Australia Tourist Visa Application Process (Subclass 600)

Key facts

• Visa type: Visitor visa subclass 600, Tourist stream (offshore)
• Government fee: AUD 250 (approx. USD 175.72)
• Vistolane service fee: USD 9.98
• Processing time: 21–33 days (median; complex cases take longer)
• Validity: Up to 12 months, decided at grant
• Application method: Online via ImmiAccount; no embassy appointment
• Fee verified: September 2026 (Department of Home Affairs pricing page)
• Refund on refusal: No — government fee is non-refundable

Overview

The Australia Visitor visa (subclass 600) costs AUD 250 (approximately USD 176) for an offshore application and typically takes 21–33 days to process. Validity is decided at the time of grant and can be up to 12 months. Indian passport holders apply entirely online — there is no embassy appointment and no paper form to submit.

What is the subclass 600 and who can apply from India?

The Visitor visa subclass 600 is Australia's standard short-stay visa for tourism, family visits and short business activities. It covers:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting a spouse, parents, children or other family members who are Australian residents
• Attending a conference or short business meeting (not to work or take up employment)

Indian passport holders apply under the Tourist stream (offshore). There is no nationality-based refusal rate published by the Department, but officers assess each application on financial, personal and travel history grounds.

How much does the Australia tourist visa cost?

The government fee for a subclass 600 offshore application is AUD 250 (approximately USD 175.72), verified as of September 2026.

Fees are paid online at the time of application submission. They are non-refundable whether the visa is granted or refused. Check the Department of Home Affairs pricing page for any updates before you apply, as government fees can change without prior notice.

Vistolane's service fee is USD 9.98 on top of the government charge, covering document review and submission support.

What documents do you need?

The subclass 600 does not have a fixed checklist — the Department asks you to provide evidence that you meet the visa criteria. For Indian applicants, the following are almost always required.

Identity and travel documents - Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended travel dates) - Recent passport-size photographs - Copies of previous visas and travel history

Financial evidence - Last 3–6 months of bank statements showing consistent funds - Salary slips or income tax returns (ITR-2 or ITR-3 for self-employed applicants) - Proof of employment: letter from employer stating designation, salary and approved leave

Travel and accommodation - Return flight itinerary (booking reference, not necessarily a paid ticket) - Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Australia with their visa or citizenship details - Detailed travel itinerary

Ties to India - Property ownership documents, fixed deposit statements or business registration certificates - Evidence of dependants in India (school enrolment of children, spouse employment letter)

If visiting family in Australia, you will also need the host's proof of status (Australian passport copy, permanent residence visa grant letter or citizenship certificate).

How do you apply? Step-by-step

• Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Start a new application and select Visitor — subclass 600, then choose the Tourist stream.
• Complete the online form: personal details, travel history, employment, health and character declarations.
• Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format. Combine related documents into single files where the system allows.
• Pay the AUD 250 government fee by international credit or debit card.
• Submit. You will receive an acknowledgement with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
• Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests for further information (such as additional financial documents or a health examination).
• Once decided, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice by email. There is no stamp or sticker — the visa is linked electronically to your passport number.

How long does processing take and how long is the visa valid?

Processing time is 21–33 days for the majority of subclass 600 applications. The Department does not guarantee a processing time; complex cases or those requiring health checks take longer. Check the Department's visa processing times page for current medians.

Validity is granted at the Department's discretion and can be up to 12 months. Within that validity period, most Tourist stream grants allow multiple entries. The number of days you may stay per visit (typically 3 months) is also specified in your grant notice — read it carefully.

Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date to allow a comfortable buffer.

What are the most common reasons for refusal?

Understanding refusal grounds helps you build a stronger file from the start. The most common reasons for Indian applicants include:

• Insufficient financial evidence: Bank accounts that show a sudden large deposit just before application (known as "parking funds") rather than a consistent savings history.
• Weak ties to India: No demonstrated reason to return — no property, no dependants, no stable employment.
• Vague travel purpose: A generic itinerary or no accommodation confirmed.
• Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between the online form and uploaded documents.
• Previous visa history: Prior overstays in Australia or refusals in other countries (particularly UK, Canada or Schengen) that are not addressed.

If you have had a prior refusal, read our guide on visa refusals: read the letter and rebuild your file before reapplying.

Do you need a health check or police clearance?

Most short-stay Tourist stream applicants do not need a health examination. However, the Department may request one if you have spent 3 or more months in a tuberculosis-listed country in the past 5 years, or if you have a declared medical condition.

A police clearance is not routinely required for a subclass 600, but you must truthfully answer character questions on the form. Providing false information is a ground for cancellation even after grant.

How does the subclass 600 compare to visitor visas for other destinations?

If you are planning travel to multiple countries or weighing up options, it helps to see the subclass 600 in context.

Fees for other destinations are listed on their respective destination pages. Do not rely on this table for current figures — always verify on official government sites before paying.

Tips for a strong subclass 600 application from India

• Show 6 months of consistent savings, not a sudden transfer from a relative's account.
• Upload a clear, day-by-day itinerary linked to your accommodation bookings.
• Include an employment letter that explicitly confirms your approved leave dates.
• If you have previously visited Australia or other English-speaking countries, include copies of those visas — a positive travel history is a genuine asset.
• Ensure your name spelling in ImmiAccount exactly matches your passport.
• Do not submit multiple simultaneous applications; the Department will typically close the earlier one.

For a detailed walkthrough of the full process including health insurance, GTE-equivalent statements and the grant notice format, see the Australia Visitor visa (subclass 600) step-by-step guide for Indians.

If you are also considering Australia for study or work, the Australia Student visa (subclass 500) guide and the Australia Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) guide cover those pathways in full.

Questions, answered