Visitor Visa (Class FA, Subclass 600)
Planning a trip to Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family?
The Subclass 600 Visitor visa allows you to stay temporarily in Australia for a range of short-term purposes. Choosing the right stream and providing the right evidence can make all the difference to a successful outcome.
The visitor visa is available under several streams and will allow you to visit Australia for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the request, stream and circumstances. Some visas will also be granted with multiple entry facilities meaning, for example, you can travel to Australia multiple times within a 12 month period with each stay not exceeding 3 months.
For all streams, you will be required to demonstrate that you are a genuine temporary entrant (GTE). GTE means that you genuinely intend to remain in Australia temporarily only and that you have plans to and have a genuine intention to return to your home country. People that may have difficulty meeting this requirement include:
- They have more family members in Australia than in their home country demonstrating a strong tie to Australia;
- They do not have much assets or property forming a reason for them to return to their home country;
- People from high-risk countries (these are countries that have a high rate of visitors who tend to overstay in Australia);
- People who have no particular reason to return to their home country e.g. unemployed, retired etc;
- People from politically unstable areas.
One other requirement is to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support your travel and stay in Australia.
Common Issues When Applying for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
We often see applicants encounter the following issues:
- Submitting insufficient evidence – Applications are sometimes refused because key supporting documents are missing or incomplete.
- Difficulty demonstrating the genuineness of your family unit, especially when there have been long periods of separation.
- For sponsors in the family stream, preparing a strong invitation letter that clearly supports your family member’s application.
Suggested Solutions
For practical guidance on addressing these issues, please refer to the Q&A section below, where we explain key requirements and provide step-by-step advice.
Subclass 600 Visitor Visa FAQs
There are several streams under the Visitor visa. The most suitable one depends on the purpose of your visit.
- Tourist stream: For those visiting Australia for holidays, recreation or to visit family and friends.
- Business visitor stream: For short business visits such as attending meetings, conferences or negotiations.
- Sponsored family stream: For applicants with a suitable sponsor in Australia (this stream generally allows a stay of up to 12 months but with a mandatory “no further stay” condition along with a security bond).
- Approved destination and frequent traveller streams: Available for eligible applicants under specific arrangements.
Each stream carries slightly different visa conditions and requirements. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a professional before you apply to ensure you pick the correct stream.
To satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, you must show that you have a genuine intention to return home before your visa expires.
You can demonstrate this by providing:
- Evidence of strong personal ties (e.g. family members who rely on your care)
- Employment commitments or a letter from your employer confirming your return
- Property ownership or long-term financial commitments in your home country
- Future plans or bookings after your proposed visit to Australia
Tip: Documentary evidence is key – the stronger and more specific your supporting materials, the better your chances of success.
You will need to show that you have enough money to fund your trip and a reliable source of income.
Examples of suitable evidence include:
- Recent bank statements and payslips
- Tax records or other proof of income
- If supported by someone else (family, employer or organisation), include a written sponsorship letter and evidence of their financial capacity
A well-drafted invitation letter should include:
- The purpose of your family member’s visit and activities planned
- An outline of financial support (if applicable)
- Reasons why the applicant will return home after their visit
- Your contact details and relationship to the applicant
Tip: A clear, professional letter of invitation can help the Department assess the genuineness of the visit and the strength of the relationship.
Why Choose Brightstone Migration?
- Calm in Complexity – We specialise in complex applications and have extensive experience resolving unexpected issues that may arise during an otherwise straightforward process.
- Work with Your Schedule – If your travel plans require a visitor visa urgently, you can trust our team to manage your application efficiently and without delay.
Ready to start your application?
Contact our team for tailored advice and support with your Visitor visa.