Planning a trip to Australia for a holiday, to visit family or for permitted business activities? Australian Visitor Visas allow eligible travellers to visit temporarily for purposes permitted under their visa.
The Visitor Visa subclass 600 includes different streams, each with its own eligibility rules, required documents and visa conditions. Understanding the right stream before applying can help you prepare the correct information for your trip.
Australia offers different Visitor visa streams depending on the reason for travel and the applicant's circumstances. Below are three important streams under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600.
The Tourist stream is for eligible people who want to visit Australia for tourism, holidays, cruises or to see family and friends.
The appropriate application arrangement depends on whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia.
Holidays & Family Visits
The Sponsored Family Visitor Visa stream may allow eligible people to visit relatives in Australia with an eligible sponsor.
Sponsorship requirements apply, and a security bond may be requested in some cases. Sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval.
Eligible Family Sponsorship
The Business Visitor stream allows eligible travellers to undertake permitted short business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences or certain business enquiries.
A Business Visitor Visa Australia pathway does not permit ordinary employment in Australia.
Permitted Business ActivitiesImportant: Other Visitor visa streams may also be available to specific eligible travellers. Each stream has its own application requirements and conditions. Applicants should check the official Department of Home Affairs information before choosing a visa.
Before applying for an Australia Tourist Visa or another Visitor visa stream, you should understand the basic requirements. Eligibility depends on your situation, travel purpose and chosen visa stream.
You must plan to visit Australia temporarily for a purpose allowed under your visa.
You generally need a valid passport and relevant identity information for your application.
You may need to show that you have enough money or suitable financial support for your visit.
You must meet the health and character requirements that apply to your visa application.
Your application information should match the reason for your visit, such as tourism, family visits or permitted business activities.
If you apply through the Sponsored Family stream, you must meet the relevant sponsorship requirements.
Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee visa approval. Check the document requirements for your chosen Visitor visa stream before submitting an application.
The documents required for a Visitor Visa Australia application depend on your personal circumstances and chosen visa stream. Below are common documents you may need before applying.
You may need your valid passport, identity records and details of any previous name changes.
Provide information about why you want to visit Australia and your planned travel dates.
You may need bank statements or other documents showing how your trip will be funded.
Relevant employment, business, family or other information may help explain your situation and travel plans.
If you are visiting relatives, relevant information about your family relationship may be needed.
Sponsored Family stream applicants must meet the relevant sponsorship requirements and provide required evidence.
Business visitors may need documents explaining their planned meetings, conferences or other permitted activities.
Health, character, biometrics or other information may be requested depending on your circumstances.
Information about your travel purpose, financial circumstances and planned visit may be relevant.
Relevant sponsorship, family relationship or permitted business activity documents may be required.
This is a general preparation guide, not a complete application checklist. Always review the official requirements for your Visitor visa stream before applying.
Australian Visitor Visas are temporary visas. The activities you can undertake and how long you may stay depend on your visa stream and grant conditions.
Eligible visitors may travel around Australia, enjoy holidays and visit tourist destinations during their permitted stay.
You may visit family members or friends in Australia if this is allowed under your visa stream.
Business Visitor stream holders may attend permitted meetings, conferences and other approved business visitor activities.
Visitor visas do not allow ordinary employment in Australia. Business visitor activities are different from working for an Australian employer.
Certain Visitor Visa subclass 600 streams allow study or training for up to three months, subject to the visa conditions.
The permitted stay period may vary. Always check the dates and conditions stated in your visa grant.
The application process for a Visitor Visa subclass 600 depends on the stream you choose and your personal circumstances. These six steps explain the general process.
Decide whether your visit is for tourism, visiting family or permitted business activities.
Read the requirements for your chosen visa stream and make sure you understand the conditions that apply.
Gather your passport information, travel details, financial evidence and other required documents.
Follow the official Australian Government application instructions for your selected visitor visa stream.
If requested, provide extra documents, complete health checks or submit biometric information.
If your visa is granted, check its validity, permitted stay and conditions before travelling.
Australia has different visitor visa streams with separate requirements. The Department of Home Affairs provides official information about the available options and how to apply.
Find answers to common questions about Australian Visitor Visas, eligibility, travel conditions and the application process.
Visitor Visas allow eligible people to travel to Australia temporarily for permitted activities such as tourism, visiting family or certain business visits. Requirements depend on the visa type.
The Visitor Visa subclass 600 includes different streams, such as Tourist, Sponsored Family and Business Visitor. Each stream has its own eligibility requirements and visa conditions.
No. Visitor visas do not allow ordinary employment in Australia. The Business Visitor stream permits certain business visitor activities, which are different from employment.
The permitted stay depends on your visa stream, individual circumstances and grant conditions. Check your visa grant for the approved dates and length of stay.
Yes. Visiting family or friends can be an allowed purpose under the appropriate Tourist stream. A family sponsor is not generally required for that stream.
The Sponsored Family stream allows eligible travellers to visit relatives in Australia with an eligible sponsor. The sponsor must meet the relevant requirements, and a security bond may be requested.
Certain Subclass 600 visitor streams allow study or training for up to three months, subject to visa conditions. Longer study may require a different visa pathway.
No. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application against the relevant requirements. Meeting basic eligibility conditions does not guarantee visa approval.
Whether you are travelling for a holiday, visiting family or attending permitted business activities, understanding the relevant Visitor Visas is an important first step.
Before applying, check the visa stream, supporting documents, permitted activities and conditions that apply to your circumstances. You can contact iWise Education for general enquiries.
This page provides general information about Australian visitor visa pathways. For personalised immigration advice, visa eligibility assessments or application assistance, consult an appropriately authorised Australian immigration professional. Visa approval cannot be guaranteed.