Subclass 600 Visa
The Subclass 600 visa, commonly known as the Visitor visa, is a type of Australian visa designed for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, business visitor activities, or to visit family. It is a temporary visa that offers various streams to accommodate different visiting purposes. This visa is a versatile option for people looking to visit Australia for tourism, business, or family reasons. It offers flexibility in terms of visit duration and activities, tailored to meet the needs of different visitors. However, applicants must ensure that they meet all the criteria and abide by the conditions of their visa to enjoy a hassle-free stay in Australia.
Streams of the Subclass 600 Visa
The Subclass 600 visa consists of four main streams, each catering to specific visitor categories:
✦ Tourist Stream
This is for individuals who want to visit Australia for holidays, recreation, or to see family and friends. Applicants can be outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is decided, or they can be in Australia if they are extending their stay.
✦ Business Visitor Stream:
Tailored for business people visiting Australia for short-term business purposes, such as attending conferences, negotiations, or exploratory business visits. Applicants must be outside Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted.
✦ Sponsored Family Stream:
For people visiting family in Australia. This stream requires a formal sponsorship from an Australian citizen or permanent resident, which means the sponsor provides a legal undertaking to support the visitor during their stay.
✦ Approved Destination Status Stream
This stream is for citizens from certain areas of China visiting Australia with a tour group.
Visa Application and Requirements
The application process and requirements for the Subclass 600 visa vary based on the chosen stream but generally include:
- Application Form:Filled out online or on paper, depending on the applicant’s preference and visa stream.
- Visa Charges:Payment of the visa application fee.
- Identification Documents:Passport, birth certificate, and other identification.
- Proof of Purpose of Visit:Itinerary for tourists, invitation letters for family visitors, or documentation of business activities.
- Health and Character Requirements: Depending on the circumstances, health examinations and character checks may be needed.
Length of Stay and Conditions
- Tourist and Business Visitor Streams: Typically grant a stay of up to 3 months, but up to 12 months may be allowed in certain circumstances.
- Sponsored Family Stream: The length of stay is determined by the Australian immigration authorities and can be up to 12 months.
- Approved Destination Status Stream: The stay is usually short and in line with the tour group’s itinerary.
- Visa Grant: If your application is successful, you will be granted a Subclass 189 visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Visa holders must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. Generally, they cannot work in Australia and cannot undertake formal study or training for more than three months.
Considerations for Applicants
➜ Genuine Visitor Requirement
Applicants must convince the immigration authorities that they intend to return to their home country after their visit.
➜ Health Insurance
It is advisable to have health insurance, as medical treatment in Australia can be expensive, and visitors are not covered by Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
➜ No Further Stay Condition
Some Subclass 600 visas come with a ‘No Further Stay’ condition, preventing applicants from applying for most other visas while in Australia.