Visitor visas
Subclass 600
Visitor visa
Bring your parents, family or friends to Australia, or visit yourself, with an application that clearly shows your purpose and plans.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
Official source: Visitor visas
View all Google reviews (opens in a new tab)“I am beyond grateful to SavieMEC for their outstanding assistance in securing my parents' visitor visa… The team guided us through every step, ensuring that all documents were properly prepared and submitted.”
About the Visitor visa
The Visitor visa (600) is for tourism, seeing family and friends, and short business visits. It's the most common way for parents of Australian residents to visit.
Refusals are common when the purpose of the visit or the reasons to return home aren't clear. A well-evidenced first application saves months.
Visa streams
Tourist
Holidays, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends
Sponsored Family
A family member in Australia sponsors your visit; a bond may be requested
Business Visitor
Meetings, conferences and negotiations; no work
Frequent Traveller
Longer-validity option for some passport holders
Key requirements
- Genuine intention to visit temporarily
- Enough money for your stay
- Strong reasons to return home (work, family, property, study)
- Health and character requirements
- No outstanding debts to the Australian Government
What this visa lets you do
- Visit family and friends, or holiday in Australia
- Study for up to 3 months
- Attend business meetings (Business Visitor stream)
- Some visas allow multiple entries
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Choose the right stream
- 02
Step 2
Gather identity, financial and home-ties evidence
- 03
Step 3
Prepare an invitation letter if visiting family
- 04
Step 4
Lodge online and complete biometrics if asked
- 05
Step 5
Respond to any requests and wait for a decision
Common reasons applications fail
- Weak evidence of ties to your home country
- Unclear purpose or itinerary
- Not enough evidence of funds
- Previous refusals or overstays not explained
Download PDF
Visitor visa checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Visitor visas (subclass 600)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist stream, applying outside Australia | $250 |
| Tourist stream, applying in Australia | $630 |
| Sponsored Family stream | $250 |
| Business Visitor stream | $250 |
| Frequent Traveller stream | $1,845 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a Visitor visa (600) in Australia?
No. A Visitor visa does not allow you to work, including unpaid work for an Australian business. You can holiday, visit family, attend business meetings and study for up to 3 months. Working on a visitor visa can lead to cancellation.
How long can my parents stay in Australia on a Visitor visa?
Visitor visas are usually granted for a stay of up to 3, 6 or 12 months. Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents may be granted a multiple-entry visa valid for several years. Health insurance is strongly recommended for older visitors, and is often a visa condition.
Can I apply for another visa while I am in Australia on a Visitor visa?
It depends on your visa conditions. Many visitor visas carry condition 8503 (No further stay), which stops you applying for most other visas in Australia. Since July 2024, visitors also generally cannot apply for a student visa while in Australia. Ask us before you travel if you plan to stay longer.
My Visitor visa was refused. Can I apply again?
Often, yes. Most visitor visas refused outside Australia have no review rights, so a new, stronger application is the usual path. We read the refusal letter, identify what was missing, and address each reason in the new application.
Can I extend my Visitor visa while in Australia?
You cannot extend a visa, but you may be able to apply for a new visitor visa before your current one expires, unless your visa has a No further stay condition. Apply well before your visa ends.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.