The Minister can stop specified groups of temporary visa holders outside Australia from travelling for up to 6 months. A grant does not always mean you can travel.
Visa file / Visitor and other visas
Visitor visa 600
Tourism, family visits and business visits: Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status and Frequent Traveller streams.
In force
File: 600
Main chargeA$250
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
Who it is for
People visiting Australia for a holiday, to see family or friends, or for business visitor activities (not work).
Published eligibility
- A genuine temporary visit, enough money, health and character.
- Sponsored Family stream: an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsor, who may be asked for a security bond. This stream usually carries condition 8503 (No Further Stay).
- No work. Visitors cannot apply for a Student visa in Australia.
- Insurance is strongly recommended and required for some.
- Approved Destination Status stream: citizens of the People's Republic of China visiting on a tour organised by an approved travel agent, who lodges for them. You must be in China at lodgement and decision.
- Frequent Traveller stream: citizens of China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam; biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre; outside Australia at lodgement and decision. Granted for up to 10 years; up to 3 months each entry and no more than 12 months in any 24 months.
Where you apply from
Most streams outside Australia; the Tourist stream can be applied for in Australia to extend a visit.
Streams
- Tourist (outside Australia)
- Tourist (in Australia)
- Sponsored Family
- Business Visitor
- Approved Destination Status
- Frequent Traveller
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Choose the stream
Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor or Frequent Traveller.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPicks the right stream.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence
Invitation letter, ties to home, funds, itinerary and insurance.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares a clear ties and funds case.
- 05
Lodge
One application per person.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains condition 8503 before travel.
- 06
Grant and travel
Leave on time; overstaying can bring exclusion periods.
Where a registered migration agent can helpAdvises on the 870 or parent options for longer stays.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Outside Australia (Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status) | A$250 |
| Tourist stream in Australia | A$630 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge, Tourist stream in Australia | A$700 |
| Frequent Traveller | A$1,845 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 21 days | 33 days |
| Sponsored Family | 40 days | 3 months |
| Business Visitor | 7 days | 19 days |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Doubts about a genuine visit: weak ties at home or long previous stays.
- Not enough money.
- Incomplete sponsor evidence.
- Previous breaches.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Application
Sponsored Family
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Home Affairs: Approved Destination Status stream
- Home Affairs: Frequent Traveller stream
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.