Visitor Visas
If you are planning to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family and friends, or to conduct a short business trip you will need to apply for an Australia Travel Visa.
There are three types of Australian visitor visas, however, your country of origin will determine which visa you can apply for. These include:
- Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
- eVisitor (subclass 651)
The basic eligibility for these visa streams are:
- you must be a genuine visitor
- you must have have enough funds to support your stay and also to leave
- You must have your own health insurance, as you will not be covered by Australia’s national health scheme (Medicare) unless your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia
- You must declare any criminal convictions and have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- If you are applying in Australia, you must be in Australia when the visa is decided
- If you are applying outside of Australia, you must be outside Australia when the visa is decided on.
For accurate processing times for each visa class visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Tourist stream (subclass 600) - apply in Australia
This visa stream lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to see family and friends or for purposes other than business or medical treatment. This visa allows up to 12 months stay in Australia and can be a useful visa to apply for if you hold another visa that is about to expire.
Tourist stream (subclass 600) - apply outside Australia
This visa stream lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to go on a cruise or to see family and friends. The department may grant stays of 3, 6 or 12 months with eligible parents of Australian citizens potentially being granted a longer validity period.
Sponsored family stream (subclass 600)
This visa stream lets people who are sponsored, usually by a family member, come to Australia to visit their family members. You must be sponsored by an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and the department may ask the sponsor for a security bond.
Business visitor stream (subclass 600)
This visa stream lets you visit Australia for business reasons for up to 3 months. You can make a short visit for business visitor reasons, but you can't work or sell goods or services. The department might let you enter Australia once or many times while the visa is valid. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the department decides your visa outcome.
Approved destination status stream (subclass 600)
This visa stream is for citizens from certain areas of China visiting Australia on a tour organised by an approved travel agent. This visa lets citizens of the People's Republic of China (excluding SARs) visit Australia with an organised tour group only. You must remain with the organised tour group at all times. You can stay for the period planned or until the date the department specifies in your grant letter.
Frequent traveller stream (subclass 600)
This visa stream is for citizens of the People's Republic of China who travel often to Australia for business or personal reasons. The visa can be granted for up to 10 years. Stay up to 3 months each time you enter. You must hold a passport from the People's Republic of China, SARs excluded. You must provide biometrics within the People's Republic of China before you apply.
How can TranQuill Legal help you?
It can sometimes be confusing knowing exactly which visa you should be applying for, so we recommend before you apply for a visa you contact one of our Registered Migration Agents and arrange an initial consultation. This will give you the very best chance of having your visa approved. Contact one of our Registered Migration Agents today by calling our Canberra office on +61 (0)2 61405311 or email [email protected] or use our contact form and one of the team will be in touch to arrange a consultation within 24 business hours.