Tourist Visa
Overview of the Australia 600 Visa (Tourist Visa)
The Australia 600 Visa is designed for short-term visitors traveling to Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or other non-work-related activities. This visa allows applicants to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, with the exact duration determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
Requirements for the Australia 600 Visa
1. Basic Conditions
- Must hold a valid passport.
- Must have a clear purpose of visit, such as tourism, visiting family or short-term non-work-related visits.
- Must provide evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover all expenses during the stay.
2. Financial Proof
- Bank statements (recommended 3-6 months of transaction history).
- Employed applicants must provide pay slips and a leave approval letter from their employer; retirees must provide a retirement certificate and proof of pension.
3. Health and Character Requirements
- A medical examination may be required, depending on the length of stay and applicant’s nationality.
- Must have no significant criminal record and may need to provide a police clearance certificate if required.
4. Additional Requirements
- If sponsored by a family member or friend in Australia, an invitation letter and supporting documents from the sponsor must be provided.
- Must demonstrate intent to return to the home country after the visa expires, such as employment contracts or property ownership proof.
Application Process for the Australia 600 Visa
1. Determine the Visa Stream
The Australia 600 Visa has different categories:
- Tourist Stream: For self-funded travel or visiting family and friends.
- Business Stream: For attending business meetings, negotiations, or conferences.
- Sponsored Family Stream: For applicants sponsored by an Australian family member.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
- Copy of passport (including signature page and all travel record pages).
- Identity documents, financial proof, and other supporting materials.
3. Submit the Application
- Online Application: Submit via the Australian Immigration website (ImmiAccount).
- Paper Application: Submit documents to the nearest Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC).
4. Pay the Visa Fee
- Pay the visa application fee and keep the receipt for reference.
5. Processing & Possible Additional Requirements
- The applicant may be requested to provide additional documents or attend a phone interview during the assessment process.
6. Visa Decision Notification
- The applicant will receive the visa decision via email.
Australia 600 Visa Fees
- Tourist Stream: From AU$150
- Sponsored Family Stream: From AU$145
- Business Stream: From AU$150
Final costs may vary based on visa category and individual circumstances.
Processing Time for the Australia 600 Visa
- 75% of applications are processed within 21 days.
- 90% of applications are processed within 35 days.
Processing times may vary based on the applicant’s country, visa type, and completeness of documentation.
Key Advantages of the Australia 600 Visa
- Flexible visa options: Choose between tourism, visiting family, or business purposes.
- Flexible stay duration: Apply for a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month stay.
- Convenient online application: Simple process via ImmiAccount with transparent application tracking.
- High approval rate: If all required documents are prepared correctly, the approval rate for the Australia 600 Visa is generally high, making it one of the most popular short-term visa options for visiting Australia.