Travel

Australian Tourist Visa: All You Need to Know

Blink! Blink! Blink! We landed in 2022, and it feels like it was only yesterday when everyone was traveling and visiting new countries, states, and towns. After over two years of preparation, Australia has finally opened its doors to tourists and other visitors. With the reopening of the border, there are a lot of mixed feelings among relatives and friends. After Australian citizens, permanent residents, students, and temporary residents, Australian visitor visa holders are the last to be granted permission to enter Australia. Following the news, there has been much discussion about the Australian tourist visa, its eligibility, conditions, processing time, and extension.

Which visa to apply for if you are a tourist?

The tourist visa is part of the visitor visa category. Individuals can enter Australia on a visitor visa subclass 600 to see their families or friends who live there, for business, or travel around Australia. There are several streams available for different purposes:

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Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia)

This visa allows you to visit Australia for various purposes other than business or medical treatment. The purpose of applying for this visa should be solely to visit Australia, and you should have the funds to support yourself while there. Most significantly, you must be present in Australia when the application is filed and the decision is made.

Tourist Stream (Applicant from Outside Australia)

This visa permits you to travel around Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit relatives and friends. The requirements for this category are similar to those for the previous one: you must have the intent to apply for this visa exclusively and have sufficient cash to show that you can support yourself in Australia. On this visa, the applicant is unable to work.

Sponsored Family Stream Visa

This visa allows candidates to visit Australia sponsored by a family member. For this category, the candidate must have a sponsor and only visit Australia.

Business Visitor Stream

The purpose of visiting Australia should be related to business activities such as job or business inquiries, contract negotiations, or participation in conferences. Additionally, you must remain outside of Australia when applying for the visa and while the decision on the application is being made.

Approved Destination Status Stream

Applicants in this category must hold a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the applicant must be a part of the tour, which a licensed travel agent must organize.

Frequent Traveler Stream

The applicant must have a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. This visa enables these citizens to visit Australia for business or personal reasons.

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What is the processing time for an Australian tourist visa?

The processing time for an Australian tourist visa varies depending on the stream:

  • Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): 15 days-11 months
  • Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): 15 days-11 months
  • Sponsored Family Stream Visa: 28 days-10 months
  • Business Visitor Stream: 3 days-17 days
  • Approved Destination Status Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalized in each period.
  • Frequent Traveler Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalized in each period.

Please note that the processing time indicated is the average range of time it takes to make a visa determination and may vary from application to application.

What are the requirements for applying for an Australian tourist visa?

When applying for an Australian tourist visa, the applicant must:

  1. Meet the health requirement
  2. Meet the character requirement
  3. Must have enough funds to support themselves while in Australia
  4. Doesn’t owe the Australian government any money (You must have paid the money back or have arranged to pay it back).
  5. Intend to stay temporarily in Australia

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa?

Applying for an Australian tourist visa is a simple four-step process:

Step 1: Log in or create an Immi Account.
Step 2: Start filling out the online application for the visitor visa subclass 600 by selecting the correct stream.
Step 3: Attach all relevant documents required.
Step 4: Submit your application by paying the fees.

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa extension?

Tourist Visa Extension for Offshore Applicants

If your tourist visa has been impacted by Covid-19, you can apply for a new Visitor Visa with a VAC waiver. This waiver applies only if you are outside of Australia and previously held a Visitor visa subclass 600 that was issued before March 21, 2020, expired, or will expire between March 20 and June 30, 2022, and was either a multiple-entry visa or a single-entry visa that was not used to travel to Australia. To be eligible for this chance, you must submit a new application using Immi Account by December 21, 2022. To be qualified for the waiver, you must state in your online application that you previously held a tourist visa and that it has been affected by Covid-19. The VAC waiver can only be used once.

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Tourist Visa for Onshore Applicants

Before applying for a new visa, make sure you don’t have any conditions on your current visa. In most cases, there is an 8503 condition of no further stay, which can be found in the conditions section of your existing visa. If you have this condition, you must first seek a waiver before proceeding to the next step for an onshore application.

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How much does the Australian Tourist Visa cost?

The cost of an Australian tourist visa varies depending on the stream:

  • Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): A$370
  • Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): A$145
  • Sponsored Family Stream Visa: A$145
  • Business Visitor Stream: A$145
  • Approved Destination Status Stream: A$145
  • Frequent Traveler Stream: A$1,085

Please note that this information is subject to change, and it is advisable to check with the Department of Home Affairs for the latest updates.

What is the difference between e-visitor visa 651 and visitor visa 600?

The main distinction between the two visas is that the e-visitor visa 651 is only available to citizens of specific countries. Please check if your passport fits under this category using the link provided.

Staying up to date with immigration news and navigating the visa application process can be challenging. Choose iBlog as your migration partner because we are always on our toes and take pride in assisting you with passion and devotion to help your visa procedure go more smoothly and quickly.

FAQs

Q: Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?
A: No, the Australian tourist visa does not permit you to work.

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Q: How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?
A: The duration of stay allowed on an Australian tourist visa will depend on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check the visa conditions and consult the Department of Home Affairs for specific details.

Q: Can I apply for an Australian tourist visa extension multiple times?
A: The eligibility for an Australian tourist visa extension and the number of times it can be extended varies on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended to consult the Department of Home Affairs or seek professional advice for specific situations.

Conclusion

Traveling to Australia as a tourist is now possible with the reopening of borders. Understanding the different streams of the Australian tourist visa, application requirements, and processing times is essential for a smooth and successful visa application. Whether you are applying for an initial tourist visa or considering an extension, carefully follow the steps and stay updated with the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs. Enjoy your journey and make unforgettable memories in Australia!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or seek professional assistance for personalized guidance.

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