Australia tourist visa (Visitor visa subclass 600, Tourist stream)

The stream is for people whose passport is not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor. It covers sightseeing, cruises, visiting relatives or friends and any other purpose except business and medical treatment. A short course of up to 3 months is allowed; if study is the main reason for the trip, Home Affairs points you to the Student visa instead.

Parents and step-parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents can ask for a longer visa, but even then they cannot spend more than 12 months in Australia in any 18-month period. A round-trip cruise that starts and ends in Australia counts as time in Australia.

You must intend a genuine temporary visit, follow the visa conditions and stay period, have or be able to access enough money for the trip, meet the health and character requirements, and have repaid or arranged to repay any debt to the Australian Government. For applicants under 18 the department also weighs the best interests of the child.

Home Affairs looks at your reasons to return home, such as a job, studies, close family and property, together with your travel and immigration history. The length of stay granted may be shorter than you request.

There is no published minimum balance. Evidence suggested by Home Affairs includes itemised personal bank statements covering 3 months, payslips, tax records, audited accounts, term deposits and credit card statements. If a relative or friend in Australia pays for your stay, attach their invitation and proof of their funds.

The application is made entirely online in ImmiAccount, with colour scans of every document. Non-English documents need English translations; translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited but must add their name, contact details and qualifications. After lodging, Home Affairs may ask for biometrics, given at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre, or for health examinations.

The department may decide on the documents you uploaded without asking for more, so a complete file matters. Do not travel until the grant has been confirmed in writing.

A visitor visa cannot be extended. To stay longer you must apply for a new visa while in Australia, which is not possible if your visa carries condition 8503 'No Further Stay' unless the department waives it in limited circumstances. Remaining after your visa ends without another visa makes you an unlawful non-citizen.

A refusal is notified in writing with the reasons and whether you have a right to have the decision reviewed. For applications made outside Australia there is usually no merits review, so applicants typically address the stated reasons in a new application.