How IC Australia Can Help
Get guidance on Australian visitor visa options, eligibility requirements and preparing your application.
Australia Visitor Visa Requirements with IC Australia
Planning to visit Australia? Whether you’re travelling for a holiday, visiting family and friends, or attending business meetings, understanding Australia visitor visa requirements is an important first step.
Australia offers different visitor visa options depending on your passport, purpose of travel and intended length of stay. IC Australia can help you understand the available pathways, check relevant eligibility requirements and prepare for the application process.
Not Sure Which Visitor Visa Is Right for You?
Choosing the right visitor visa depends on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Speak with IC Australia to understand your options and the requirements that may apply.
What Is a Visitor Visa?
An Australia visitor visa allows eligible travellers to enter Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting family and friends, or certain permitted business activities.
The main options include the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651). Each has different eligibility requirements, application procedures and permitted stay periods.
An Australian tourist visa may be suitable for a holiday or family visit, but the appropriate visa depends on your passport and circumstances. Visitor visas do not generally permit employment in Australia.
Australian Visitor Visa Types: 600 vs 601 vs 651
There are three common Australia visitor visa options. Understanding their differences can help you identify which visa may suit your travel plans.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- For tourism, family visits or permitted business activities
- Includes Tourist, Sponsored Family and Business Visitor streams
- Stay periods vary, with some visas allowing up to 12 months
- Available to eligible passport holders travelling to Australia
- Generally permits stays of up to three months per visit
- Applications are submitted through the Australian ETA app
eVisitor
(Subclass 651)
- Available to eligible European passport holders travelling to Australia
- Generally permits stays of up to three months per visit
- No visa application charge for eligible applicants
The right visa depends on your passport, purpose of travel and intended stay. Always check the conditions of the visa you are eligible to apply for.
Who Can Apply for a Visitor Visa?
Australia visitor visa eligibility depends on your passport, the visa subclass or stream, your travel purpose and individual circumstances.
Who Is Eligible?
- Travellers with a genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily
- Applicants who meet the relevant passport and visa eligibility requirements
- Visitors with sufficient funds or financial support for their stay
- Applicants who meet applicable health and character requirements
- Travellers who intend to comply with their visa conditions
What Documents Are Required?
- Valid passport and relevant identity documents
- Evidence of sufficient funds or financial support, where required
- Travel plans or information explaining the purpose of the visit
- Supporting evidence of genuine temporary visit intentions, where required
- Health, character or other documents, if requested
What Can You Do on a Visitor Visa?
The activities permitted during your visit depend on your visa subclass, stream and conditions.
Tourism & Sightseeing
Explore Australia for holidays, sightseeing and other permitted leisure activities.
Visit Family & Friends
Spend time with relatives or friends during your approved stay.
Business Visitor Activities
Attend eligible meetings, conferences or business discussions, where permitted.
Short-Term Study
Study or train for up to three months where your visa conditions allow.
Visitor visas do not generally permit employment in Australia. Business visitor activities are different from working for an Australian business.
What Visitor Visa Assistance Does IC Australia Offer?
IC Australia helps applicants understand Australian visitor visa options, eligibility requirements and the application process.
Depending on your circumstances and the services arranged, assistance may include:
Visa pathway guidance: Explaining the differences between visitor visa subclasses and streams.
Eligibility guidance: Reviewing relevant passport, travel purpose and visa requirements.
Document guidance: Identifying supporting documents that may be required.
Application guidance: Explaining the application process and important submission steps.
Ongoing support: Answering questions and providing guidance during the application process.
How the Visitor Visa Application Process Works
Applying for an Australian visitor visa involves choosing the appropriate visa, checking eligibility and providing the required information. The application method depends on the visa subclass.
Subclass 600 and 651 applications are generally made online through ImmiAccount, while subclass 601 applications must be made through the Australian ETA app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between visitor visas 600, 601 and 651?
The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) includes different streams for tourism, family visits and permitted business visitor activities. The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651) are available to eligible passport holders and generally allow stays of up to three months per visit. Eligibility and application methods differ between these visas.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
The permitted stay depends on your visa subclass, stream and grant conditions. Subclass 600 Tourist stream visas may allow stays of up to 12 months, while subclasses 601 and 651 generally allow stays of up to three months per entry. Your visa grant will specify your permitted stay.
How much does an Australian Visitor Visa cost?
Visa charges depend on the subclass, stream and application circumstances. Subclass 600 application charges vary, while the ETA (subclass 601) has an AUD20 app service charge and the eVisitor (subclass 651) is free. Additional expenses may apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current charges before applying.
How long does an Australian Visitor Visa take to process?
Processing times vary by visa subclass, stream and individual circumstances. Some ETA and eVisitor applications are decided quickly, while subclass 600 applications may take longer, particularly if further information is required. Check the Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide for current estimates.
Can I work on an Australian Visitor Visa?
You cannot work in Australia on a visitor visa. However, certain business visitor activities, such as attending meetings or negotiating contracts, may be permitted depending on your visa. These activities do not include working for or providing services to an Australian business.
Can I study in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
Visitor visa holders may be able to study or train for up to three months, depending on their visa subclass and conditions. If studying is your main reason for travelling to Australia, a Student Visa may be more appropriate.
Can I extend my Australian Visitor Visa?
You cannot extend an Australian visitor visa. If you want to stay longer, you may be eligible to apply for another visa, provided you meet its requirements and your current visa conditions allow it. A No Further Stay condition may prevent you from applying for most other visas while in Australia.