How long can a visitor visa stay in Australia?

A visitor visa typically allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3 months per visit, though this can vary. Some visas can be granted for longer periods, such as up to 12 months for parents of Australian citizens.

Can I extend a visitor visa?

No. To stay longer than your current visa permits, you must apply for a new visa while in Australia, as extensions are not granted on visitor visas.

Can I work on a subclass 600 visa?

Generally, No. Subclass 600 visas are not intended for people to come to Australia to work. However, some limited ss activities might be allowed. You must apply for a different visa (e.g., work visa) if you plan to work in Australia.

Can I apply for a Visitor Visa if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record can affect your visa application. You’ll need to disclose any criminal history, and your application may be refused if you don't meet the character requirements.

Visitor Visa

Australia is one of the most sought-after travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, and family visits. Whether you're planning to explore Australia's stunning landscapes, attend a business event, or visit loved ones, obtaining a visitor visa is essential. Australia offers various types of visitor visas; each tailored to different travel purposes.

Australia has recently 'tightened' up on visitor visa and many people have been surprised to have their visitor visa refused. The reason for refusal is usually a lack of supporting documentation and a lack of evidence showing the person is a genuine tourist.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the types of visitor visas to Australia, how to apply for them, and what each visa allows you to do.

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1. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common visitor visa for those traveling to Australia for leisure. This is a temporary visa, which lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to see family and friends or for purposes other than paid employment or medical treatment.

What you can do:

The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows you to visit Australia for:

holiday or sightseeing

studying for less than 3 months

business trips

visiting relatives or friends

A visitor visa may be granted for up to three, six or twelve months. Longer validity visitor visas are available for parents of Australian permanent residents and citizens.

Applicant requirements

be a genuine tourist to Australia

meet health and character requirements

intend to stay temporarily in Australia

have enough money to support yourself while in Australia

When to Apply:

If you are planning a vacation, attending a special event, or visiting family or friends, this visa is the ideal choice. You must apply at least a few months before your planned travel date to ensure your visa is processed on time.

2. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) is a digital visa designed for travellers from certain countries who want to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. This visa is processed online, which makes it one of the easiest and quickest options.

Key Features:

Duration: Stay up to 3 months per visit.

Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries, primarily from Europe and the UK.

Work Rights: No work rights.

Cost: Free of charge for eligible travellers.

Processing Time: Instant, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

When to Apply:

If you're a citizen of an eligible country (such as the UK, most European Union nations, or several others), and you're visiting for tourism or business meetings, the eVisitor visa is an ideal option due to its convenience and fast processing time.

3. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is another popular visitor visa for short visits to Australia. Like the eVisitor, this visa allows you to travel to Australia for tourism or business purposes. The ETA is available to citizens from certain countries, primarily the US, Canada, and several Asian nations.

Key Features:

Duration: Stay up to 3 months per visit.

Eligibility: Available for citizens of specific countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Work Rights: No work rights.

Cost: A small processing fee applies.

Processing Time: Typically processed within 24 hours.

When to Apply:

The ETA is suitable for travellers from eligible countries who are visiting Australia for tourism, business, or short-term studies. If you're traveling for leisure, business meetings, or attending conferences, the ETA visa is a simple and fast option.