Featuring unique attractions that bring thousands of tourists to the land down under each year, Australia has an economy in which tourism is playing an increasing role. If you’re planning on visiting Australia, the first thing to cross off your checklist is getting a Tourist visa, also known as a subclass 600.
Types or Streams
Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia)
In this stream, you can visit Australia for a temporary period of time for leisure purposes. Additionally, this visa can come in handy for you if you are currently staying under another visa that is nearing its expiry date.
Stay: Upto 12 months. Cost: Begins from AUD 370.
Conditions: The foremost condition for this stream is that you must be in Australia when you submit your application.
Processing Times: The minimum processing time is 15 days. But for 90% of applicants, processing can take upto 11 months.
Tourist Stream (Apply from outside Australia)
This Stream allows you to arrive at the Land down under temporarily for leisure and visiting family and friends.
Stay: This can vary. You may stay in Australia for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Cost: Begins from AUD 145
Conditions: You must be outside Australia when you apply.
Processing times: Like the previous stream, the processing times can take anywhere from 15 days to 11 months.
Sponsored Family Stream
Like most visitor visas, this too grants you a stay in Australia for tourism and leisure purposes. The bonus is that this visa is granted to you given that a family member has sponsored your stay in the country.
Stay: Your stay time can vary from 3, 6, or 12 months.
Cost: Starts from AUD 145. Additionally, a security bond would most likely be requested from your Sponsor.
Conditions: You must have a family member or relative residing in Australia who has sponsored your visit. Your visit can only be for leisure purposes.
Processing times: 25% of applications will be processed within 28 days. For the majority of applicants, the time can stretch up to 10 months.
Business Visitor Stream
Getting a Visa in this stream means you’re eligible to stay in Australia for business purposes. However, you won’t have the privileges that come along with a Work Visa. Instead, you can reside in Australia and research for work inquiries.
Stay: Up to 3 months
Cost: From AUD 145
Conditions: You must be outside Australian territory before applying You can only move around for research and inquiry purposes, but not for selling goods.
Processing times: 25% of applicants have a chance to receive the Visa within 3 days. At most, the time can go up to 17 days.
Approved Destination Status Stream
This visa only applies to visitors coming in from the People’s Republic of China. Residents from selected areas of China can visit Australia using this stream, given that their stay has been planned by an approved travel agent.
Stay: The period can vary, but will be given in your grant letter
Cost: AUD 145
Conditions: You must be a resident of the People’s Republic of China. Your visit should be organized by a pre-approved travel agent.
Processing Times: Processing times can vary for this stream. These depend entirely on the number of applications received by the Australian government in a given period of time.
Frequent Traveler Stream
This stream also is available for you if you are a resident of the People’s Republic of China. This visa can be a favorable option if you travel frequently to Australia for business or leisure purposes.
Stay: This Visa has a time extension of up to 10 years. You may reside in Australia for up to 3 months upon each visit.
Cost: AUD 1,085
Conditions: The prime condition is that you should belong to and hold a passport of the People’s Republic of China.
Processing Times: The times will vary depending on visa applications received during a certain period of time.
Conditions
- Meet all the necessary, and standard health requirements.
- Meet the Australian Government’s health requirements.
- For some of the streams, you must have a sponsor within Australia: either a family member/relative or an Australian government official.
- You must be an authentic visit to the country and be vary of all the conditions during your stay. ● Be financially stable during your stay to support yourself.
How To Apply
As per the recent circumstances, keep in check that the COVID-19 restrictions will vary during the visa application process. The main process is as follows:
- Before you apply, make sure you have a valid Passport, and receive all the necessary health examinations. If you are applying for the Frequent Traveler Stream, you will be required to provide biometrics through a Visa Application Center for Australia in China. Also, it is advisable that you get someone to aid you in the process.
- Gather your documents. Make sure all your papers are valid, and it is best if you include as much accurate information as you can. Among others, you will be required to provide pages of your current passport, a National Identity Card, and a document providing proof of name. Additional documents you ought to provide for visitation purposes include personal bank statements, a letter from your relative or friend in Australia, and proof that you have reasons to return to your home country.
- After commencing the application process, make sure you provide all the accurate information. Submit all your documents, and your family documents together. Make sure to pay the fee for whichever stream you’ve picked on time; the visa processing will be delayed if you lag on your payment.
- In case additional documents or steps are required, you will be informed by the Visa Application Center.
- There is a chance you will be informed of the outcome in writing. In case your visa is accepted, make sure you keep the written acceptance on you at all times during your visit.
Australian migration is a very complex process so it is always advised to consult with a professional before you proceed with the application.
