Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Introduction to Visitor Visas

Overview

A visitor visa is a type of temporary visa that allows individuals to travel to Australia for short-term stays. The primary purpose of a visitor visa is to enable people to visit the country for leisure, tourism, business activities, or to visit family and friends. It allows travelers to explore Australia, attend meetings or conferences, and participate in other non-work related activities while adhering to the specific conditions of the visa. Visitor visas are generally issued for stays ranging from a few weeks to up to 12 months, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.

Who Requires a Visitor Visa?

Citizens of Non-Visa Waiver Countries: Nationals from countries that do not have a visa waiver agreement with Australia must apply for a visitor visa before traveling.
Visitors from Visa Waiver Countries: Citizens from certain countries may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) or an eVisitor visa (Subclass 651), which serve as visitor visas but are often easier and quicker to obtain.
Business Visitors: Individuals attending meetings, conferences, or conducting short-term business in Australia generally need a visitor visa under the Business Visitor Stream.
Family Visitors: People visiting family members in Australia may require a visitor visa, and in some cases, they may need a sponsor from within Australia.

Types of Visitor Visas

Australia offers a variety of visitor visas designed to accommodate different travel purposes. Below are the main types of visitor visas available:

1. Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)

The Tourist Stream visa is ideal for those who wish to visit Australia for leisure, sightseeing, or to visit family and friends. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for a short period, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months. Applicants can apply from either inside or outside Australia, and must meet health and character requirements.

2. Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600)

This visa is tailored for individuals traveling to Australia for short-term business purposes. These activities may include attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. The Business Visitor Stream does not permit work but allows for business-related activities. The duration of stay is generally short-term, and applicants must apply from outside Australia.

3. Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600)

The Sponsored Family Stream is for those visiting family members in Australia. This visa requires a family member in Australia to act as your sponsor, providing a security bond if necessary. This visa allows for short stays, typically up to 12 months, and requires applicants to apply from outside Australia. The sponsor's role is crucial, as they may be financially responsible for you during your stay.

4. Frequent Traveller Stream (Subclass 600)

Designed for regular travelers to Australia, particularly from China, the Frequent Traveller Stream offers a longer visa validity of up to 10 years with multiple entries. This visa is suitable for business or personal travel, allowing short stays of up to 3 months per visit. Applicants must have a good travel history and apply from outside Australia.

5. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)

The ETA is a quick and convenient visa option for short-term stays in Australia, typically for tourism or business. It is available to citizens of certain countries and allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. The ETA is usually applied for online or through a travel agent, and it’s often processed instantly.

6. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

Similar to the ETA, the eVisitor visa is available to citizens of certain European countries for short visits to Australia. This visa permits multiple entries over a 12-month period, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. It is intended for tourism or business purposes and must be applied for online before traveling to Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a visitor visa to Australia, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria that must be met. The requirements vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for, but there are some general conditions that all applicants must satisfy.

1. General Requirements

Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
Genuine Visitor: You must genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the purpose stated in your visa application. This includes demonstrating that you have a legitimate reason for visiting, whether it's for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
Sufficient Funds: You need to show that you have enough funds to cover your travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Health Requirements: You must meet Australia's health standards. This may involve undergoing a medical examination, particularly if you are staying for an extended period or come from a country with high health risks.
Character Requirements: You must satisfy Australia's character requirements, which involve passing a background check. This includes providing police clearance certificates and answering questions about your criminal history, if any.

2. Specific Visa Requirements

Tourist Stream (Subclass 600): This visa requires applicants to demonstrate that they are traveling for leisure, visiting family or friends, or for other recreational activities. You may need to provide evidence of your travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, and return flight tickets.
Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600): For this visa, you must show that your visit is for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating business deals. You may need to provide an invitation letter from the organization you are visiting, details of your business background, and evidence of your business activities.
Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600): To be eligible, you must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Your sponsor will need to provide a letter of invitation and may be required to provide a security bond. You will also need to show evidence of your relationship with your sponsor.
- You must also be one of the following:

- - a relative of the applicant (partner, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or the ‘step’ or adopted equivalent of any of these).
  - a relative of a person who is a member of the applicant’s family unit and who is also applying for a Visitor visa (such as the partner of your brother or sister).
- You can only sponsor one person at a time unless they are part of the same family unit, which includes the head of the family, their partner, and dependent children. Other dependent relatives can also be included.
- If you’ve already sponsored someone, you must wait until their visa ends before sponsoring another, unless it's for a family member of your current sponsor who is traveling for the same purpose.
- If your previous sponsored visitor violated their visa conditions, you generally cannot sponsor another visitor in the same visa class for five years.

