Visitor Visa Australia: Understanding the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) & ETA Options

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business, the right visa option can make all the difference. Here’s your comprehensive guide to visitor visas for Australia, tailored for people applying from India and other countries.

With over 180,000+ visa applicants assisted by Aussizz Group, we know the common pitfalls, and how to help you avoid them.

Understanding Australia Visitor Visas: What are Your Options?

When you think “visit Australia,” there are a few main visa pathways – each suited to different needs:

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This is the most popular visa for travellers who want to visit Australia for tourism, to see family/friends, or for short-term business.

• Tourist Stream: For holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or family.
• Business Visitor Stream: Suitable for short business visits, meetings, conferences, negotiations, but does not allow paid work or long-term employment.
• Sponsored Family Stream: If a family member in Australia sponsors your visit.

Depending on circumstances, the visa may allow stays from a few days to up to 12 months (typically 3 months per visit, but longer validity may be granted).

Electronic Visas: ETA (Subclass 601) & eVisitor (Subclass 651)

For some passport holders from visa-waiver or eligible countries, electronic visas provide a fast, paperless option.

• ETA (601): Quick digital visa, suitable for short tourism/business trips, multiple entries within validity period.
• eVisitor (651): Another electronic visa option for eligible passports (mainly certain European countries).

Note: For many Indian passport holders, these electronic routes are not available, making Subclass 600 Visitor Visa the primary option.

What’s New & Important in 2025-2026: Visa Fees, Processing & Application Tips?

Visa Fees: What You Should Expect

• As of mid-2025, the base application fee for Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) starts from AUD 190–200 (offshore applications).
• On-shore applications (if you apply from within Australia) tend to be costlier (some sources indicate higher fees).
• Keep in mind: Visa fee is just one part. Additional costs (if required) may include biometrics, travel insurance, translation of documents, any sponsorship bonds in case of family-sponsored applications, etc.

Always check the official Department of Home Affairs (Australia) site or a licensed provider for the latest visa charges before applying.

Processing Time & Application Mode

• Many visitor visa applications are submitted online using an ImmiAccount.
• Processing time can vary (from a few weeks to longer), depending on visa stream, number of applicants, completeness of documentation, and country of origin.
• For best results: apply well in advance of your planned travel date; avoid last-minute filings.

What Makes a Strong Visitor Visa Application: Requirements & Best Practices?

To maximise your chances of visitor visa approval for Australia, ensure the following:

• Valid passport: Must typically be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
• Genuine temporary intent: You must show you intend to visit only temporarily, for tourism, visiting family, short business, etc. Visitor visa does not allow working or studying.
• Sufficient funds: Proof of financial capacity to support yourself (and family, if applying together) during stay. e.g. bank statements, proof of income, sponsor’s financials (if family-sponsored).
• Clear travel itinerary: Flight tickets, hotel bookings, planned activities/itinerary help demonstrate genuine travel plans.
• Strong home-country ties: Evidence such as property, employment, family, ongoing commitments, that show you plan to return after visit.
• Complete application with required documentation: Photo, passport copy, previous travel history, invitation or sponsorship letter (if applicable), etc.
• No paid work: The Visitor Visa strictly prohibits working or engaging in paid activities while in Australia.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide?

• Decide on visa stream: Tourist / Business / Family-sponsored (Subclass 600) or check if ETA (601) / eVisitor (651) applies to you.
• Create an ImmiAccount (or use online visa portal) fill in application form with accurate personal, travel, and financial details.
• Prepare supporting documents: valid passport, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, accommodation & flight bookings, employment proof or sponsor details, etc.
• Pay visa application fee (VAC): base fee AUD ~190–200 (subject to change yearly).
• Submit application and wait for processing. Processing times vary; plan as per your travel schedule.
• Upon approval: Visa is electronically linked to your passport (no stamp required). Keep copy of grant letter.

What a Visitor Visa Does Not Allow: Common Misconceptions?

• No paid work or long-term employment: Visitor visa strictly prohibits working, selling services, or engaging in paid activities.
• Not for study or long-term migration: If you want to study long-term or migrate, different visas are required.
• Cannot overstay: Your stay period must comply with visa conditions. Overstaying or violating conditions can lead to future visa refusals or bans.
• Do not assume automatic entry, final approval at port of entry: Even with valid visa, you must satisfy immigration officers upon arrival.

Which Visitors Visa Option Is Right for You? (Compare & Choose)?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When should I apply for a Visitor Visa, how early?

You should ideally apply as soon as you have finalised travel dates, but at least 4-6 weeks before planned travel to allow for processing time and any potential requests for additional documents.

Q2. Can I extend my stay if I need to stay longer?

Extending a Visitor Visa is possible but not guaranteed, and you may be required to apply for another visa from outside Australia. Visitor visas are meant for temporary stay only.

Q3. Can I work or study while visiting Australia on a Visitor Visa?

No, Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) does not allow paid work or enrolment in long-term study courses. The purpose must remain tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business activities.

Q4. What is the visa fee for Indian applicants in 2025?

As of mid 2025, the base cost for Subclass 600 (offshore application) is approximately AUD 190-200. Additional costs (biometrics, travel insurance, agency charges) may apply.

Q5. What documents do I need to show proof of funds and travel plans?

Typically: recent bank statements, employment letter / salary slips (or sponsor’s documents if family-sponsored), flight bookings, hotel/resort reservations, full travel itinerary, passport validity, any previous travel history, and evidence you plan to return (job, family, property, etc.).

Q6. If my passport is from a visa-waiver country, can I get a faster ETA or eVisitor visa?

Yes, if you hold a passport eligible for ETA (Subclass 601) or eVisitor (651), these electronic visas offer a quick, streamlined entry option for short-term travel.

Final Thoughts: Visitor Visa Is Your Gateway to Explore Australia

Whether it’s a dream vacation, meeting loved ones, attending a conference, or exploring business opportunities, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and electronic visa options make visiting Australia accessible and realistic for eligible travellers.

With proper planning, complete documentation, and genuine intent, your application can be smooth, efficient and stress-free. If this is your first time or you want expert support, Aussizz Group (with 180,000+ visa success stories) is here to guide you.

Book a consultation with Aussizz Group!