What this stream is for
The overseas Tourist stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) can allow a temporary visit for tourism, a cruise or time with family and friends. It is not a work visa. You may be able to study or train for up to three months, but if study is your main purpose, check the Student visa guide instead.
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when Home Affairs decides the application. If you are in Australia now, review the separate onshore tourist stream. Some passport holders can use an ETA or eVisitor instead; compare the options before paying for a Visitor visa.
Official overseas Tourist stream · Compare ETA and eVisitor → · Explore other visa options
What Home Affairs assesses
You need to intend a genuine temporary visit, have enough money for your stay and meet applicable health and character rules. The decision depends on your complete circumstances. A passport country alone does not determine whether a visa will be granted.
A grant can specify a shorter stay than you requested, and either one entry or multiple entries. Read the dates and conditions on your own grant letter. Each travelling family member needs a separate application; you cannot add them to your Visitor 600 application.
Read the full official eligibility criteria · Understand entries, arrival date and stay →
Make the purpose and funding clear
Start with your passport and identity records. Then collect a simple explanation of where you plan to go, where you will stay and who will pay. Evidence of work, study, family or other responsibilities can help explain your circumstances. If a person in Australia invites you, include accurate details of your relationship and the visit; an invitation alone does not guarantee an outcome.
Upload clear colour scans. Home Affairs says documents in languages other than English need translations that meet its rules. The exact documents requested depend on your application answers, so follow ImmiAccount and the visa-specific page over any generic checklist.
See the detailed Visitor 600 evidence guide → · Write an invitation letter → · Plan funds for your visit → · Use free planning templates → · Official visitor application tips
A sensible order of work
- Compare visa options and read the current Tourist stream eligibility, cost and conditions.
- Prepare readable evidence and check that names and dates match your passport.
- Create or log in to ImmiAccount, complete the application truthfully, upload documents and pay the charge shown there.
- Watch for messages in your account. Provide biometrics, a health examination or more documents if Home Affairs asks.
- Wait for the written decision. Check the grant dates, entries and visa conditions before making final travel plans.
Processing time estimates reflect recently decided applications and are not a promise for yours. Home Affairs advises overseas tourist applicants not to arrange travel before receiving a written grant.
Things applicants often ask
Can I work on a Visitor 600 tourist visa?
No. This stream does not permit work in Australia. Choose a visa that permits work if employment is your purpose.
Is an invitation the same as formal sponsorship?
No. A host can write an invitation for a tourist application. The Sponsored Family stream is a different pathway with its own rules. Check it only if it matches your circumstances.
Does my child need a separate application?
Yes. Each child needs their own Visitor 600 application. For under-18 consent, identity and care evidence, read our child Visitor 600 guide and the official visa page.
Do I need to book biometrics now?
Follow the instructions Home Affairs sends if biometrics are required. The location and method can depend on where you apply from. Read the biometrics guide →
Can I apply for Student 500 while visiting Australia?
Home Affairs excludes Visitor 600, ETA 601 and eVisitor 651 holders from applying for Student 500 inside Australia. Check the current onshore rule and planning steps →
Can I extend this visa?
You cannot simply extend it. A new visa application may be possible in some circumstances, but visa conditions such as “No Further Stay” can restrict that. Check your own grant letter and official guidance.
What if the application is refused?
Home Affairs will give the decision in writing, explain the reason and say whether a review right exists. Read that notice carefully before deciding what to do next. Our refusal next-steps guide explains what to check in the notice.
Check condition 8503 before another application
A Visitor visa cannot be extended. Our guide explains how to check your authorised stay, whether a new onshore application may be possible, and what a No Further Stay condition means.
Read the staying-longer guide → · Official stay-longer guidance
Check insurance and any condition 8501
Home Affairs recommends cover because most visitors are responsible for their Australian health costs. In some cases the grant includes condition 8501, which requires adequate insurance throughout the stay. Check your own grant rather than assuming the rule is the same for every Visitor 600 holder.
Read the visitor insurance guide → · Home Affairs insurance guidance
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