Tourist stream
For leisure, family visits and short personal visits. Stays of 3, 6, or 12 months typical. Apply online from home country.
Four Streams · Genuine Visit Test · 8503 Often Applies
Visitor visas look simple. They are not.
Genuine visit requirements are scrutinised, financial evidence matters, and condition 8503 (no further stay) catches applicants off guard. For visa-free passport holders, the ETA (Subclass 601) may be the simpler alternative.
The four visitor streams
Pick the right stream first.
Each stream has different evidence requirements and processing patterns.
Sponsored Family stream
For visitors supported by a close family member in Australia. Sponsor may need to provide a security bond. Often better success rates for applicants from high-refusal countries.
Business Visitor stream
For short business activities, negotiations, contract discussions, conferences. Does not permit work for an Australian employer.
Approved Destination Status
For tour groups from specific countries with bilateral arrangements. Narrow applicability.
What the Department looks for
Genuine visit intention, backed by evidence.
The Department assesses whether the applicant intends a genuine temporary stay. High-risk nationalities face stricter scrutiny.
Strong ties to home countryEmployment, property, family, and other commitments that give the applicant a reason to return.
Clear travel itineraryReturn flight bookings, accommodation plans, and realistic travel schedule.
Financial evidenceBank statements showing sufficient funds. Pay slips or tax returns. Evidence of ongoing employment or business. Any sponsorship or host financial support.
No visa history concernsPrevious refusals, overstays, or character issues need to be addressed upfront.
Condition 8503 (no further stay)
The condition that catches applicants off guard.
Many 600 grants carry condition 8503, blocking onshore application for a further visa. This must be considered before planning any onshore visa switch.
What 8503 does
Prevents the visa holder from applying for most other visas while in Australia. Forces departure before any onshore application.
Waiver available
Compelling and compassionate circumstances may justify an 8503 waiver. See our 8503 waiver guide.
Planning implications
If you might want to apply for another visa onshore, check your 600 grant for 8503 first. Planning matters.
Refusal rates vary enormously by country of application.
Applicants from countries with low overstay rates and high ties often get visas within days. High-risk nationalities face weeks of processing and higher refusal rates. Strong evidence is the single biggest factor for applicants from high-refusal countries.
Common visitor visa questions
The questions we hear most.
For visitor visa preparation or appeal of a refusal, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I work remotely for my overseas employer while on a 600?
Generally yes, provided the work is for an overseas employer and your physical presence in Australia is not substituting an Australian worker.
Can I extend my visitor visa onshore?
Only if 8503 does not apply. Otherwise you must leave and reapply.
Can I study on a 600?
Up to 3 months. For longer study, consider a student visa.
Does a 600 count toward citizenship residence?
Lawful presence counts toward residence generally, but 600 time is not time as a permanent resident.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.