A visitor visa (subclass 600) is a temporary visa that you can use to visit your family and friends. This visa has replaced the following visas the Tourist visa (subclass 676), Sponsored Family Visitor visa (subclass 679), Business Visa (Short Stay) (subclass 456) and Sponsored Business Visitor Visa (Short Stay) (subclass 459). If you currently hold one of these visas, it will still be valid for the period you were given when the visa was granted.
There are currently 6 streams you can apply for under the Visitor Visa:
- Tourist stream (apply in Australia) – you may be granted stay in Australia for up to 12 months
- Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) – you may be granted stay in Australia for 3, 6 or even 12 months
- Sponsored family stream – your family member who is an Australia citizen or permanent resident can sponsor you and you may be granted stay in Australia for up to 12 months
- Business visitor stream – you can make a short business trip and stay in Australia for up to 3 months
- Approved Destination Status stream – this allows citizens of the People’s Republic of China visit Australia through an organised tour group and their period of stay will be specified in the grant letter
- Frequent traveller stream – you may be granted stay in Australia for up to 10 years and stay in Australia for up to 3 months each time you visit
How long can I stay?
This visa will allow you to stay in Australia for a specific period of time that will be determined based on your reason to stay in Australia and for how long you want to stay in Australia. As each case is determined on an individual basis, you may or may not always get the length of stay that you have asked for. Nevertheless, with a visitor visa you may be granted multiple entries in Australia with this visa (or a single entry). If you are granted a multiple entry visitor visa this means that you may leave Australia and then come back as many times as you want, of course only while your visitor visa is valid. If you are granted a single entry visitor visa, you will not be able to re-enter once you leave Australia.
How do I extend my visitor visa?
Unfortunately, once your visitor visa expires, you will be unable to renew or extend it. You will need to apply for another visa. Also, if you have a condition attached to your visa, such as condition 8503 which prevents further stay, there are limited circumstances in which you may be able to request a waiver of this condition. Depending on what stream of the visitor visa you apply for, you may be subject to different visa conditions. It is important that you understand what these conditions mean and how it can impact your stay in Australia.
I need help with my Visitor Visa
At Migration Centre of Australia, we have been trusted by our clients throughout the years to help them find their way in Australia. Our Registered Migration Agents are known in the industry for their expertise and knowledge in Visitor Visas and are constantly monitoring legislative updates, especially during this pandemic, to ensure that they are always one step ahead. If you wish to apply for a visitor visa, or you want to know more about the different stream, or are currently on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and you need help in extending your stay in Australia during this pandemic, or you simply require professional migration advice regarding your visa status, contact us today on 02 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of our migration agents will be ready to assist.
