If you’re planning to visit Australia for a holiday, see family or friends, attend certain business activities, or travel for another permitted visitor purpose, the Visa 600 Australia route may be relevant to you. The official name is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), and the Department of Home Affairs provides several streams depending on where you apply and what you intend to do in Australia.
The Visa 600 Australia application is generally handled online through ImmiAccount. Before applying, it is important to identify the correct stream, prepare evidence that supports your circumstances, and check the conditions attached to the visa you are granted. The Department specifically states that applicants must be genuine visitors and have enough funds to support themselves and leave Australia. Visit Homrpage.
What Is Visa 600 Australia?
The visitor visa subclass 600 Australia, officially called the Visitor visa (subclass 600), is a temporary visa for eligible people who want to visit Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or certain business visitor activities.
Depending on the stream, the visa may allow a stay of up to 3, 6 or 12 months. The Frequent Traveller stream can have a validity period of up to 10 years, although each stay is generally limited to up to 3 months.
A key point is that subclass 600 is not a general work visa. The Department confirms that a Visitor visa or ETA does not allow the holder to work in Australia.
Visa 600 Australia at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official visa name | Visitor visa (subclass 600) |
| Main purposes | Tourism, family visits and permitted business visitor activities |
| Application method | Generally online through ImmiAccount |
| Maximum stay | Depends on the stream; up to 12 months for several streams |
| Work | Not permitted on a Visitor visa |
| Business activities | Permitted activities depend on the Business Visitor stream |
| Application charge | Depends on the stream |
| Processing time | Varies and should be checked using the official processing-time guide |
The exact visa period, entry arrangements and conditions are determined by the Department and should be checked in your grant notification or through VEVO after a visa is granted.
Which Visa 600 Stream Applies to You?
One of the most important parts of a visitor visa subclass 600 Australia application is selecting the appropriate stream. The streams are designed for different types of visitors and have different application-location requirements.
Tourist Stream — Apply Outside Australia
The Tourist stream is intended for people travelling to Australia for a holiday, cruise, or to visit family and friends.
For this stream, you must be outside Australia when you apply and when the Department decides your application. The Department may grant a stay of 3, 6 or 12 months. The current listed application charge starts from AUD 250, with limited concessions available in certain circumstances.
This is the stream many overseas visitors will consider when their main purpose is tourism or visiting relatives.
Tourist Stream — Apply in Australia
There is also a Tourist stream for eligible people who are already in Australia and want to remain longer for an appropriate visitor purpose.
You must be in Australia when you apply and when the application is decided. The Department states that the stay may be up to 12 months, and the listed charge starts from AUD 630.
Before choosing this option, check your current visa conditions carefully. Some visas have conditions that can restrict further visa applications while you are in Australia.
Basic Eligibility for Visa 600 Australia
Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. The Department assesses the individual application and supporting evidence.
Two fundamental requirements listed for the Visitor visa are that you must be a genuine visitor and have enough funds to support your stay and leave Australia.
Genuine Visitor Requirement
Your application should clearly explain why you want to visit Australia and why your circumstances support a temporary visit.
Your evidence should be consistent with the purpose of your trip. For example, a tourist applicant may provide information about their planned holiday, employment, studies, family circumstances or other commitments that help explain their travel circumstances.
The aim is not simply to upload a large number of documents. The information should be relevant, accurate and consistent across the application.
Financial Capacity
You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for the proposed visit and your departure from Australia.
Depending on your circumstances, financial evidence may include recent bank statements, employment income information, payslips or other documents that demonstrate how the trip will be funded.
If another person is paying for your trip, explain that arrangement clearly and provide relevant evidence rather than presenting the finances as your own.
Health and Character Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, the Department may require health examinations or character-related information.
These requirements can add time to an application because information may need to be obtained from external organisations. The Department notes that processing can be affected by health, character and national-security checks.
Government Debts and Other Requirements
Applicants should also consider whether they have outstanding obligations to the Australian Government and whether any additional requirements apply to their particular circumstances.
