Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 600 Visitor Visa and what purposes does it cover?
The 600 Visitor Visa allows non-residents to temporarily visit Australia for tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term non-paid business activities, or under family sponsorship. It is a temporary visa that does not provide work rights.

2. What are the different streams of the 600 Visitor Visa and how do they differ?
The 600 Visitor Visa has six distinct streams, each catering to different purposes of travel:

1. Tourist Stream: For holidays, recreation, or visiting family and friends. Applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary stay, financial capacity, and strong ties to their home country.

2. Business Visitor Stream: For short-term business activities such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or participating in training. Paid work is not allowed.

3. Sponsored Family Stream: For applicants sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident to visit family. Sponsors must submit Form 1149 and accept financial responsibility.

4. Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: For citizens of certain countries traveling as part of an approved tour group.

5. Frequent Traveller Stream: For citizens from Hong Kong or Singapore who frequently visit Australia for business or tourism. Provides multiple-entry visas with longer validity.

6. Special Programme Stream: For invited participants in government programs, international events, or humanitarian reasons. Approval is discretionary and usually requires an invitation letter.

3. Who is eligible to apply for a 600 Visitor Visa (general eligibility criteria)?
Applicants must be genuine visitors intending a temporary stay, have a valid passport, adequate funds, meet health and character requirements, and, if applicable, have a suitable sponsor.

4. What is required for a family member to sponsor a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) application under Sponsored Family stream?
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and provide Form 1149. They must accept financial responsibility for the visitor’s stay and ensure visa conditions are met.

5. What visa validity and stay duration options are available under the 600 Visitor Visa, depending on stream and grant conditions?
Depending on the stream, 600 visas can allow stays of 3, 6, or 12 months, with single-entry or multiple-entry grants. Grant conditions may limit total stay within the visa period.

6. Can I work in Australia with a 600 Visitor Visa?
No. Paid work is not permitted. Business Visitor stream holders may attend meetings or conferences but cannot engage in employment or sell goods/services.

7. Can I study or take short courses while on a 600 Visitor Visa?
Short-term courses (up to 3 months) are allowed. Longer courses require a student visa.

8. What financial proof do I need when applying for a 600 Visitor Visa?
Applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs, accommodation, and return travel using bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents.

9. What health and character requirements apply for 600 Visitor Visa applicants?
Applicants may need health exams and police certificates if they lived abroad for 12+ months since age 16. These documents help meet health and character requirements.

10. What specific visa conditions may be imposed on a 600 Visitor Visa — including Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) and Condition 8558 (12?Month Stay Limit)?
600 Visitor Visas often include several visa conditions, which are mandatory to comply with:

1. 8503 – No Further Stay: Cannot apply for most other visas while in Australia unless a waiver is granted.

2. 8558 – Maximum Stay Limitation: Restricts total stay duration during the visa validity period.

3. 8101 – Work Restriction: No paid work allowed.

4. 8201 – Study Restriction: Study is limited to 3 months unless another visa is obtained.

5. 8501 – Maintain Health Insurance: Adequate health/travel insurance must be maintained.

6. 8531 – Depart Before Expiry: Must leave Australia before visa expiry.

7. 8559 – Maintain Financial Capacity: Must have sufficient funds for living, travel, and return.

8. 8516 – Comply with DHA Requests: Must respond to any Department of Home Affairs requests for health or character documentation.

9. 8520 – Reporting Requirements (if applicable): Certain sponsored streams may require reporting to the sponsor or DHA.

Failure to comply with any condition can result in visa cancellation, deportation, or future entry restrictions.

11. Is health or travel insurance required or recommended for holders of a 600 Visitor Visa?
While not always mandatory, adequate travel or visitor health insurance is strongly recommended. You can compare 600 visa health insurance at www.600visainsurance.com.au.

12. What happens if I want to extend my stay or apply for a different visa while on a 600 Visitor Visa — and why might a health examination be required for that?
Applicants with 8503 condition usually cannot apply for another substantive visa onshore. If applying for extension or waiver, a health examination may be required to satisfy DHA health requirements.

13. What documents are typically required when applying for a 600 Visitor Visa?
Passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary/return ticket, accommodation evidence, health and character documents (if required), sponsor details (for Sponsored Family stream), and supporting documentation (invitation letters, sponsorship forms).

14. What is the 600 Visitor Visa application fee for overseas applicants?

• For offshore applications, the base application fee is AUD 200.

• Onshore applications are higher, typically AUD 500.

15. What additional costs should 600 Visitor Visa applicants expect?
Additional costs may include medical examinations, police certificates, travel/visitor health insurance, document translations, and living/travel expenses in Australia.

