Subclass 600 Visa Application

How to apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa Australia in 2026 — streams, ImmiAccount process, fees, documents, and how to avoid the most common refusal reasons.

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The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is Australia's primary temporary visa for tourism, business visits, and family reunions — and one of the most commonly refused visas when applicants get the paperwork or stream selection wrong. If you're not eligible for the free eVisitor (651) or the AUD 20 ETA (601), the full Subclass 600 application is what stands between you and your trip. Here's exactly how the process works in 2026, based on current Department of Home Affairs guidance.

What Is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?

The Subclass 600 lets eligible applicants stay in Australia for 3, 6, or 12 months, generally with multiple entries during that validity period. It exists because citizens of countries like China, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and much of the Middle East and Africa aren't eligible for the simpler ETA or eVisitor options and must apply for the full visa instead.

Which Subclass 600 Stream Should You Apply Under?

Choosing the correct stream is the single biggest factor in getting a fast, clean decision. The main streams are:

Tourist stream — the most common, for holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family
Business Visitor stream — for meetings, negotiations, or conferences (no local work allowed)
Sponsored Family stream — for visitors supported by an eligible Australian family member, sometimes involving a security bond
Approved Destination Status stream — for group tours through approved travel agents
Frequent Traveller stream — for eligible repeat visitors from select countries

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Subclass 600 Visa

Confirm you're not already eligible for the free eVisitor or the AUD 20 ETA via VEVO
Create or log in to your ImmiAccount and select the correct stream
Complete the online application form accurately and consistently
Upload all supporting documents in the required format
Pay the visa application charge
Respond promptly to any request for additional information
Track your application and check your visa grant notice for conditions before booking travel

Documents and Evidence You'll Need

Valid passport with at least six months' validity
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Return or onward travel evidence, where relevant
Proof of ties to your home country (employment, property, family)
Invitation letter or Form 1149 for Sponsored Family stream applicants
Business letter and itinerary for Business Visitor stream applicants

Not sure which stream fits your situation, or worried about a "genuine visitor" refusal risk? Get a free eligibility check from Australian Immigration Consultants before you lodge — it's far cheaper than a refusal and a second application fee.

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Current Fees and Processing Times (2026)

As of the current fee schedule, the Tourist stream base charge sits around AUD 250–630 depending on where you lodge (onshore applications generally cost more than offshore), with the Business Visitor stream typically cheaper. Tourist stream applications are commonly decided within roughly 16 to 33 days, though Sponsored Family stream applications often take longer due to additional sponsor checks. Processing times fluctuate with seasonal demand, so always confirm current estimates on the official Home Affairs website before booking non-refundable travel.

Common Reasons Applications Get Refused

Most refusals trace back to a handful of avoidable issues: insufficient evidence of funds, weak ties to the home country (raising Genuine Temporary Entrant concerns), applying under the wrong stream, incomplete Sponsored Family documentation, or inconsistent answers between the applicant's history and supporting statements. Home Affairs case officers assess the whole picture — not just one document in isolation.

How Australian Immigration Consultants Helps You Apply With Confidence

At Australian Immigration Consultants, led by MARA-registered migration agent Fahad Shamim (MARN 2619225), we help applicants choose the correct Subclass 600 stream, build a genuine-visitor evidence file that holds up to scrutiny, and avoid the small documentation gaps that trigger delays or refusals. Whether it's a straightforward Tourist stream trip or a more complex Sponsored Family or Business Visitor application, we prepare it right the first time.

FAQs

Do I need a Subclass 600 if I'm from the US, UK, or Canada? No — most passport holders from these countries qualify for the ETA (subclass 601) instead.

Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 600 visa? No — the visitor visa does not permit paid work under standard conditions.

How long does a Tourist stream application take? Commonly around 16–33 days for complete applications, though this varies by season and completeness.

Can I include family members in one application? Yes, but each applicant pays the visa application charge separately.