Planning to extend your Australian adventure? You’re not alone. Australia continues to draw millions of short-term visitors each year — in April 2025 alone, 641,150 short‑term visitor arrivals were recorded, marking an 8.1% increase year‑on‑year.
Leisure tourism also remains robust: in the year ending December 2024, international visitors took 2.1 million trips, stayed a whopping 76 million nights, and spent $32.9 billion.
Given those numbers, it’s clear Australia is still a top destination, and many tourists find themselves wanting more time down under.
If you are wondering how to extend a tourist visa in Australia & beyond, this blog has got you covered.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- Who can extend a tourist visa for Australia (and under what conditions)?
- What you’ll need to apply from within Australia,
- How to extend a tourist visa in Australia (the step-by-step guide
- Practical strategies to maximize your time while staying visa‑compliant.
Let’s help you make the most of your Aussie journey — legally and enjoyably.
Who Is Eligible to Extend a Tourist Visa in Australia?
Not everyone on a tourist visa in Australia is eligible to extend their stay, but under the right conditions, it is possible. Here’s a clear breakdown:
You can apply to extend a tourist visa for Australia if:
- You hold a Visitor visa 600, eVisitor 651, or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601).
- Your current visa does not have a “No Further Stay” condition (condition 8503, 8534, or 8535).
- You apply while still in Australia, before your current visa expires.
- You continue to meet health, character, and financial requirements.
- Your reasons for staying longer are genuine, like tourism, visiting family, attending events, or medical treatment.
You cannot apply to extend if:
- Your current visa has a “No Further Stay” condition (8503, 8534, 8535) unless you get a waiver.
- Your visa has already expired.
- You are on a different visa subclass that does not allow extensions within Australia.
What are your options?
If you’re eligible, you’ll typically apply for another Visitor visa 600 — this is considered a new application, not a formal “extension.” You must apply before your current visa expires.
If your current visa has a “No Further Stay” condition, you can request a waiver under compassionate or compelling circumstances — but this is not guaranteed.
Quick Expert Tip: Always check your Visa Grant Notice to see if any conditions apply. You can also use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service on the official Department of Home Affairs website to view your visa conditions.
What You’ll Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension from Within Australia?
If you’re already in Australia and want to stay longer, here’s what you’ll need to apply for another Visitor visa (subclass 600):
1. A Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for the entire length of your extended stay. If it’s close to expiring, renew it before you apply.
2. A Current Visa Without “No Further Stay” Conditions
Check that your current visa doesn’t have condition 8503, 8534, or 8535. You can find this in your Visa Grant Notice or by checking your visa status on the VEVO portal.
3. Proof of Financial Support
You’ll need to show that you can support yourself during your extended stay, such as:
- Recent bank statements
- Payslips, if applicable
- A letter from your sponsor (if someone in Australia is supporting you)
4. Health Insurance
While it’s not always mandatory, having adequate health insurance is highly recommended — and may be required depending on your situation.
5. Completed Application Form
Apply online through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll complete Form 1419 if applying for a tourist stream.
6. Application Fee
The fee for a new Visitor visa (subclass 600) starts from AUD 190 (as of 2025). This is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
7. Supporting Documents (Depending on Your Reason for Staying)
- Tourism: Itinerary, proof of return ticket (if you already have one).
- Visiting Family: Letter of invitation, family member’s ID, or visa copy.
- Medical Reasons: Medical reports or treatment letters.
Important: Apply at least 2–4 weeks before your current visa expires. You’ll usually get a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new application is being processed. Alternatively, if you’d like expert help navigating the process, you can contact Visafast, the best registered migration agent in Adelaide, for personalized assistance.
How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Australia – Step-by-Step
Whether you're enjoying the coastlines, visiting family, or still exploring the Outback, here’s a simple and clear roadmap for how to extend your tourist visa in Australia — legally and stress-free.
Step 1: Check Your Current Visa Conditions
- Log in to the VEVO portal.
- Check for any “No Further Stay” conditions (8503, 8534, or 8535).
- If present, you must request a waiver before applying.
- If not present, you're eligible to apply for an Australia visitor visa extension.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
You'll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor letter)
- A reason for staying longer (e.g., tourism, family visit)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Supporting documents specific to your case (e.g., family letters, doctor’s note)
Step 3: Create or Log into Your ImmiAccount
- Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Sign in or create an ImmiAccount
- Click on “New application.”
- Select “Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream”
This is the most common method for a 600 visa extension or a visitor visa 600 extension.
Step 4: Fill Out and Submit Form 1419
- Complete the online 600 visa extension application form (Form 1419)
- Double-check all information before submission
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Pay the visa fee (AUD 190, subject to change)
Step 5: Receive a Bridging Visa (BVA)
- Once your application is submitted and your current visa expires, you’ll receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA)
- This lets you stay legally in Australia while your application is processed.
Note: If you plan to travel while your application is pending, you may need a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
- Processing time for visitor visa subclass 600 extension applications can range from several days to a few weeks
- You’ll be notified via your ImmiAccount when a decision is made.
Step 7: Follow Your New Visa Conditions
If approved:
- Review your new visa grant notice
- Note the new expiry date and any conditions (like "no work" or "no further stay")
Ready to Stay Longer in Australia?
Extending a tourist visa in Australia doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you understand the process, know your options, and stay ahead of deadlines.
If you’re unsure where to start or want to make the Visitor Visa 600 subclass extension process easier, you don’t have to do it alone. A professional team can walk you through the process, help you prepare your documents, and ensure your application meets all the latest requirements.
At Visafast Migration Consultancy, we specialize in making complex immigration steps feel simple. From tourist visa extensions to more long-term visa strategies, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Book a consultation call today — and find out how we can support your stay in Australia and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Visa Extension in Australia
What happens if my tourist visa expires in Australia?
If your tourist visa expires and you haven’t applied for a new visa or bridging visa, you’ll be considered unlawful. This can result in:
- Detention or deportation
- A ban on returning to Australia for 3 years or more
- Difficulties obtaining future visas
What to do:
If your visa is close to expiring, apply for a Visitor Visa subclass 600 extension & a bridging visa till the time your application is approved. If it has already expired, contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately.
How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?
The duration depends on the type of visa you hold:
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600): Up to 3, 6, or 12 months
- eVisitor (subclass 651) or ETA (subclass 601): Usually up to 3 months per visit
Is there a fee to extend a tourist visa in Australia?
Yes, there is a fee. The cost to extend a tourist visa in Australia is AUD 190 for another Visitor visa (subclass 600) from within Australia. It is a non-refundable fee, even if your application is refused.
Can I extend my tourist visa multiple times?
Yes — but with limitations such as:
- Your current visa does not have a "No Further Stay" condition.
- You meet the eligibility criteria each time.
- You apply before your current visa expires.
However, multiple extensions are not guaranteed. The Department of Home Affairs may refuse your application in certain cases.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies may change over time, so we strongly recommend consulting a registered migration agent or legal professional before making any visa application.
