Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | Wintr Consulting

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Travel to Australia for holidays, business activities, or to visit family and friends.

The Visitor (subclass 600) visa is a temporary visa that allows you to travel to Australia. It can be granted for single or multiple entries and is available to applicants both inside and outside Australia. The visa can be issued for periods ranging from three months to twelve months.

Important Conditions

You cannot work on this visa, but you may study for up to three months. For applicants already in Australia, a bridging visa may be granted to keep you lawful while your application is being processed.

Visa Streams

Tourist Stream

For people travelling to Australia for holidays or visiting family and friends.

Apply from inside or outside Australia.
Stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months depending on travel history and purpose.
Onshore applicants must hold a valid visa and remain lawful.

Business Visitor Stream

For short-term legitimate business purposes.

Attend meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Cannot undertake paid work or sell goods.
Typically granted for up to 3 months.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear business background.

Approved Destination (ADS)

For citizens from specific regions of China in a registered tour group.

Organised through approved travel agencies.

Frequent Traveller

For citizens of PRC who travel regularly for personal or business purposes.

Valid for up to 10 years.
Multiple short stays (usually 3 months per visit).
Requires strong history of compliance.

Key Requirements

Intend to stay temporarily in Australia for an approved purpose under your selected stream.
Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Meet health and character requirements.
Demonstrate a genuine intention to return to your home country after your visit.
Hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Not engage in paid work while in Australia.

Note regarding refusals: Refusal rates are high. Decision makers often cite lack of financial/family ties in the home country. We help strategize stronger evidence for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Visitor visa while I’m already in Australia?

You can apply for the Visitor visa onshore if you currently hold a valid visa without a “no further stay” condition. If your current visa includes that condition, you must apply for, and be approved, a waiver before lodging a new application.

Can I work or volunteer while holding a Visitor visa?

Paid work is not permitted. Volunteering may be allowed if it is genuinely unpaid, short-term, and incidental to tourism activities. The Department assesses whether the role could be considered employment under Australian law.

How long can I stay in Australia on a Visitor visa?

The visa is usually granted for up to three months per visit. In some cases, the Department may issue a visa allowing stays of six or twelve months depending on the stream and your travel purpose.

Can I study while holding a Visitor visa?

Study or training is allowed for up to three months. For any longer study, you must apply for a Student visa (subclass 500).

If my visa has a “8503 – No Further Stay” condition, what does that mean?

It means you cannot apply for most other visas while in Australia. You must depart and apply offshore unless the Department agrees to waive the condition due to compelling or compassionate circumstances.

What type of health insurance do I need for a Visitor visa?

You are expected to hold adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. The Department may request proof that you can meet any medical costs without becoming a public expense.

Can I include my family members in a Visitor visa application?

Each person must apply separately for their own Visitor visa. Families travelling together can lodge applications at the same time so they are processed as a group.

Can I reapply if my Visitor visa is refused?

You can reapply once you have addressed the reasons for the earlier refusal. The Department expects stronger supporting evidence showing your financial capacity and genuine temporary intent.

Can I use a Visitor visa to attend a wedding or funeral?

Yes. The visa is suitable for visits such as family events or emergencies. You should include an invitation letter or supporting documents to show the purpose of your trip.

Can I travel to Australia multiple times on one Visitor visa?

If the visa is granted with multiple entries, you can travel in and out of Australia as often as you wish during the visa’s validity, provided each stay complies with the permitted period.

What financial documents should I provide with my Visitor visa application?

You should provide bank statements, pay slips, property ownership documents, or sponsorship letters to show that you can fund all travel and living expenses during your stay.

Can I switch from a Visitor visa to another visa while in Australia?

If your visa does not carry a “no further stay” condition, you may be eligible to apply for another visa while in Australia, provided you meet the requirements.

Will frequent travel to Australia affect my future Visitor visa applications?

Yes. If you travel frequently or stay for long periods on Visitor visas, the Department may question whether your intention is genuinely temporary, which can result in closer scrutiny of future applications.

Can I apply for a Visitor visa to care for a sick family member in Australia?

Yes. You can apply for a Visitor visa for compassionate purposes such as providing short-term care. You must include medical certificates or hospital letters to support your application.