A Visitor Visa in Australia is a temporary visa that allows individuals to visit the country for tourism, family visits, business meetings, medical treatment, or other short-term purposes. Visitor visas are available for varying durations, and the specific type of visitor visa you need will depend on your purpose for visiting Australia. Here are some key points about Visitor Visas in Australia:
Types of Visitor Visas:
Visitor (Tourist) Visa (Subclass 600):
This visa is for individuals who want to visit Australia for tourism, visiting family or friends, or participating in short-term business activities. It is available as a Tourist stream and a Sponsored Family stream.
eVisitor (Subclass 651):
eVisitor is an online visa available to citizens of certain European countries, providing multiple short visits for tourism or business purposes over a 12-month period.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601):
ETA is also an online visa available to citizens of eligible countries. It allows multiple short visits for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends within a 12-month period.
Key Requirements for Visitor Visas:
Genuine Temporary Entrant:
You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily for the purpose stated in your visa application.
Valid Passport:
You should have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of your intended arrival in Australia.
Financial Capacity:
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, including accommodation, meals, and other expenses.
Health and Character Requirements:
You must meet certain health and character requirements. In some cases, a health examination or police clearance certificate may be required.
No Work or Study:
Visitor visas generally do not permit you to work or study in Australia. However, limited volunteer work may be allowed in some cases.
No Access to Public Health Care:
Visitors are not eligible for subsidized health care through Australia’s public health system (Medicare). It is recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage during your stay.
Duration of Visitor Visas:
The duration of a Visitor Visa can vary depending on the specific subclass and stream:
Tourist Stream (Subclass 600):
Visitor visas in the Tourist stream can be granted for periods ranging from 3 months to 12 months, depending on your circumstances and the discretion of the immigration authorities.
Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600):
This stream allows for longer visits to Australia, typically for family reunions, but still with a maximum stay of 12 months.
eVisitor (Subclass 651) and ETA (Subclass 601):
These visas allow for multiple short visits within a 12-month period
Some other subclasses under tourist visa include:
Tourist Stream (onshore)
The Tourist Stream (onshore) of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is designed for individuals who are already in Australia and wish to extend their stay for tourism, visiting family or friends, or participating in short-term business activities. It allows you to remain in Australia temporarily, enjoying the sights, visiting loved ones, or conducting limited business activities.
Tourist Stream (offshore)
The Tourist Stream (offshore) of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is designed for individuals who are outside Australia and wish to visit the country temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting short-term business activities. This visa allows you to enter Australia as a tourist and enjoy its attractions, visit family members, or engage in limited business-related activities.
Sponsored family stream
The Sponsored Family Stream of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) in Australia is designed for individuals who wish to visit their family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa allows you to travel to Australia to reunite with family and spend time together.
The Sponsored Family Stream of the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa typically allows for varying periods of stay, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the immigration authorities. The duration of stay can range from 3 months to 12 months, as determined by the immigration officer reviewing your application.
Business Visitor Stream
The Business Visitor Stream of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) in Australia is designed for individuals who intend to visit the country for short-term business-related purposes. This visa allows business visitors to engage in a range of business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and exploring business opportunities in Australia.