16. How long does the processing of a 600 Visitor Visa typically take, and where can I check current processing times?
Processing times vary by stream, nationality, and application completeness. For official processing times and details, visit: Visitor 600 Visa DHA page

17. What are the rights and restrictions attached to a 600 Visitor Visa (work, study, business activities, travel)?
No paid work is allowed. Short-term courses (≤3 months) are permitted. Business Visitor stream allows only non-paid business activities. Multiple-entry visas permit travel in and out during validity.

18. What are common reasons for refusal of a 600 Visitor Visa?
Refusals often result from insufficient proof of genuine temporary stay, inadequate funds, lack of return flight evidence, poor health or character record, or incomplete documentation.

19. How should I prepare a strong 600 Visitor Visa application to increase chances of approval?
Submit complete documentation, demonstrate financial capacity, show home-country ties, provide sponsor details (if applicable), and comply with health and character requirements.

20. Can I include multiple entries on a 600 Visitor Visa and travel in and out of Australia while it’s valid?
Yes — multiple-entry visas allow re-entry during validity, but total stay must not exceed the limit set in the grant.

21. Are there any age restrictions or special considerations for children, elderly, or dependants applying on a 600 Visitor Visa?
No strict age limit exists, but older applicants or dependants may require health checks. Financial support and purpose of visit must be demonstrated for all applicants.

22. What steps should I follow to apply for a 600 Visitor Visa (online via ImmiAccount or paper)?
Apply online via DHA ImmiAccount, uploading required documents and paying the fee. Paper applications are possible via Visa Application Centres but are slower.

23. If my 600 Visitor Visa includes a “No Further Stay” (Condition?8503), can I request a waiver or apply for a different visa while in Australia?
Generally prohibited. Waivers are rare and considered only in compelling circumstances. Offshore application is safest if planning to change visa.

24. What should I do if my 600 Visitor Visa application is refused, or I wish to reapply later?
Analyze refusal reasons, provide stronger evidence, and reapply. Some refusals allow Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) review.

25. For Business Visitor stream — what business activities are allowed under 600 Visitor Visa, and what is prohibited?
Allowed: meetings, conferences, negotiations, exploring business opportunities. Prohibited: employment, selling goods/services, or ongoing business operations.

26. For Sponsored Family stream — what documentation is needed from sponsor and applicant?
Sponsor: Form 1149, proof of citizenship/residency, relationship evidence. Applicant: identity documents, financial proof, purpose of visit, and relationship evidence.

27. What role does health insurance play for 600 Visitor Visa holders and why is it recommended even if not mandatory?
Medical costs in Australia are high for non-residents. Private insurance ensures coverage for emergencies. Compare policies at www.600visainsurance.com.au.

28. Can I stay longer than initially granted if I obtain new evidence or circumstances change (e.g., medical emergency)?
Possibly, but another appropriate visa may be required. Approval is discretionary, and compliance with health/character conditions is mandatory.

29. How does the Department assess “genuine temporary stay” for 600 Visa — what are key factors they consider?
Financial capacity, home-country ties, travel/immigration history, purpose of visit, and health/character profile. Weak evidence may lead to refusal.

30. What is the process if the Department requests health/character checks after visa grant or during stay on 600 Visitor Visa?
Complying is mandatory. Health exams or police certificates may be requested. Non-compliance can lead to visa cancellation.

31. Are there restrictions on using a 600 Visitor Visa for multiple purposes (tourism + business) in one visit?
Yes — ensure activities align with the stream granted. Tourist stream should not be used for business activities. Business Visitor stream allows limited business-related activities only.

32. How are police certificates obtained if required for a 600 Visitor Visa application/extension?
Applicants obtain police certificates from countries where they lived ≥12 months since age 16. Certificates must cover entire period and be translated if not in English.

33. What are the potential consequences of breaching visa conditions under a 600 Visitor Visa (e.g., working, overstaying, failing to leave)?
Breaches can lead to visa cancellation, deportation, and entry bans. Compliance with all visa conditions is essential.

34. How many entries are allowed on a 600 Visitor Visa, and does that affect stay duration?
Visas can be single or multiple entry. Multiple-entry allows re-entry but total stay must comply with the grant limit.

35. What should applicants do before booking flights or travel if they plan to use a 600 Visitor Visa?
Wait for visa grant before booking non-refundable flights. Ensure travel plans match visa validity, entry, and stay conditions.

36. Useful official links and resources for 600 Visitor Visa applicants

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) DHA page

• Global Visa Processing Times

• Form 1149 – Sponsored Family

• Health insurance comparison: www.600visainsurance.com.au

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this FAQ is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility, fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should always refer to the official DHA website or seek advice from a registered migration agent for advice relevant to their personal circumstances. The authors of this FAQ are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided.