FAQs About Visitor Visa Australia | Expert Guide

Are you planning to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family, or for a short business trip? If so, it is important to understand the Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

In this blog, I’ll share the most common questions asked about Visitor Visa Australia, including its different streams, application process, and required documents.

You’ll learn the comprehensive answers to your questions relevant to visitor visas. If you need professional advice, contact our expert at The Migration.

Table of Contents

FAQs About Visitor Visa Australia

Here, I’ve divided queries into different categories so that you can easily understand them. These sections or categories include the following:

Section 1: Visitor Visa Australia General Information
Section 2 : Visitor Visa Document Submission Guidelines
Section 3 : Visitor Visa Application Submission Guidelines

Here is the brief description of each category.

Section 1: Visitor Visa Australia General Information

Look below to get answers to the most frequently asked questions on a visitor visa in Australia.

Q.1. What is a Visitor Visa (subclass 600)?

The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows you to visit Australia for tourism and business purposes, or to visit family and friends. It has different streams, including the tourist stream and the business visitor stream.

Q.2. What are the different streams of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600)?

The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) has five streams, including the following:

Tourist Stream
Sponsored Family Stream
Business Visitor Stream
Approved Destination Stream
Status and Frequent Traveller Stream

Q. What is the tourist stream of the visitor visa?

The Tourist stream of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows people to visit Australia for holiday purposes, tourism, or to see family and friends. It is suitable for those who want to explore Australia or spend time with loved ones. It does not permit any work or business activities while in Australia.

Q. What is the Business Visitor stream of the Visitor Visa?

The Business Visitor stream of the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a type of visa that allows people to travel to Australia for short business trips. This includes activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. However, it does not allow you to work in Australia or sell goods to the public.

Q. Can I work on a visitor visa in Australia?

No, the visitor visa does not allow you to work in Australia. It is designed only for tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business visits.

Section 2 : Visitor Visa Document Submission Guidelines

Here are some of the most asked questions regarding document submission of visitor visas in Australia.

Q. What documents do I need to apply for a visitor visa?

You must provide the following documents to apply for a visitor visa in Australia, including:

A completed and signed Form 1415 (if you are applying for the business stream of the visitor visa).
A completed and signed Form 1419 (if you are applying for the tourist stream of Visitor Visa).
A letter from your employer stating your position, length of employment, and details about your visit.
A letter of invitation from the host organisation in Australia.
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or pay slips.
Copies of the biographical pages of your passport.
Copy of your birth certificate showing the names of both parents
Copy of your certified family census stating your family composition.
Evidence of polio vaccination.

Q. What documents are required for children under 18 travelling without parents?

If you are under the age of 18 and travelling without your parents (either one or both), you are required to provide the following documents:

Authorisation to Travel: A document from the parent(s) who are not travelling with you, giving permission for you to travel.
Statutory Declaration: A formal statement from your non-travelling parent(s) confirming their permission for your trip.
Form 1229: This is a consent form that must be completed by the parent(s) who are not travelling with you, allowing you to get an Australian visa.

Make sure that all of these documents are signed in front of the public. You also need to include a copy of your parent’s government-issued ID, which should show their photo and signature.

Q. What documents do I need if I am under 18 and staying in Australia with someone other than my parents?

If you are under 18 years old and want to stay in Australia with someone who is not your parent, legal guardian, or relative, you need to provide the following:

Declaration Form: This is a signed statement from the person who will be responsible for you while you’re in Australia.
Form 1257: This is called the Undertaking Declaration, which must also be completed.

Make sure that these documents are properly signed and include all the necessary details.

Q. What documents are required for applicants over 75 years old?

If you are 75 years old or older and applying for a visa, you must complete a medical examination with a doctor chosen by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

After you submit your application, they will contact you to let you know what medical exams you need to take. You can find a list of nearby panel doctors on their website. Additionally, you must provide proof of health insurance during your stay in Australia.

Q. Do I need to translate any documents?

Yes, all non-English documents must be translated into English and submitted along with a certified copy of the original document. In Australia, you can contact the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters for translation services.

Outside Australia, translators must include their full name, address, phone number, and details of their qualifications and experience.

Q. How should I submit my documents for a visitor visa?

For online applications via ImmiAccount, you must scan and upload certified original documents. Do not scan copies of originals.

