The Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism, business, or medical treatment purposes. Costs for this visa vary based on the stream selected.
So, how much does a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) cost? For Tourists, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, and Approved Destination Status Streams:
- Applying from within Australia: The base application charge is $630
- Applying from outside Australia: The base application charge is $250
For the Frequent Traveller Stream:
- The base application charge is $1,845. Approved designation is $250
Additional applicant charges may apply, and the process may involve a subsequent temporary application charge or a security bond if sponsored by a family member.
For eligible travellers, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) costs only $20 as a service fee with no government application charge, and the eVisitor (subclass 651) is entirely free. These are worth considering if you hold an eligible passport before applying for the subclass 600.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, we are experienced in helping our clients apply for a range of visas. If you or someone you know is applying for a visitor visa and has questions or needs assistance, please contact us today.
What factors determine the cost of an Australian Partner Visa?
Factors that influence the Australia visitor visa (subclass 600) costs include:
- Visa Stream: Tourist stream / Sponsored Family stream / Business Visitor / Approved Destination Status / Frequent Traveller
- Location of Application: onshore or offshore — the onshore fee ($630) is significantly higher than the offshore fee ($250) due to the additional administrative work involved and the granting of a bridging visa
- Sponsorship: The Sponsored Family stream requires a family member, usually an Australian citizen, to sponsor you, and they may need to pay a security bond as part of the visa application charge.
- Purpose of Visit: Costs vary based on whether you are visiting family, for business or medical treatment, tourism, or attending a tour organised in certain areas.
- Duration and Frequency of Travel: The Frequent Traveller stream, which allows multiple entries over up to 10 years, is more expensive compared to single-entry or short-term visas.
Factors such as the applicant's age, personal circumstances, and the specific visa stream chosen all impact the total visa application cost, with secondary applicant charges also potentially applicable.
Visitor visa fees are reviewed and typically increased each financial year on 1 July. Always check the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging your application.
There is then the additional cost of engaging a lawyer or registered migration agent to assist you with your Australia visitor visa application if you require assistance. At Australian Migration Lawyers, fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. However, we work on a fixed-fee basis rather than billing hourly, providing certainty about the total application fees, including any subsequent temporary application charges that may apply. We also offer payment plans to support applicants with varying financial needs. For accurate costs, applicants can book a consultation to discuss their eligibility and receive a quote tailored to their specific circumstances, ensuring compliance with a range of requirements, including Australia’s character requirements.
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Book a consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about your situation, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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Can I Extend My Visitor Visa in Australia and Will It Cost More?
It is important to note that you cannot extend your Visitor Visa (subclass 600) to stay longer in Australia. To remain in Australia beyond the initial visa period stipulated in the visa grant letter, you must lodge a new application for a new visa. This can be for another visa type, such as a contributory parent visa or a student visa, or may be for another visitor visa. If your current visa includes a condition that does not permit you to remain in Australia at the end of your visa, you may need to apply for another visa offshore. If applying for a new visa, be prepared to pay the application fees, including any additional applicant fees or fees related to the translation of documents or police checks. For specific visa types, you may need to provide more than your passport details and provide information about your financial status or ties to your home country.
Key takeaway: You cannot simply “extend” a Subclass 600 visa. You must apply for an entirely new Visitor visa before your current one expires if you need to stay in the country longer than initially planned.
Should I use a migration lawyer to apply for a visitor visa?
At Australian Migration Lawyers, we assist with navigating the complexities of obtaining a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). We provide expert consultations, help with gathering and reviewing the necessary documents, and ensure an accurate submission of your visa application. Our team also represents you in communications with immigration authorities, addressing any issues that may arise. Engaging our services can help increase your chances of having your Visitor Visa 600 granted, assist you in understanding your visa conditions, and manage any complications that may arise, such as proving you have sufficient funds or meeting character requirements.
If my visitor visa gets rejected, what are my options?
If your Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is rejected, it may be due to:
- Incomplete documents
- Insufficient funds
- Doubts about your intent to return
But you have some options to explore in a scenario like this. You can:
- Appeal the decision with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if you believe the refusal was based on an error
- Lodge a new application for a temporary visa, addressing any deficiencies noted in the refusal. It is crucial to review the reasons for the rejection thoroughly and ensure your new application meets all eligibility criteria.
For those visiting Australia as a business visitor or visiting family, or considering other visa options like a student visa, a contributory parent visa, or a business innovation visa, engaging an Australian Migration Lawyer can help rectify issues and improve your chances. Note that the non-refundable visa application charge cannot be recovered if the application is rejected, so careful preparation is essential to avoid additional charges.
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How to get advice on the Australian visitor visa?
At Australian Migration Lawyers, we can give you advice on a range of visa matters, including Australian Visitor Visas (subclass 600). Our team can assist you in understanding the visa options available to respond to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact us to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in 2026?
As of early 2026, the cost depends on where you are when you apply. The base charges are:
- Offshore (applying from outside Australia): $250
- Onshore (applying from within Australia): $630
Keep in mind that these are just the application charges. You must also budget for costs like biometrics, medical exams, and credit card surcharges (usually around 1.4%).
Medical examinations, where required, typically cost between $200 and $400 per adult depending on your location, paid directly to the approved panel physician.
Can I extend my visitor visa while in Australia?
You cannot; you will need to apply for a new one to extend your stay. If your current visa does not have a “No Further Stay” condition, you may be eligible to lodge a new application, but do so at least 2–3 weeks before your current one expires.
What is the difference between onshore and offshore visitor visa applications?
The main difference is your physical location, but it affects cost. Onshore is much more expensive ($630 vs. $250) because it involves more administrative work and the granting of a bridging visa.
How long does it take to process a visitor visa to Australia?
Processing times vary by stream and are updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs. For current indicative timeframes, check the Department's official processing times tool at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your application.
Do I need travel insurance for my Australian visitor visa?
No, but it is recommended. Australia’s healthcare is very expensive for non-residents, so for visitors over 75, parents on longer stays, or those from countries with high health risks, the case officer generally asks for proof of Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) before they approve the visa.
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