Frequent Traveller Stream (Subclass 600): Applicants must demonstrate a strong travel history to Australia or other countries. This visa is particularly suitable for regular travelers, such as businesspeople. You must provide evidence of your frequent travel, and the visa will typically be issued with multiple entry options.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) and eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): These visas are available to citizens of specific countries. Applicants must meet the general requirements, and the application is typically done online. You must hold a passport from an eligible country and intend to stay in Australia for a short period, usually for tourism or business purposes.

Application Process

Applying for a visitor visa to Australia involves several steps to ensure that your application is complete and meets the necessary requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Choose the Right Visa: Identify the correct visitor visa type for your travel purpose.
Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents like your passport, proof of funds, and travel itinerary.
Fill Out the Application: Complete the visa application form accurately online or on paper.
Pay the Fee: Submit the application fee online.
Submit and Biometrics: Submit your application and provide biometrics if required.
Wait for Processing: Your application will be processed, and you may be asked for additional information.
Receive Decision: Get your visa decision via email or post.
Plan Your Trip: Once approved, finalise your travel plans to Australia

Obligations

When granted a visitor visa to Australia, you must adhere to certain conditions and obligations during your stay. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in visa cancellation and may affect future visa applications.

1. Stay Duration

Respect the Visa Validity: You must leave Australia before your visa expires. Overstaying your visa can lead to penalties and affect your ability to return to Australia in the future.
Limited Stay Period: Your visa will specify the maximum length of stay per visit, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months. Ensure you do not exceed this period during your stay.

2. Activities Permitted

No Work: Visitor visas generally do not permit you to work in Australia. Engaging in paid or unpaid work can result in visa cancellation.
Limited Business Activities: If you hold a Business Visitor visa, you may only engage in certain business activities like attending meetings or conferences. You cannot work for an Australian business or sell goods or services directly to the public.

3. Health and Character Obligations

Maintain Health Insurance: It is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your stay, as you may not be covered by Australia’s public healthcare system.
Good Character: You must remain of good character during your stay. Any criminal activity can result in your visa being cancelled.

4. Comply with Australian Laws

Abide by All Laws: You must comply with Australian laws during your stay. Any legal violations can impact your visa status and future travel to Australia.

5. Notify of Changes

Inform of Address Changes: If you change your address while in Australia, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs.

6. Meet Departure Obligations

Leave on Time: Ensure you depart Australia before your visa expires. Extensions are generally not granted for visitor visas, so plan your travel accordingly.

Visa Conditions

No further stay condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535)

If you hold a visa with condition 8503, 8534 or 8535 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you can request to waive this condition if your visa will expire in less than 4 weeks.

Condition 8531 (must not remain in Australia beyond the period of stay permitted by the visa)

If you hold a visa with condition 8531 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you should apply for a further visa before your current visa expires. If you apply for a new visa you may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your visa application.

Condition 8558 (must not stay in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18 month period)

If you hold a visa with condition 8558 and have not been able to depart Australia as planned, you should apply for a further visa before your current visa expires. If you apply for a new visa you may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your visa application.

Tourist Stream: Document Checklist

Your identity:

Certified copies of the biographical pages of the current passports or travel documents of all people included in the application (these are the pages with the holder’s photo and personal details and the issue/expiry dates).
National ID (If you have or else provide other Government Issued document such as Driving License, Income tax card or PAN card, Election card etc.)
Proof of change of name. Example, marriage certificate, name change document issued by government authority, Statutory Declaration etc.

Forms:

Form 956 (If you authorize another person to receive communications about your application)

Financial Documents:

Copies of recent 3 months bank statements (personal and business) over a period of time showing a consistent savings history.
Copies of documents which show any other funds or assets held. For example, fixed deposit, credit card statements, property documents, accountant statement showing fixed and liquid assets.
Taxation documents for the last one years
If a friend/relative in Australia is paying for your visit then a Statutory Declaration stating the relative or friend’s support and evidence of their financial capacity to do so – for example a letter of invitation, bank statements and tax documents.
It is important to provide evidence of your own financial status even if your travel is being funded by a friend or a relative. Your own financial status is a factor they will consider in assessing whether your personal circumstances would encourage you to return to your home country.

