When planning a short-term trip to Australia, whether for a holiday, to visit family, or conduct business, choosing the right visitor visa is crucial. Australia offers multiple visitor visa options under the Subclass 600 stream, and understanding the different types available can help ensure a smooth entry experience.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the three main types of visitor visas in Australia, what they cover, who they’re for, and how to apply. Whether you’re visiting Down Under for sightseeing, family reunions, or meetings, this article will provide the clarity you need to select the ideal visa for your journey.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa is a short-term, temporary visa that allows individuals to stay in Australia for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, or short-term business activities. The most common type of visitor visa in Australia is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, which itself has multiple streams or categories.
The three main types of visitor visas we’ll cover in this article are:
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Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)
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Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600)
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Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600)
Each type serves a unique purpose, has different eligibility requirements, and is tailored for specific visit reasons.
1. Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)
Overview
The Tourist Stream is the most commonly used visitor visa. It’s intended for people travelling to Australia for holidays, recreational activities, or to visit friends and family.
You can apply for this stream from within Australia or outside the country, with some variation in application conditions and fees.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, holiday, visiting friends or relatives |
| Duration | Up to 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Single/Multiple Entry | Available in both options |
| Cost | From AUD 190 (as of 2025) |
| Work Rights | Not permitted |
| Study | Up to 3 months allowed |
Who Is It For?
This visa is suitable for:
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Individuals looking to explore Australia’s cities, beaches, and natural wonders
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People visiting family or friends who live in Australia
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Travellers coming for non-work related recreational activities
Documents Required
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Passport and identification documents
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Proof of funds (bank statements, income)
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Travel itinerary
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Return ticket or evidence of onward travel
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Proof of ties to home country (employment, family, property)
Tips for Approval
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Show strong ties to your home country
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Clearly explain your travel intentions
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Provide evidence of sufficient funds
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Include accommodation details
2. Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600)
Overview
The Sponsored Family Stream is ideal for individuals who are invited by a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. It is often used by parents or relatives of Australian residents who wish to visit temporarily.
This visa requires a formal sponsorship by your Australian family member, who may also be asked to pay a security bond.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Visit family members living in Australia |
| Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| Security Bond | May be required (AUD 5,000–15,000) |
| Cost | From AUD 190 |
| Work Rights | Not permitted |
| Study | Up to 3 months allowed |
Who Is It For?
This visa suits:
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Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents
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Extended family members invited for a special family occasion
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Visitors requiring a formal sponsor for visa purposes
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor must:
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Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
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Provide evidence of their relationship with the applicant
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Be willing to provide accommodation and financial support
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Sign a sponsorship undertaking
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Pay a refundable bond if requested
Documents Required
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Letter of invitation from the sponsor
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Evidence of family relationship
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Sponsor’s financial documents
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Applicant’s passport and identification
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Proof of intent to return home
Important Notes
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The visa is not extendable while in Australia
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Breaching conditions (such as overstaying) may result in the bond being forfeited and affect future visa applications
3. Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600)
Overview
The Business Visitor Stream is for people travelling to Australia for short-term business activities, such as attending conferences, negotiating deals, or attending meetings. It does not allow working or selling goods/services directly to the public.
It is a perfect choice for international professionals or businesspeople who want to visit Australia for official or commercial purposes.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Attend conferences, business meetings, negotiations |
| Duration | Up to 3 months |
| Single/Multiple Entry | Available |
| Cost | From AUD 190 |
| Work Rights | Not allowed (no employment or income generation) |
| Study | Up to 3 months allowed |
Who Is It For?
This visa is designed for:
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Business professionals attending trade shows or conferences
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Foreign employees of overseas companies visiting local Australian branches
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Entrepreneurs exploring investment opportunities
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People negotiating contracts or deals
Documents Required
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Business invitation letter from Australian company
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Proof of employment and business background
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Evidence of the business relationship between parties
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Financial statements
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Passport and travel history
Visa Conditions
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You must not work or provide services to an Australian business or organisation
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You must leave Australia before the visa expires
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You can undertake business visitor activities only
Summary Table: Comparison of Visitor Visa Types
| Feature | Tourist Stream | Sponsored Family Stream | Business Visitor Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Tourism and personal visits | Visit sponsored family | Business activities |
| Sponsorship | No | Yes | No |
| Work Rights | No | No | No |
| Stay Period | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 3 months |
| Application Location | Inside or outside Australia | Outside only | Outside only |
| Cost | From AUD 190 | From AUD 190 | From AUD 190 |
| Visa Conditions | No work | Security bond may apply | No income-generating activity |
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa
All visitor visas are applied through the Department of Home Affairs website or with the help of an accredited migration agent.
Online Application Steps
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Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs portal
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Select the visa stream (Tourist, Sponsored Family, or Business Visitor)
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Upload required documents (passport, proof of funds, invitation letters, etc.)
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Pay the visa fee
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Await processing and correspondence
Visitor Visa Processing Time (as of 2025)
| Visa Stream | 75% Processed In | 90% Processed In |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 21 days | 28 days |
| Sponsored Family | 28 days | 40 days |
| Business Visitor | 14 days | 25 days |
Processing times can vary depending on peak periods and individual circumstances.
Eligible Countries for eVisitor and ETA
Australia also provides eVisitor (Subclass 651) and Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) options for certain passport holders (e.g., from the UK, EU, USA). These are faster and cheaper alternatives to Subclass 600 but with limited eligibility.
| Type | Cost | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor 651 | Free | UK, EU nations, Norway, Switzerland |
| ETA 601 | AUD 20 | USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea |
Reasons for Visa Refusal
Common reasons visitor visas get refused include:
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Insufficient funds
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Poor travel history
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No evidence of genuine temporary stay
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Incorrect or missing documents
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History of overstaying visas in other countries
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Visitor Visa
Whether you’re planning a leisurely holiday, reconnecting with loved ones, or engaging in business meetings, Australia offers a visitor visa to suit your purpose.
Tourist Stream is perfect for general travellers, the Sponsored Family Stream is ideal for family visits with formal backing, and the Business Visitor Stream is tailored for professional travellers with commercial goals.
Understanding the conditions and preparing thoroughly can make your trip to Australia hassle-free and memorable.
