Visitor Visas
Planning a holiday in Australia, hoping to catch up with family, or heading over for business? We’d love to help make it stress-free. At CHIN & CO Migration, we take the guesswork out of Visitor visa applications. We'll sit down with you, figure out the right stream for your specific plans, and guide you step-by-step through all the paperwork and supporting evidence you need so you can focus on the exciting part your trip!
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Pathways
The Visitor visa (Subclass 600) includes different streams depending on the purpose of your visit. Choosing the appropriate stream and providing evidence that supports your circumstances are important parts of preparing the application.
TOURIST STREAM
Subclass 600
For people travelling to Australia for a holiday, to visit family or friends, or for other eligible non-business visitor purposes.
SPONSORED FAMILY STREAM
Subclass 600
For eligible people visiting family in Australia who are formally sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident family member.
BUSINESS VISITOR STREAM
Subclass 600
For people travelling to Australia temporarily for eligible business visitor activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, making business enquiries, or negotiating or reviewing business contracts.
The Genuine Visitor Requirement
Visitor visa applicants must demonstrate that they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily and comply with the conditions attached to their visa.
PURPOSE OF VISIT
Evidence should clearly explain why you are travelling to Australia, the intended duration of your stay and your planned activities.
TIES TO HOME COUNTRY
Relevant evidence may include employment, family responsibilities, study, property, business interests or other commitments supporting your intention to return to your home country.
FINANCIAL CAPACITY
Applicants should demonstrate that they have, or have access to, sufficient funds to support their stay and departure from Australia.
IMMIGRATION & TRAVEL HISTORY
Previous travel, visa compliance, visa refusals and other relevant immigration history may form part of the overall assessment.
Visitor visa applications are assessed on their individual circumstances. Providing an invitation or sponsorship does not, by itself, guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Tourist Stream - Subclass 600
The Tourist stream is designed for genuine temporary visitors travelling to Australia for tourism, a holiday, a cruise, or to visit family and friends.
Common Reasons for Visiting Include:
Key Considerations Include:
- Holiday and tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Attending family occasions or celebrations
- Other eligible temporary visitor purposes
- You must genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.
- You must have sufficient funds or access to financial support for your stay.
- You cannot work in Australia on a Visitor visa.
- Study or training may generally be undertaken for up to three months.
- The period of stay and whether the visa permits single or multiple entry will depend on the visa granted.
- Health and character requirements may apply.
The Department determines the period of stay on a case-by-case basis. The period granted may be different from the period requested.
Sponsored Family Stream - Subclass 600
The Sponsored Family stream allows eligible people to visit family in Australia with formal sponsorship from an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and meets the applicable sponsorship requirements.
THE APPLICANT
The visitor must meet the relevant Visitor visa requirements, including demonstrating a genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily.
THE SPONSOR
The sponsor must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. This generally includes being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 years or over, settled in Australia and having an eligible relationship with the applicant.
THE EVIDENCE
Supporting evidence may include documents establishing the family relationship, purpose of visit, financial arrangements, accommodation, the applicant’s circumstances overseas and reasons for returning after the visit.
Sponsorship
Formal sponsorship is generally provided using Form 1149 Application for Sponsorship for Sponsored Family Visitors. The Department may request a security bond in some Sponsored Family stream cases. Whether a bond is required and the amount are determined by the Department.
Sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval. The applicant must independently satisfy the applicable Visitor visa requirements.
Business Visitor Stream - Subclass 600
The Business Visitor stream is for people travelling to Australia temporarily to undertake eligible business visitor activities. It is not a work visa.
Eligible Business Visitor Activities Include:
What This Visa Does Not Allow Include:
- Making general business or employment enquiries
- Investigating, negotiating, entering into or reviewing a business contract
- Participating in an official government visit
- Attending a conference, trade fair or seminar where the applicant is not being paid by the organiser
- Undertaking tourism activities during the visit
- Working for an Australian business or organisation
- Providing services to an Australian business or organisation
- Selling goods or services directly to the Australian public
The proposed activities should be carefully assessed before applying because business visitor activities are different from undertaking work in Australia.
Preparing a Strong Visitor Visa Application
The supporting evidence required for a Visitor visa depends on the applicant’s circumstances, purpose of travel and chosen stream. A well-prepared application should clearly and consistently explain the proposed visit.
IDENTITY
Passport and relevant identity documents.
PURPOSE OF VISIT
Travel plans, itinerary, invitation letters, event information or business meeting details where applicable.
FINANCIAL EVIDENCE
Bank statements, income evidence or evidence showing how the visit will be funded.
EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS
Employment letters, approved leave, business ownership or other relevant professional commitments.
FAMILY & PERSONAL TIES
Evidence of family responsibilities and other personal circumstances in the applicant’s home country or usual country of residence.
TRAVEL & IMMIGRATION HISTORY
Relevant previous travel, visas, immigration compliance and visa refusal history.
This is a general guide only. The documents required will depend on the individual application and additional evidence may be appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Official Sources
Information on this page has been prepared with reference to current information published by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Tourist Stream
Sponsored Family Stream
Business Visitor Stream
Last reviewed: September 2026
Visa requirements, policies, processing arrangements and visa conditions may change. Current requirements should be checked before lodging an application.