Visitor Visa Australia 2025: Cost, Checklist & Guide 2025

Written by

Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jun 07,2025

Visitor Visa Australia: Types, Cost & Processing Time - TerraTern

Planning your Canada PR
Free last minute checklist

Is your dream to travel through Australia’s breathtaking nature, go diving in the Great Barrier Reef or come together with family and friends there? In 2025, there are revisions in visitor visa Australia rules, fees and document requirements. Knowing the rules for a visa is now crucial so that entry to the country runs smoothly. By referring to this guide, you will be well informed on all matters related to the visitor visa Australia (Subclass 600) and ready to arrange your upcoming trip.

 

Latest Facts & News About Visitor Visa Australia (2025)

  • Visitor visa (subclass 600) costs have grown: As of April 2025, it costs AUD 169.50, which is an increase of 13% from the old fee of AUD 150.

  • All visitors who wish to apply for a visa must fill out the application online via ImmiAccount; they are no longer allowed to send in paper forms in most cases.

  • Time it takes to process: Processing usually takes about 2–4 weeks, although delays happen if any part of the documents is illegible or incomplete.

  • The subclass 600 has the three options of Tourist, Business or Sponsored Family.

  • Applicants have to visit a biometric collection centre to give their fingerprints and photos.

  • Indian citizens must get a visa ahead of time since there is no visa-on-arrival option for them.

  • Applicants should show that they have kept at least AUD 5,000 in their account for each month during the past three months.

  • Candidates have to pass two tests: Police clearance and, if needed, medical exams.

  • Although not required, all tourists are recommended to purchase travel insurance.

  • Successful applicants get an electronic visa grant notice by email, not by having a passport stamped.

Are you thinking about seeing Australia’s landmarks or meeting up with your loved ones living there? Since the rules, costs and papers needed for a visitor visa Australia have become tougher, getting one in 2025 can be tough. This guide helps you through every requirement, detail and secret trick so you can travel safely.

What Does a Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) Mean?

This visa is called the Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) and it lets people from other countries visit Australia for tourism, for business, or to be with their family. Tourist visas are meant for temporary visits, and people staying on them cannot take up jobs or attend long courses.

Types of Visitor Visa Streams

Here are the types of visitor visa Australia streams:

  • Tourist Stream: Ideal for those wishing to explore Australia's scenic wonders, beaches, wildlife, and cultural attractions, or to visit friends or relatives. The tourist visa stream is available for both self-funded and sponsored travellers.

  • Business Visitor Stream: Intended for travellers visiting Australia for short-term business purposes. These include attending meetings, negotiations, trade fairs, or conferences. This visa does not permit one to sell goods or services directly.

  • Sponsored Family Stream: Suitable for applicants who have family members in Australia willing to sponsor their visit. Sponsors must be either Australian citizens or permanent residents and must provide formal assurance of support.

Key Features

Here are some of the key features of the visitor visa Australia:

  • Duration: Stay periods usually range from 3 months to 12 months, depending on the stream selected and the individual case.

  • Single/Multiple Entry: Applicants can choose a single-entry visa or request multiple entries if they plan to travel in and out of Australia during the visa period.

  • Non-Workable: Employment in any form is prohibited under this visa. Volunteering may be allowed in some cases if it’s unpaid and incidental to tourism.

  • Non-extendable: The visa typically cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa from outside Australia.

Latest Visitor Visa Australia Cost & Fee Updates (2025)

Visitor visa Australia costs are a critical part of the planning process, especially for budget-conscious travellers. As of April 2025, the cost of a Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) has increased.

Fee Structure Comparison Table

Here is a breakdown of the Visitor visa Australia costs:

Visa Stream

Fee in 2024

Fee in 2025

Increase

Tourist

AUD 150

AUD 169.50

+13%

Business

AUD 150

AUD 169.50

+13%

Sponsored Family

AUD 150

AUD 169.50

+13%

 

Additional Cost Considerations:

  • Payment Methods: Depending on how you pay (credit card, debit, PayPal), surcharges of up to 1.5% may apply.

  • Service Fees: If using a third-party service or visa agent, additional service charges will be incurred.

  • Currency Exchange Rates: Applicants applying from overseas should account for fluctuating currency conversion rates that may affect the final amount.

It is essential to note that all fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.

Visitor Visa Australia Checklist: Australia Visitor Visa Documents & Requirements

A well-prepared application is crucial for avoiding unnecessary delays, and a well-prepared application has all the required Australia visitor visa documents. Below is a visitor visa Australia checklist of the essential Australia visitor visa documents required to apply for a Visitor Visa Australia.

  1. Identity & Personal Information

  • Valid Passport: Must have at least six months' validity from the date of intended travel. Include all pages with visas and stamps.

  • Photographs: Two recent, passport-size photos with a white background, meeting the exact size and dimension guidelines (usually 35–40 mm wide).

