Australian Visitor and Travel Visas
Australia offers a variety of visitor and travel visas tailored to different purposes and lengths of stay, catering to tourists, business visitors, and relatives of Australian citizens or residents.
Each type of visitor visa comes with its own eligibility requirements and conditions.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.
Below is a detailed overview of the different types of Australian Visitor Visas:
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the most commonly used visa for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to see family and friends.
Tourist Stream
Purpose: For holidaying, visiting friends and family, or recreational purposes.
Eligibility: Open to anyone outside or inside Australia.
Duration: Up to 12 months, depending on the circumstances.
Business Visitor Stream
Purpose: For business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Eligibility: Must be outside Australia when applying.
Duration: Up to 3 months.
Sponsored Family Stream
Purpose: For family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to visit.
Eligibility: Requires a formal invitation and sponsorship from an eligible Australian family member.
Duration: Up to 12 months.
Approved Destination Status Stream
Purpose: For Chinese citizens traveling as part of a tour group.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
Duration: Up to 3 months.
Frequent Traveller Stream
Purpose: For frequent visitors, especially for business or personal purposes.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
Duration: Valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit.
eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) is an electronic visa available to passport holders from specific European countries.
Purpose: Tourism or business activities.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of European Union countries and a few other European nations.
Duration: Up to 3 months within a 12-month period.
Application: Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronic visa available to passport holders from certain countries.
Purpose: Tourism or business visitor activities.
Eligibility: Available to passport holders from eligible countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, and some others.
Duration: Up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month period.
Application: Apply online or through travel agents.
Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
The Transit Visa (Subclass 771) allows individuals to transit through Australia for a short duration.
Purpose: For traveler's who need to pass through Australia to reach another destination.
Eligibility: Must have a confirmed onward booking to another country within 72 hours.
Duration: Up to 72 hours.
Application: Must apply from outside Australia.
Visitor (Temporary Work - Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
This visa is for short-term, non-ongoing work assignments.
Purpose: For short-term work where the skills required are not easily found in Australia.
Eligibility: For highly specialised, non-ongoing work or participation in an event.
Duration: Up to 3 months, sometimes up to 6 months.
Application: Must be outside Australia to apply.
Key Considerations
Application Requirements: Ensure you have a valid passport, meet health and character requirements, and provide any necessary documentation, such as proof of funds and travel plans.
Travel Restrictions: Some visas have conditions regarding travel in and out of Australia, so check the specific terms of your visa.
Extensions and Changes: Depending on the visa type, you may not be able to extend your stay or change your visa while in Australia.
Processing Times: Visa processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.