Do not assume that the same document list applies to every applicant. The documents requested can depend on your stream, nationality, circumstances and answers in the application.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
A well-organised application can make the online process easier. The Department recommends submitting all necessary supporting documents when applying, and its Check twice, submit once guidance encourages applicants to use the relevant visa page and document instructions before lodging.
Common supporting evidence may include:
For students, useful supporting evidence may include current enrolment information, student identification and evidence showing that the applicant has ongoing study commitments.
For employed applicants, an employer letter confirming employment and approved leave may help explain the circumstances of the proposed trip.
Important: Supporting evidence should be truthful and consistent. Avoid submitting documents simply to make the application look larger. The relevant question is whether the evidence genuinely supports the information provided.
Visa 600 Australia Application: What to Do Before Lodging
Before starting your visitor visa subclass 600 Australia application, check three things:
First, identify the correct stream. The application requirements and location rules differ between streams.
Second, check the current document requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Third, prepare your information before opening the application so that passport, employment, study, financial and travel details can be entered accurately.
The Department says most Australian visa applications are made online through ImmiAccount, which can also be used to track an application, respond to requests for further information and add documents.
What Does Visa 600 Australia Cost?
Visa charges can change, so applicants should check the current official pricing information immediately before payment.
The Department currently lists these starting charges for the major subclass 600 streams:
| Stream | Current listed charge |
|---|---|
| Tourist — outside Australia | From AUD 250 |
| Tourist — in Australia | From AUD 630 |
| Business Visitor | AUD 250 |
| Sponsored Family | AUD 250 |
| Frequent Traveller | AUD 1,845 |
Limited concessions apply in certain circumstances, including specific arrangements for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
The Department also explains that visa costs can change and that payment surcharges may apply depending on the payment method. Applicants should use the official Visa Pricing Estimator and current pricing information rather than relying on an old fee shown on another website.
How to Apply for Visa 600 Australia Online
Once you’ve identified the correct subclass 600 stream and prepared your supporting evidence, the next stage is to submit the application through the Australian Government’s online system. For most applicants, ImmiAccount is the central place to start, manage and monitor the application.
The application should be completed carefully because information entered online needs to match your supporting documents. Differences in passport details, dates, employment information or travel history can create delays or lead to requests for further information.
Step 1: Open or Create an ImmiAccount
![Laptop screen displaying the official Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount login and registration page[cite: 1].](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Open-or-Create-an-ImmiAccount.webp)
Start by accessing the official Department of Home Affairs website and opening an ImmiAccount.
If you want to create an ImmiAccount and need help understanding the registration process, this guide provides clear and practical information. ImmiAccount Login Guide (2026) explains how to create an account, sign in, start and manage a visa application, upload documents, check application details, and manage your account. Whether you are applying for an Australian visa for the first time or need help accessing an existing ImmiAccount, this guide walks you through the important steps in simple English.
If you already have an account, sign in using your existing details. New applicants can create an account and then begin an online visa application.
Keep your login information secure. ImmiAccount may later be needed to check messages, upload additional documents or respond to requests from the Department.
Step 2: Select Visitor Visa Subclass 600
![A laptop screen displaying the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs 'New Application' page, showing the 'Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)' category with selectable streams: Tourist, Business Visitor, Sponsored Family, and Approved Destination Status[cite: 1]."](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Select-Visitor-Visa-Subclass-600.webp)
After entering ImmiAccount, select the appropriate Visitor visa (subclass 600) application.
Do not select a stream simply because its fee or stay period appears more suitable. Your selection should correspond with your actual circumstances, intended activities and location when applying.
For example, someone travelling from overseas for a holiday would generally examine the Tourist stream for applicants outside Australia, while someone undertaking permitted short-term business activities may need to consider the Business Visitor stream.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information
![Laptop screen displaying Step 3 of the ImmiAccount Visitor Visa Subclass 600 application, featuring input fields for identity and passport details[cite: 1].](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Enter-Your-Personal-Information-1.webp)
The application will require personal and identity information.