For paper applications, provide certified copies or original documents that can be kept by the Department of Home Affairs. Do not send original documents, as they will not be returned.

Q. What if my documents are issued outside of Australia?

All foreign-issued documents must be certified by the issuing authority. Ensure that these documents are included in your application.

Section 3: Visitor Visa Application Submission Guidelines

Look below for the frequently asked questions about visitor visa application submission.

How do I lodge my visa application for a visitor visa?

You can apply online through ImmiAccount, which is the easiest way to lodge your application and pay the visa fee. You can also save your application and continue later if needed. To apply online, follow these steps:

Create an account on the ImmiAccount website.
Log into your account and search the application form for a visitor visa.
Download the application form and fill out the required information.
Attach all the required documents and pay the visa fee.
Submit the application and wait for the visa outcome.

Book Appointment With Registered Migration Agent

What are the benefits of applying for a visa online using ImmiAccount?

There are multiple benefits to applying for a visitor visa online using the ImmiAccount website. Here are some of them discussed below:

You can apply and pay for your visa at anytime.
You can start your application, save it, and come back to finish it later.
You can attach documents directly online without going to Visa Application Centre.
You can check the status of your application online.
If you need to change any details in your application, you can do that online.
You can download a copy of your application whenever you need it.

Q. Do I need to provide biometrics for my visa application?

Yes, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the Australian Visa Application Centre as part of your application process.

However, government officials acting as representatives of a foreign government are exempt from providing biometrics. But their family members are not exempt unless they also qualify for a “nil Visa Application Charge.”.

Q. How long does it take to process a visitor visa application?

Processing times vary and depend upon several factors. If you submit a complete and accurate application, chances of your visa application processing will be faster. However, you can check the current global processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months for a visitor visa application processing.

Q. Can I include my family in my Visitor Visa application?

No, you cannot include your family members as dependents on your visa application. Each family member needs to apply for their own visa and pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) separately.

If your family is travelling with you but is not involved in any business activities, they should apply for a Visitor Visa under the Tourist Stream (subclass 600).

However, if they will be participating in business activities, they need to apply for the Visitor Visa under the Business Visitor Stream (subclass 600).

Q. Are there any exemptions from the Visa Application Charge?

Government employees travelling for business as representatives of a foreign government may be exempt from the Visa Application Charge. However, they are required to provide a supporting letter from their government agency.

Q. What happens if I provide false information in my application?

Providing false or misleading information can result in:

Visa refusal or cancellation.
You may be banned from applying for another visa for three years.
If you have already received a visa grant, your visa may be cancelled.

Q. How can I send additional information or documents after applying for my visa?

If you forgot to include some documents, you should send them as soon as possible. You can send these documents either online or in person. Here’s how you can do it:

If you applied online, you can upload the extra documents through your ImmiAccount.
If you need to send documents by hand, go to the Australian Visa Application Centre. Make sure to make an appointment first, and remember that there may additional fee for this service.

Do I need to have a health examination for my visitor visa application?

Most people applying for this visa do not need to undergo a medical exam. However, you may be asked to for it under these circumstances:

If you want to enter a hospital or healthcare facility, like a nursing home.
You are 75 years old or older.
You have symptoms that you might not meet the health requirements.

The Department of Immigration uses an online system to keep track of your health exam results. You will usually need to complete your medical exam after you have submitted your visa application.

Once your application is lodged, the case officer will send you a “Health Assessment” letter by email. You must take this letter with you when you go for your medical exam with the panel doctor.

What should I do if my name has changed?

If your name has changed, include certified copies of evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or legal name change document.

Q. What should I do if my travel is urgent?

If you have urgent reasons and want faster processing of your application, you should write a statement explaining your situation. Include this statement with your application.

After you submit your application, email a copy of the statement and any supporting documents to immigration.beirut@dfat.gov.au. Make sure to mark the email as “URGENT.” Keep in mind that not all requests for urgent processing can be accepted.

Q. How do I provide evidence of sufficient funds?

You can provide recent personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, taxation records, or credit card limits. These documents must show that you have enough funds for your intended stay in Australia.

Q. What should I do if I want to stay longer in Australia?

If you want to stay longer in Australia, you should explore other visa options that allow for longer stays, such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400).

Final Thoughts

Applying for a visitor visa to Australia involves several steps and requires careful preparation of documents. By understanding the requirements and following the guidelines, you can increase your chances of a successful application.