Employment Details

If you are employed: Letter from your employer – stating your position and salary, length of employment, confirming your leave of absence and the name and contact details of the person providing the letter.
If you are self-employed: Business registration
If you are retired: Evidence of your retirement – for example a letter from your employer.
If you are a student: Evidence of your enrolment such as letter from your education institute or any other proof of your study.

Health and Character Documents:

Character and penal clearance requirements (if requested)
Health requirements (may include medical and x-ray examinations) (if requested)
Overseas Health Insurance (for applicants over 75 years or requesting a 12-month stay). However, you can take the insurance for a shorter period of time, it will be your decision.

Documents to show you are a visitor

If you are visiting under the Tourist stream: Your itinerary for your stay in Australia.
Other information to show that you have an incentive and authority to return to your home country, such as:
- evidence of immediate family members in your home country
- evidence of property or other significant assets owned in your home country.

Children younger than 18 years of age

If you are younger than 18 years of age: evidence that every person with a legal right to decide where you live consents to your travel to Australia on this visa. If one or both parents are not coming with you, provide:
- a statutory declaration giving their permission
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years . If you use this form, you will have to attach a certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or drivers licence) with their photograph and their signature.
If you are younger than 18 years of age and you will stay in Australia with someone other than a parent, legal guardian or relative: a declaration signed by the person who will be responsible for you in Australia
- Form 1257 Undertaking declaration .
Evidence of enrolment at school, college or university.
Birth Certificate showing parents name (if you have)

Business Visitor Stream: Document Checklist

Your identity:

Certified copies of the biographical pages of the current passports or travel documents of all people included in the application (these are the pages with the holder’s photo and personal details and the issue/expiry dates).
National ID (If you have or else provide other Government Issued document such as Driving License, Income tax card or PAN card, Election card etc.)
Proof of change of name. Example, marriage certificate, name change document issued by government authority, Statutory Declaration etc.

Forms:

Form 956 (If you authorize another person to receive communications about your application)

Financial Documents:

Copies of bank statements (personal and business) over a period of time showing a consistent savings history.
Copies of documents which show any other funds or assets held.
Taxation documents for the last three years
If a business, friend or relative in Australia is paying for your visit then a Statutory Declaration stating their support and evidence of their financial capacity to do so – for example a letter of invitation, bank statements and tax documents.
It is important to provide evidence of your own financial status even if your travel is being funded by a business, friend or a relative. Your own financial status is a factor they will consider in assessing whether your personal circumstances would encourage you to return to your home country.

Your Business Details

Evidence of why you need to visit Australia on business, such as:

a letter of invitation from the host organisation in Australia
conference registration details
a letter from your employer stating the reasons for your visit
your itinerary, with contact details of the business parties involved.
Your educational or professional qualifications.
Your Resume
Your current employment and your role during your visit to Australia.
Details of previous contacts with Australian businesspeople or organisations.
Documents to show that the company is an actively operating business, such as a business registration certificate or annual report.

Health and Character Documents:

Character and penal clearance requirements (if requested)
Health requirements (may include medical and x-ray examinations) (if requested)
Overseas Health Insurance (for applicants over 75 years or requesting a 12-month stay)

Documents to show you are a visitor

If you are visiting under the Business stream: Your itinerary for your stay in Australia.
Other information to show that you have an incentive and authority to return to your home country, such as:
- evidence of immediate family members in your home country
- evidence of property or other significant assets owned in your home country.

Children younger than 18 years of age

If you are younger than 18 years of age: evidence that every person with a legal right to decide where you live consents to your travel to Australia on this visa. If one or both parents are not coming with you, provide:
- a statutory declaration giving their permission
- Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years . If you use this form, you will have to attach a certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or drivers licence) with their photograph and their signature.
If you are younger than 18 years of age and you will stay in Australia with someone other than a parent, legal guardian or relative: a declaration signed by the person who will be responsible for you in Australia
- Form 1257 Undertaking declaration .
Evidence of enrolment at school, college or university.
Birth Certificate showing both parents name (if you have)

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