TL;DR
Purpose: The Onshore Tourist Visa 600 allows you to visit Australia for tourism, to visit family/friends, or for a short study program (up to 3 months).
Eligibility: You need to be in Australia, meet health and character requirements, prove financial capacity, and be a genuine visitor.
Application Process: Gather documents, submit online, and wait for a decision. Stay updated on any further requests.
Cost: From AUD 500, with additional fees like biometrics or health checks.
Processing Time: 50% processed in 13 days, 90% in 26 days.
Are you thinking of planning a trip to Australia to explore, visit family, or attend a short course? If you’re planning to be in Australia temporarily for tourism or family visits, the Onshore Tourist Visa 600 might be the perfect option for you! But understanding the application process can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you apply? What documents do you need? And what are the eligibility requirements?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Onshore Tourist Visa 600. From understanding its purpose and benefits to the step-by-step application process, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for your Australian adventure. Let’s understand this visa in more detail!
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is the Onshore Tourist Visa 600?
The Onshore Tourist Visa 600 is a temporary visa through which you can visit Australia for tourism, to meet your family or friends, or for short courses that last up to three months. If you are already in Australia, you are eligible to stay in Australia for up to 12 months with this visa and enjoy the country as a tourist.
Benefits of the Onshore Tourist Visa 600:
Stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
While you’re allowed to study for up to 3 months, if your primary purpose is education, a student visa might be more appropriate.
Travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa’s validity period (depending on visa conditions).
If you’re looking to visit for a short-term, non-business, or non-medical reason, this visa is ideal. Now, let’s dive into the eligibility criteria that you must meet to apply for this visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600
To be eligible for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600, you must meet a few key requirements, ensuring that your stay in Australia is temporary and in line with the visa conditions.
1. Health and character requirements
You need to meet the health requirements and the character requirements as part of the visa application process.
2. Financial capacity
You need to prove that you have enough funds or access to support yourself while in Australia. This can include bank statements, income proof, or financial sponsorship.
3. Genuine visitor
You need to prove that your visit to Australia is genuine, with the intention of staying temporarily and complying with the visa conditions.
4. Current status
You must be in Australia on a valid visa (substantive visa) or have had one in the last 28 days.
5. Best interests of the child
If you are applying with dependents under 18, their best interests will also be considered.
By ensuring you meet these criteria, you’ll be on the right track for a successful application. Now that we’ve covered the eligibility, let’s go over the application process.
How to Apply for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600
Applying for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600 is relatively simple, but it needs careful attention to detail to ensure you submit a complete and accurate application.
Step 1: Before You Apply
Before starting your application, check that you meet the eligibility requirements, gather all the required documents, which include your passport, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Make sure you have everything in order before applying. This includes:
A valid passport
Evidence of financial support (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)
Health insurance coverage for the complete duration of your stay.
Any additional documents that support your reason for travel, like invitation letters from family or friends.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa
You can apply online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure that you fill in all sections of the application carefully and double-check your documents.
Step 4: After You Apply
Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email from the department confirming that they’ve received your application. Watch for any additional requests for documentation or clarification.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
After your application is processed, you will be informed of the decision in writing. If granted, your visa details will be sent to you, including your visa grant number, the start date, and conditions. If refused, you’ll be notified with reasons and can request a review if necessary.
Need assistance with your Onshore Tourist Visa 600 application?
At Knowbal, we can guide you through every step of the process to ensure your application is complete and accurate. Contact us today for professional support tailored to your needs!
Visa Application Fees
The cost of applying for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600 is typically AUD 500. However, the final cost may vary depending on additional requirements such as:
Health checks
Police certificates
Biometrics
Subsequent temporary application charges
Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on the official Department of Home Affairs website to calculate the most accurate fee for your specific situation. Ensure that you budget for these additional costs to avoid surprises during the application process.
Processing Time
The processing time for the Onshore Tourist Visa 600 can vary depending on your personal circumstances, but on average:
50% of applications are processed within 13 days
90% of applications are processed within 26 days
Processing times for the visa can be affected by several factors, so make sure to check the Global Visa Processing Time Tool on the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information on timelines.
What Happens if Your Visa Is Refused?
If your Onshore Tourist Visa 600 application is refused, the Department of Home Affairs will notify you in writing with the reason for the refusal. In some cases, you may be eligible to appeal or reapply.
Common reasons for refusal include:
Not meeting health or character requirements
Insufficient financial evidence
Not being able to prove that you are a genuine visitor
If your visa is refused, take the time to carefully review the decision and, if applicable, work with a migration agent to resolve any issues and improve your next application.
Final Thoughts
The Onshore Tourist Visa 600 is a great option for tourists, family visitors, or short-term students looking to visit Australia. It offers flexibility and several benefits, including the ability to stay for up to 12 months. However, it’s essential to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete, accurate application.
Ready to apply for your Onshore Tourist Visa 600? If you’re unsure about the process or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Knowbal. Our team is here to provide you with expert guidance and make your application process as smooth as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long can I stay in Australia with the Tourist Visa 600?
You are eligible to stay in Australia for up to 12 months with the Onshore Tourist Visa 600; however, the length of the visa is determined on a case-by-case basis.
2. Do I need health insurance to apply for this visa?
No, but it is strongly recommended to have health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
3. Can I work while on the Tourist Visa 600?
No, this visa does not allow you to work in Australia. However, you can study for up to 3 months.
4. What happens if I overstay my visa?
If you overstay your visa, you will become unlawful and may be subject to fines, detention, or removal. Always ensure that you extend or leave before your visa expires.
5. Can I apply for an extension of my Tourist Visa 600?
Extensions are not possible; you will need to apply for a new Tourist visa if you need to extend your stay.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal Today!