How To Apply For An Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | Step-by-step Guide For Australian Tourist Visa

Planning a trip to Australia is exciting—whether it’s for the beaches, the wildlife, the bustling cities, or the laid-back lifestyle. But before you start mapping out your itinerary, there’s a crucial step you can’t skip: getting your Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) approved.

This visa is your ticket to visiting Australia for tourism, visiting family or friends, or even certain short-term business activities. And while the process is straightforward once you know the steps, many travellers find themselves confused by forms, requirements, and timelines.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through each stage, explain the requirements in plain language, and give you practical tips so you can avoid common mistakes and speed up your application.

What is the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?

The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa allows you to visit Australia temporarily for:

• Tourism – sightseeing, holidays, cruises, or other leisure activities.

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  Visiting family or friends – perfect if you have loved ones in Australia.

• Business visitor activities – attending conferences, negotiations, or exploratory meetings (but not working).

Depending on your circumstances, it can be granted for up to 3, 6, or 12 months, with either single or multiple entries.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Here’s how to navigate the process without unnecessary stress.

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic requirements:

• You must have a genuine reason for visiting (tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business).

• You need sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel.

• You must be in good health (some applicants may need a health check).

• You must meet character requirements (police clearance may be requested).

Tip: If you have a history of overstaying visas in any country, or recent visa refusals, be prepared to provide additional documents to show your genuine intent.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Having all your documents ready before starting your application will save time. You’ll generally need:

Personal Identification

• Valid passport (must be valid for your entire stay)

• Passport-sized photo (as per Australian specifications)

Proof of Funds

• Recent bank statements

• Payslips or tax documents

• Proof of assets (optional but useful for demonstrating financial ties to your home country)

Proof of Purpose

• Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details)

• Invitation letter if visiting family/friends

• Conference registration or meeting schedules for business purposes

Other Supporting Documents

• Employment letter or proof of enrolment (for students)

• Marriage/birth certificates (if travelling with family)

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

Applications are submitted online through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to:

1. Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

2. Create an ImmiAccount

3. Select Apply for a visa → Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This account is where you’ll upload documents, pay fees, and track your application.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Be accurate and consistent. Any mismatch between your form and your documents can delay processing. You’ll provide:

• Personal details

• Travel history

• Purpose of visit

• Details of your stay (addresses, contact info)

• Employment and financial information

Tip: Answer all questions truthfully, even if you think some details may affect your chances. The immigration department values honesty—and inconsistencies are often a bigger red flag than a genuine but complicated history.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee

As of now, the base application fee for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) ranges depending on the stream you apply under (generally AUD $150–$380). Payment is made online via your ImmiAccount.

Step 6: Complete Health and Character Checks (If Required)

You may be asked to:

• Undergo a medical examination with an approved panel physician

• Provide police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years

If requested, complete these promptly—delays here are a common reason visas take longer to process.

Step 7: Submit and Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the visa stream and your application’s complexity. On average, it can take a few weeks to several months. You can track your application status in your ImmiAccount.

While you wait:

• Avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.

• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa Grant

If approved, you’ll get your visa grant letter by email. This will include:

• Your visa grant number

• Visa conditions (e.g., how long you can stay, whether you have multiple entries)

• Start and end dates

Make sure your details are correct and keep a copy with you when travelling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete documentation – Missing even one required file can delay processing.

• Vague purpose of visit – Be specific in your application and provide evidence.

• Not showing ties to your home country – The visa officer needs to be confident you’ll return after your trip.

• Last-minute applications – Give yourself plenty of time; apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date.

FAQs

Can I work on a Visitor Visa?

No. You can attend business meetings or conferences, but paid work is not allowed.

How long can I stay?

This depends on the visa granted—anywhere from 3 to 12 months. Your visa grant letter will specify.

Can I extend my stay?

Extensions are not always possible. You may need to apply for a new visa before your current one expires.

Do I need a visa if I’m from a visa-exempt country?

Some passport holders may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa instead. Check the official Home Affairs site for your country’s eligibility.

What if my application is refused?

You’ll receive a written explanation. In some cases, you can reapply with stronger documentation.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes This Easier

At TRAVUL.ORG, we know visa applications can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling trip planning, budgeting, and figuring out the paperwork. That’s why our platform integrates visa support right alongside your travel planning tools.

With TRAVUL, you can:

• Get a tailored document checklist based on your travel purpose and profile.

• Track your visa status from the same dashboard you use for your itinerary.

• Plan and finance your trip in one place—whether you’re saving up or need short-term travel financing.

• Access AI-powered travel recommendations so you can focus on the fun parts of your journey, not the admin.

We’re building a frictionless travel experience where getting your visa is just another easy step, not a stressful hurdle.

Final Thoughts

Applying for an Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) doesn’t have to be complicated if you understand the process and prepare your documents in advance. With the right approach—and the right tools—you can make this step smooth and stress-free, leaving you free to focus on the adventures that await.

If you could skip the paperwork stress and handle all your travel planning, financing, and visa needs in one platform, would that change the way you travel?