  • National Identity Document: If applicable, submit a scanned copy of your national ID card.

  1. Financial Documents

  • Bank Statements: Submit personal bank statements from the last 3 months showing regular income and a closing balance of at least AUD 5,000.

  • Payslips/Salary Certificates: Provide at least three months’ worth of salary slips or a certificate from your employer verifying your salary.

  • Income Tax Returns: Include the most recent year’s ITR as evidence of financial compliance and solvency.

  • Business Registration Proof: If self-employed, include your company registration certificate and recent financial records.

  1. Travel & Accommodation Details

  • Flight Bookings: Tentative round-trip flight itinerary showing entry and exit from Australia.

  • Hotel Reservations: Booking confirmations from hotels or other accommodations covering your entire stay.

  • Travel Plan: A day-by-day travel itinerary listing cities, activities, and transportation.

  1. Supporting & Legal Documents:

  • Letter of Purpose: A signed statement explaining your reasons for visiting Australia, intended duration, and activities.

  • Police Clearance Certificate: Required in some cases to demonstrate good character and no criminal history.

  • Medical Examination: For stays longer than 6 months, or if requested, a full medical check-up from a panel physician may be required.

  • Travel Insurance Policy: While optional, it’s highly recommended to include proof of a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Now that you have an essential visitor visa Australia checklist, you can start your visa journey hassle-free.

Also Read: Australia Tourist Visa Checklist: Guide & Requirements

Australia Visitor Visa Documents: What You Need in 2025?

Organising records is extremely important throughout your business. To explain further, these are the different categories of Australia visitor visa documents needed:

  1. Identity Documents

They undeniably identify who you are and your nationality. You must also attach copies of the passport, its visa and recent images of your face. Make sure the image is easy to read and has excellent resolution to prevent being turned down.

  1. Financial Documents

You need them to provide proof that you can afford to live during the duration of your studies. Having enough money in the bank, steady earnings and filing taxes indicates good financial management.

  1. Travel Documents

Book your trips, have confirmed or tentative return tickets, organise your lodging and prepare a plan that proves you want to finish your study here and only submit the Sponsorship Document if applicable.

These include:

  • An invitation letter sent by your sponsor

  • Make sure you supply documents that show how close your relationship is with the sponsor.

  • The sponsor must submit his or her employment and bank statements.

  • The form for sponsorship is correctly filled out and personally signed.

  1. Document Translation

Any document not in English has to be translated by an accredited translator. Include both the untranslated and the translated version, and if you have credentials, they could be notarised.

Special Requirements for Minors, Business Visitors, and Sponsored Applicants for Visitor Visa Australia 2025

Here are the special requirements for minors, business visitors and sponsored applicants:

For Minors (Under 18)

  • Birth Certificate: To verify the age and parentage.

  • Parental Consent Form (Form 1229): This form must be signed by both parents if the child is travelling alone or with one parent.

  • Passports of Both Parents: Used to verify identities and signatures.

  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): From the non-travelling parent or guardian.

For Business Visitors

  • Invitation Letter: Should be issued by the Australian host company detailing the business nature, dates, and purpose of the visit.

  • Itinerary of Business Activities: A clear schedule showing meetings, conferences, or events you plan to attend.

  • Employer Letter: From your current company supporting your travel and confirming you’re on official duty.

For Sponsored Family Applicants

  • Form 1149: Sponsorship form completed by an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident.

  • Relationship Proof: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or any official documentation.

  • Sponsor’s Financial Documents: Bank statements, payslips, or tax returns showing they can support your stay.

Also Read: Invitation Letter for Business Visa: Key Tips & Guide

Australia Visitor Visa Apply Online?

Applications for Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) have to be made through ImmiAccount. Here are the main stages of Australia visitor visa apply online. The Australia visitor visa online application is a straightforward task. Let's look Australia visitor visa process :

1. Make an ImmiAccount, register yourself by providing your email ID and password.

2. Pick Visa Stream. Pick either Tourist, Business or Sponsored Family as the kind of visa you need.

3. On the application form, add your personal details, your travel history, when you want to travel, and details on how to reach you.

4. Ensure you upload the necessary documents so that they are clear and do not exceed the file limit.

5. You should use your credit card or other digital options to settle the required Visa fee. Save your receipt in a safe place for the future.

6. When happy with what you have provided, go ahead and submit your application. After completing the registration, you will get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).

7. Schedule and join your biometrics interview at a registered centre when this step is called for.

8. ImmiAccount is where you can view the status of your visa application.

9. Approval Email: Upon approval, an email with the details of the grant will be given to you.

Australia Visitor Visa Processing Time & Tips for Approval in 2025

The Australia visitor visa process will be much easier if you are well organised. Getting an idea of the time needed for processing and taking proper actions to improve your application can help a lot. This article contains the secrets to help your loan application go through fast and smoothly.

