Visitor Visas
What you should know:
• Visitor visas are ideal for tourists, business travellers, and family visits to Australia
• Subclass 600 Visitor Visa has multiple streams:
o Tourist Stream for holidays and family visits
o Family-Sponsored Stream for visitors with an Australian sponsor
o Business Stream for short business visits like meetings or conferences
• Subclass 601 ETA and Subclass 651 eVisitor are for short visits (up to 3 months at a time), available to citizens of select countries
• All visitor visa types do not permit work, except for approved business activities under the Business Stream
• Subclass 600 is open to a wider range of countries; ETA and eVisitor are restricted to specific passport holders
• These visas are electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and do not require visa labels
• Ensure you meet the health, character, and financial criteria before applying
• Visa durations, extensions, and conditions vary; always review current guidelines or consult with a migration agent
In Australia, visa subclasses 600, 601, and 651 are temporary visitor visas designed for different purposes. Each visa serves distinct purposes, and their eligibility criteria and conditions may vary. Let's explore each visa subclass:
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1. Visa Subclass 600 - Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream): This visa is for people who wish to visit Australia for tourism or to visit family and friends. It allows the visa holder to stay in Australia for a short period, usually up to three, six, or twelve months. The Tourist Stream is suitable for individuals traveling for recreational purposes, sightseeing, or attending social events. It does not permit the visa holder to work in Australia.
2. Visa Subclass 600 - Visitor Visa (Family-Sponsored Stream): This visa is an option for those who have a family member or relative in Australia willing to act as a sponsor. Being a sponsor means taking responsibility for the visitor's financial expenses and ensuring they adhere to Australian laws and visa rules. The sponsor must also ensure that the visitor departs the country before their visa expires. This visa cannot be extended onshore.
3. Visa Subclass 600 - Visitor Visa (Business Stream): The Business Stream of the Visitor Visa is designed for individuals who need to travel to Australia for short-term business purposes. It allows activities such as attending conferences, business meetings, or engaging in contractual negotiations. However, this visa does not permit the visa holder to work in Australia other than the specific business-related activities allowed under this stream.
4. Visa Subclass 601 - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is a streamlined visa available to citizens of certain countries, including many European and Asian countries, the United States, Canada, and others. It allows multiple short visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes. ETA holders can stay in Australia for up to three months per visit within a 12-month validity period. ETA is electronically linked to the passport and eliminates the need for a visa label or stamp.
5. Visa Subclass 651 - eVisitor: The eVisitor is similar to the ETA but is specifically available to citizens of certain European countries. It is designed for tourism or business purposes and allows multiple short stays of up to three months per visit within a 12-month period. Like the ETA, the eVisitor is also electronically linked to the passport.
Main differences between these visa subclasses:
a. Purpose: Visa Subclasses 600 and 601 cover various purposes, such as tourism, visiting family/friends, or conducting business activities. On the other hand, the ETA and eVisitor are specifically for short-term tourism and business purposes.
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b. Eligibility: The eligibility criteria and participating countries differ for each visa subclass. The ETA and eVisitor are available to citizens of specific countries, while the Subclass 600 visas are open to a broader range of countries.
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c. Duration of stay: The maximum allowable stay for the Subclass 600 and 601 visas can vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances, while the ETA and eVisitor allow stays of up to three months per visit within a 12-month validity period.
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d. Work restrictions: Generally, all of these visas do not allow work in Australia, except for specific business-related activities allowed under the Business Stream of the Subclass 600 visa.
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It's essential to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements and conditions of each visa subclass to choose the one that best suits your travel needs to Australia. The visa options may change over time, so it's advisable to refer to the official Australian government website or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information.
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Planning a trip to Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family? You’ll likely need a Visitor Visa—but which one is right for you? Whether you're sightseeing, attending meetings, or staying with loved ones, there’s a visa tailored to your purpose. The Subclass 600, 601 ETA, and 651 eVisitor each offer unique pathways for short stays. It’s important to understand the eligibility, permitted activities, and duration of stay for each visa type. You won’t be allowed to work under any of these visas (except certain business activities under Subclass 600). Before applying, make sure your passport, financial status, and health documents meet the requirements. Not sure where to start? Consult our team or read the FAQs below.
FAQs
1. Which Australian Visitor Visa is best for tourists?
If you’re coming for a holiday or to see family or friends, the Subclass 600 Tourist Stream is your best option. It allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
2. Can I work in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
No. Work is not permitted on Visitor Visas, except for limited business activities under the Subclass 600 Business Stream.
3. What’s the difference between ETA (Subclass 601) and eVisitor (Subclass 651)?
Both are for short visits up to 3 months, but ETA is for citizens of countries like the USA and Canada, while eVisitor is for European Union passport holders.
4. Do I need a visa label in my passport?
No. All visitor visas, including Subclass 600, 601, and 651, are electronically linked to your passport. You won’t need a physical label.
5. Can I extend my Visitor Visa while I’m in Australia?
Extensions depend on your visa stream. Most Subclass 600 visas allow onshore extensions, but Family-Sponsored Streams cannot be extended in Australia.
6. How long does it take to process a Visitor Visa?
Processing times vary by stream and your nationality. Typically, it can take from a few days to several weeks, so apply well in advance of travel.