Make sure the details correspond exactly with your passport and other official documents. Pay particular attention to:
A common mistake is entering a shortened version of a name when the passport contains the person’s full legal name.
Before moving to the next section, review the information carefully.
Step 4: Explain Your Visit to Australia
The Department needs information about the reason for your proposed trip.
Your explanation should be consistent with the stream you selected. A tourist applicant might describe a holiday, visiting relatives or travelling around Australia, while a Business Visitor applicant needs to describe the relevant permitted business activities.
You may also need to provide information about:
The strongest approach is straightforward and factual. Don’t include plans that conflict with the conditions of a Visitor visa.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
![Step 5 of the ImmiAccount Visitor Visa application interface, showing options to attach identity, financial capacity, employment, student, and travel documents[cite: 5].](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Upload-Supporting-Documents.webp)
After entering the required information, upload the documents requested for your application.
The exact evidence can vary according to your circumstances, so applicants shouldn’t assume that one universal checklist applies to every visitor visa subclass 600 Australia application.
Identity Documents
A passport identity page is generally an important part of the application.
Make sure the uploaded copy is:
If the Department requests additional identity documents, provide them through the appropriate channel.
Financial Documents
Financial evidence helps demonstrate how your visit will be funded.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
The documents should tell a consistent story about your financial circumstances.
For example, if your application says that you are paying for the trip yourself, your financial evidence should reasonably support that statement.
Employment Evidence
If you’re employed, documents such as an employment confirmation letter, approved leave information or recent payslips can help demonstrate your current employment circumstances.
This can also provide useful context for a temporary trip because it shows your current employment position and intended return to work.
Student Evidence
Students applying for a visitor visa subclass 600 Australia can provide relevant evidence of their current studies where appropriate.
Examples may include:
The purpose is to provide genuine information about your circumstances rather than simply uploading documents without explanation.
Travel and Accommodation Information
Depending on your circumstances, you may provide information about your proposed travel arrangements.
This could include:
Don’t assume that purchasing expensive non-refundable flights guarantees a visa decision. Your application should be based on the requirements and evidence relevant to your circumstances.
Step 6: Check Your Application Before Submission
![Step 6 of the ImmiAccount Visitor Visa application, featuring an application summary, final review checklist confirmations, and the submit button[cite: 6]](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Check-Your-Application-Before-Submission.webp)
Take time to review the entire application before submitting it.
Check that:
The Department’s Check twice, submit once guidance is particularly useful here because submitting a complete application can help avoid unnecessary delays caused by missing information.
Step 7: Pay the Visa Application Charge
![Step 7 of the ImmiAccount Visitor Visa application, showing the visa application charge breakdown, card surcharge, and payment method options[cite: 7].](https://australiaservicesinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Pay-the-Visa-Application-Charge.webp)
After completing the required sections, you’ll need to pay the applicable visa application charge.
The amount depends on the stream and can change over time. Payment methods may also involve a surcharge.
For this reason, always check the current official Department of Home Affairs pricing information immediately before payment rather than relying on an old article or third-party website.
What Happens After You Submit Visa 600?
Submitting a visitor visa subclass 600 Australia application does not mean the visa has been approved.
The Department may assess the information and evidence you provided and may contact you if further information is required.
Depending on your circumstances, you could be asked to provide additional documents, complete health examinations, provide biometrics or respond to other requests.
Check ImmiAccount Regularly
Your ImmiAccount remains important after submission.
Check it regularly for:
If the Department requests additional information, follow the instructions and submit the requested material within the stated timeframe.
Visa 600 Australia Processing Times
There is no single processing time that applies to every Visa 600 Australia application.
Processing can vary depending on factors such as:
The Department publishes a Visa Processing Times Guide that can be used to obtain an indication of current processing times.
