Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) Explained

Australia, one of the most amazing places to travel in the world,  is dramatic and spectacular and offers unique experiences ranging from the vast Outback to the pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It is the land of coastal splendors, bright blue skies, and fiery sunsets. Australia will enchant you with its splendid, dramatic ambiance of laid-back townships and bustling modern cities. So, if Australia is on your mind as your next vacation destination, you also need to know about the Australia visitor visa. So here’s a rundown on Australian tourist visa for your reference. 

Australia Tourist Visa – An Overview

A traveller keen to visit Australia needs to apply for an Australia Tourist Visa. This tourist visa is classified as Sub Class 600 under the Australia Visitor Visa. The Australia visa – subclass 600 is designed for people who want to travel to Australia for leisure or to see friends and family. The holder of this short-term, non-immigrant visa to Australia is permitted to remain in the country for no more than 12 months. This subclass-600 visa also allows you to sponsor a family member to visit and stay in Australia for up to 12 months, which you must finance with a security bond. The visa is also allowed for short business visits such as conferences and meetings.

Do you need an Australia visit visa sub-class 600 for your travel?

Before you go through with all the visa procedures and paperwork, you must determine if you would require an Australia Visitor Visa Subclass-600 for your journey. For the same, you must check if you need one per your nationality. You can apply for an Australian visitor visa sub-class 600 if your stay in Australia is less than a year and you are not eligible for visa-exempt travel to Australia or an Australian Electronic Travel Authority.

Things You Can Do With The Australia Visitor Visa

What can you do with the Australia Visitor Visa? You can do all those things that do not involve any monetary gain from your stay in Australia, such as:

  • Tourism: Explore Australia’s breathtaking landscapes, from iconic landmarks to natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the rich indigenous culture and heritage.
  • Visit Family and Friends: Spend quality time with your relatives or friends residing in Australia. 
  • Attend Special Events or Occasions: Fly to Australia to join in on events, celebrations, or ceremonies hosted by your friends or family members residing in Australia.
  • Business Visitor Activities: Conduct business negotiations, attend conferences, explore potential collaborations, and network with Australian professionals and entrepreneurs.
  •  Short-term studies: Under exceptional circumstances, you can visit Australia for short-term courses and study for less than three months.

Things You Cannot Do With The Australia Visitor Visa

Likewise, as a visitor to Australia, you should know what you cannot do with an Australia Visitor visa. While the Australia Tourist Visa Subclass 600 offers a range of possibilities, there are certain activities you are prohibited from undertaking:

  • Work in Australia: This visa does not allow you to work in Australia. 
  • Study: Long-term academic pursuits are not allowed under this visa category. If you intend to pursue extended studies, consider applying for a student visa.
  • Medical Treatment: The Subclass 600 visa does not cover medical treatments or consultations. Ensure you possess sufficient health insurance to cover any medical needs that may arise during your stay in Australia.
  • Permanent Residency: This visa does not offer permanent residency in Australia. If you want to migrate permanently to Australia, explore other appropriate visa options. Overstaying on a visa can have severe consequences for future visa applications. The visa holder must leave Australia before the expiry of the visa validity. 

Documents Required for Australian Visitor Visa

Before embarking on your journey to Australia, it’s crucial to gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth visa application process. Here’s a checklist of Australia Visa Subclass 600 documents required:

  • Completed Visa Application Form – Fill out the official Australia visa application form accurately.
  • Valid Passport – Ensure your passport has a minimum validity of six months from your planned date of arrival in Australia.
  • Passport-Sized Photographs- Provide recent passport-sized photographs against a white background meeting the specified guidelines of an Australian visa.
  • Proof of Financial Capacity -Demonstrate your ability to cover the cost of your stay in Australia, including accommodation, meals, and other expenses through bank statements.
  • Travel Itinerary – Present a detailed itinerary outlining your planned activities and destinations in Australia.
  • Letter of Invitation (if applicable) – If visiting family or friends, include a letter of invitation from your Australian host.
  •  Proof of Employment or Enrollment – Submit evidence of your current employment or enrollment in an educational institution.
  • Health Insurance – Obtain comprehensive health insurance covering your entire stay in Australia.
  • Flight Reservations – Provide proof of your intended travel dates, including round-trip flight reservations.
  • Character Requirements – A police certificate, character assessment forms, and character statutory declaration can be asked to be submitted by the Embassy as a character reference attesting to your good conduct and intentions during your stay in Australia.

An Australian visa may take five to ten working days, depending on the level of cases that need to be examined and the verifiability or completeness of your supporting documents. Hence, applying for a visa one month in advance is recommended. Approximately AUD 300 would be required for each visa.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Australia Tourist Visa (subclass 600) is essential for anyone planning a visit to this fascinating destination. It is the perfect visa to plan a getaway to enjoy the diverse experiences of Australia. Applying well in advance, grab this visa, and head to an enchanting Australian sojourn!