The Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets you visit Australia for a holiday, to see family and friends, or for business visitor activities. Choosing the right stream and showing you are a genuine visitor are the keys to approval.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 600.
Visitor visa streams
Tourist stream
For holidays, recreation or visiting family and friends. Apply from outside Australia, or from inside Australia if you hold another visa.
Sponsored Family stream
For visiting family, where an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident relative sponsors you and may be asked to provide a security bond.
Business Visitor stream
For short business visits such as conferences, negotiations or exploratory business trips, usually up to three months. You cannot work.
Approved Destination Status
For people from the People’s Republic of China travelling in an organised tour group.
Key requirements
- Genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily
- Enough money to support yourself during your stay
- Strong reasons to return home, such as employment, study, property or family
- Health and character requirements
- Health insurance is strongly recommended, and may be required for older visitors or long stays
Tips for a strong application
- Explain the purpose of your trip clearly, with a travel plan
- Provide bank statements, employment letters and leave approval
- Include invitation letters and your relative’s status in Australia if visiting family
- Disclose any previous visa refusals or overstays honestly
Parents visiting Australia
Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can apply for longer-validity visitor visas, and may consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa 870 for stays of up to three or five years at a time.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Work is not permitted. Business visitor activities are allowed, but not paid work for an Australian business.
Can I study on a visitor visa?
You can study for up to three months in total. For longer study, you need a student visa.
Why are visitor visas refused?
Common reasons are not showing a genuine temporary stay, weak ties to your home country, insufficient funds, or an incomplete application.
Can I extend my visitor visa in Australia?
You may be able to apply for a new visitor visa in Australia if your current visa does not have a No Further Stay condition. Get advice before your visa expires.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
