single or multiple entries possible.
- Stay duration: Typically up to 12 months, with potential extensions for parents/step-parents of permanent residents or citizens (check specific requirements).
Sponsored Family Stream:
- Apply outside Australia.
- Designed for visiting close family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Requires sponsorship from a family member in Australia. This may affect processing times and entries allowed.
- Typically grants a single entry.
- Stay duration: Usually allows a maximum stay of 12 months.
Business Visitor Stream:
- Suitable for short business trips.
- Single or multiple entries possible.
- Allows business-related activities (e.g., inquiries) but not selling products, services, or paid work.
Frequent Traveller Stream (for Chinese passport holders only):
- Similar activities to Business Visitor stream but with additional requirements.
- Allows leisure, business visits, and family/friend visits.
- 10-year validity with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit.
- Apply from mainland China.
Approved Destination Status Stream (for Chinese citizens only):
- For participation in pre-arranged group tours by authorized travel agencies.
- Single or multiple entries possible.
- Stay duration based on your group tour itinerary.
- Apply from mainland China.
Eligibility Criteria for Visitor Visa
Health Requirements:
- Medical Examination: Similar to a student visa, you may need to undergo a health check. Our counselors can guide you through this process.
- Overseas Health Insurance: Securing adequate health insurance is essential to cover any medical treatment during your stay.
Character Requirements:
- Good Conduct: You must demonstrate a history of good character before and during your intended stay. This involves passing an Australian character assessment.
Financial Requirements:
- Sufficient Funds: You must prove you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents throughout your visit.
- No Debts: Be clear of any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Genuine Visitor Requirements:
- Temporary Stay: Your visit must be temporary, and you must adhere to the authorized duration of your visa.
- No Extensions: Extending your Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is not possible. Apply for a different visa if you wish to stay longer.
Family Considerations:
- Separate Applications: You cannot include family members on your Visitor Visa application. Each family member must apply individually.
Travel Options:
- Multiple Entry Visa: With this visa, you can travel abroad and return to Australia within the validity period.
- Single Entry Visa: You can enter Australia once and cannot return after leaving.
- No Travel Conditions: Some visas might restrict international travel while holding the visa.
600 Visa Processing Time
The process for applying for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa typically includes the following steps:
- Choose Your Stream: Identify the most suitable stream within the Subclass 600 that aligns with your travel purpose (e.g., Tourist Stream for leisure, Sponsored Family Stream for visiting family).
- Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare the necessary documents based on your chosen stream. Common requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial resources
- Travel itinerary
- Health insurance coverage
- Additional documents specific to your stream (e.g., invitation letter for Sponsored Family Stream)
- Complete the Application Form: Meticulously fill out the online application form ensuring all details are accurate and complete.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Submit your application along with the designated visa application fee of AUD 190.00.
- Biometric Data Collection and Medical Examination (if applicable): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you might need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) and/or undergo a medical examination.
Visa Conditions and Duration
The terms and length of the visa are determined by the particular stream chosen, such as the Tourist stream, Business Visitor stream, or Sponsored Family stream. Typically, the Subclass 600 visa allows a visit of three, six, or twelve months based on individual circumstances and selected streams. It's significant to remember that this visa usually restricts the holder from working in Australia and requires them to adhere to Australian laws and visa regulations while staying there.
Visitor Visa Extension and Reapplication
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) unlocks a world of possibilities in Australia. However, extensions and reapplications require careful planning:
Extending Your Stay (Subclass 600):
- Eligibility: This option is primarily for visitors seeking to extend their stay for tourism purposes.
- Duration: Extensions can be granted for three, six, or twelve months depending on your situation.
Applying for an Extension:
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport (with expiry at least three months beyond the desired extension)
- Completed application form
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
Important Reminders:
- Extensions are not guaranteed. Apply well before your visa expires.
- The Department of Home Affairs website has the most current information on extension eligibility and procedures.
Reapplication for a Visitor Visa:
- If you cannot extend your Subclass 600 visa or your desired stay exceeds the extension limit, you may need to reapply for a new Visitor Visa entirely.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen stream (e.g., Tourist Stream, Sponsored Family Stream) at the time of reapplication.