What Conditions Can Apply to Visa 600?
A Visa 600 Australia grant can include conditions that determine what you can and cannot do while in the country.
Your individual grant notification is the most important source for the conditions attached to your visa.
Condition 8101 — No Work
A Visitor visa does not provide general permission to work in Australia.
This means you should not use a Visa 600 Australia as a substitute for an Australian work visa.
The Business Visitor stream can allow certain short-term business visitor activities, but that is different from taking employment in Australia.
Condition 8201 — Study and Training
Visitor visa holders may undertake study or training, but there are restrictions.
The relevant condition limits study or training to no more than three months.
If your primary purpose is long-term study in Australia, you should investigate the visa specifically designed for that purpose rather than assuming a Visitor visa is suitable.
Condition 8503 — No Further Stay
Some Visitor visas may include a No Further Stay condition.
Where this condition applies, it can prevent the visa holder from applying for many other substantive visas while remaining in Australia.
This is particularly important for visitors considering an extension or another visa while in Australia. Always check your individual visa conditions before making plans.
How to Check Your Visa 600 Status
After applying, you can use ImmiAccount to follow the application and receive communications from the Department.
After a visa has been granted, VEVO — Visa Entitlement Verification Online can be used to check visa details and conditions.
VEVO can provide information such as:
ImmiAccount vs VEVO
| Service | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| ImmiAccount | Apply, manage an application and receive Department messages |
| VEVO | Check details and conditions of an existing visa |
| Grant notification | Provides the official details of your visa grant |
These services perform different functions, so don’t confuse an application update in ImmiAccount with proof of current visa status in VEVO.
Common Visa 600 Australia Application Mistakes
Even when an applicant appears to meet the basic requirements, avoidable errors can make the application more difficult to assess.
Choosing the Wrong Stream
One of the first things to get right is the stream.
Read the requirements for the relevant subclass 600 stream carefully before beginning the application.
Providing Inconsistent Information
Your passport, application form, financial evidence, employment information and travel plans should tell the same basic story.
If one document says you’re employed somewhere while another gives different employment details, the discrepancy may need clarification.
Uploading Poor-Quality Documents
Blurry or incomplete documents can make important information difficult to assess.
Before uploading a file, open it yourself and check that all names, dates, numbers and other relevant information can be read.
Leaving Out Relevant Information
If the application asks for particular information or documents, don’t ignore the request.
Use the Department’s instructions and document checklist relevant to your application.
Assuming a Visitor Visa Allows Work
This is a serious misunderstanding.
A Visitor visa is intended for permitted visitor activities. It does not give general employment rights in Australia.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Although processing times vary, applying immediately before a planned trip leaves less room for unexpected delays.
Health checks, additional document requests or other assessments can take extra time.
Before You Travel to Australia
Receiving a Visa 600 Australia grant is not the end of the process.
Before travelling, read your grant notification carefully. Confirm:
You should also make sure your passport remains valid for the planned journey and that your travel arrangements are consistent with the conditions of your visa.
If you have a visa condition that affects your plans, understand it before travelling rather than trying to resolve the issue after arrival.
Visa 600 Australia Final Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, work through this checklist:
Personal Information
Travel Information
Financial Evidence
Employment or Study
Before Submission
The Department’s own guidance is to check twice and submit once, including reviewing the specific document requirements for the visa subclass you are applying for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visa 600 Australia
Final Thoughts on Visa 600 Australia
The Visa 600 Australia process is mainly about choosing the correct stream, demonstrating that you meet the relevant requirements and providing accurate supporting evidence. The Visitor visa covers several different situations, including tourism, visiting family and friends, business visitor activities and certain sponsored or frequent-traveller arrangements.
Before applying, check the official Department of Home Affairs information for your particular stream, review the current charges, prepare your documents and make sure your answers accurately reflect your circumstances. After submission, use ImmiAccount for application-related communication and check your visa conditions through the appropriate Australian Government service once a visa is granted.
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