Processing Timelines

Here isthe breakdown of the processing timeline:

Stream

Estimated Processing Time

Tourist

15–25 business days

Business

10–20 business days

Sponsored Family

20–30 business days

 

Approval Tips

  • Apply Early: Submit your application at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid delays.

  • Ensure Documentation Accuracy: Double-check for errors, missing information, or unclear documents.

  • Provide Strong Home Ties: Include job letters, property ownership documents, or family proof to show intent to return.

  • Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Sudden alterations in travel plans may raise suspicion.

  • Be Truthful and Transparent: Misrepresentation or forgery can lead to permanent bans.

Also Read: Australia Visitor Visa Processing Time from India

Common Reasons for Visitor Visa Australia Refusal & How to Avoid Them in 2025

Here are some common reasons for visitor visa Australia refusal and how to avoid them:

Reason

Explanation & Solution

Insufficient Funds

If your bank balance or financial records appear weak, the visa officer may believe you cannot support yourself. Submit detailed bank statements, income proofs, and third-party financial guarantees (if applicable).

Weak Home Country Ties

A lack of permanent employment, dependents, or property in your home country could suggest intent to overstay. Include strong evidence of obligations back home.

Unclear Travel Purpose

A vague or conflicting travel itinerary can raise red flags. Write a clear travel plan with dates, locations, and activity explanations.

Poor Documentation Quality

Low-quality scans, incomplete forms, or outdated information may lead to rejection. Review all documents carefully before uploading.

Incomplete Sponsorship Proof

For Sponsored Family Stream, failure to provide full details of your sponsor, including financial and identity documents, may result in refusal. Make sure all sponsor forms are duly filled and signed.

 

 

Conclusion

When you apply for a Visitor Visa Australia (Subclass 600) in 2025, you need to plan, focus on all the details and completely understand all the rules. Proper preparation is needed because the application requires higher fees, fingerprint scans and strict paperwork. With the help of this guide on visas, fees, checklists and procedure steps, your chances of being granted a visa will rise. Keep the process moving from the start, be organised and always let honesty guide your actions. Planning anything from a trip, a meeting, or a reunion gives you the chance to discover Australia.

Are you interested in becoming a member? Start your learning experience now with sureness and a clear mind with TerraTern.

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

AI Summary

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum bank balance for an Australia visitor visa?

To apply for an Australia visitor visa (subclass 600), applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. While there is no officially declared fixed amount, immigration authorities typically expect to see a minimum bank balance of around AUD 5,000 maintained consistently for at least the last three months prior to the application. This amount may vary depending on the length of your intended stay, your itinerary, accommodation plans, and whether you have a sponsor. It’s important that these funds are clearly traceable, legally sourced, and presented through bank statements, pay slips, or tax documents to ensure credibility and avoid delays.

Can I extend my visitor visa while in Australia?

Yes, in certain situations, you can apply for an extension of your visitor visa while still in Australia, provided your current visa does not carry a “No Further Stay” condition (Condition 8503). If this condition is present, you must first request a waiver before applying for any new visa. If eligible, you may lodge a new visitor visa application through your ImmiAccount before your current visa expires. Immigration authorities will assess your new application based on your updated circumstances, reasons for staying longer, and your compliance with visa conditions. It’s essential to apply well in advance of your visa expiry to maintain lawful status in the country.

How do I prove my ties to my home country for a visitor visa?

Proving strong ties to your home country is a crucial part of the visitor visa application, as it assures immigration authorities that you intend to return home after your trip. You can demonstrate this by providing documentation such as proof of ongoing employment, a letter from your employer confirming your leave and return date, property ownership documents, family obligations, or evidence of dependent family members residing in your home country. Academic enrollment letters for students and business ownership papers for self-employed applicants are also persuasive. The stronger and more varied the evidence, the better your chances of convincing the visa officer that your stay in Australia is genuinely temporary.

What happens if my Australia visitor visa is refused?

If your Australia visitor visa is refused, you will receive a formal notification from the Department of Home Affairs outlining the reasons for the refusal. Common grounds include insufficient funds, weak home country ties, missing documents, or a lack of clarity around the travel purpose. This notice will also indicate whether you have the right to seek a review or appeal the decision. If no appeal rights are granted, you may still reapply with a stronger application that addresses the reasons for the earlier refusal. It is vital to carefully assess the refusal letter, gather additional evidence, and, if needed, seek professional advice before reapplying.

Is travel insurance mandatory for an Australia visitor visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining an Australia visitor visa, but it is strongly recommended. Healthcare in Australia can be very expensive for foreign nationals, and without insurance, visitors are responsible for all medical costs incurred during their stay. Travel insurance provides financial protection against unexpected events such as accidents, illness, travel delays, lost luggage, or cancellations. Some visa applicants, especially elderly travelers or those with pre-existing medical conditions, may be required to undergo health checks, in which case having travel insurance can strengthen your application and ease the visa officer’s concerns about potential medical liabilities.