Australia stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations across the globe due to its remarkable coastal areas, lively urban centers, and distinctive animal species. The Australian Tourist Visa opens the door for multiple travel options throughout the country regardless of whether you are planning a vacation or need to see family or conduct business activities.
Every Canadian visiting Australia needs a visa for any duration of their stay even short trips. The Visitor visa subclass 600 serves as the most frequently issued visa that allows people to enter for tourism and short business visits or to visit family and friends. Travelers can select between multiple visa streams which provide different stay periods ranging from 3 to 12 months according to their purpose of travel. All applications are processed through online channels and Canadian citizens have the option to apply for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to receive faster service. The approval process determines whether the visa holder will have the ability to make single or multiple entries.
Given below are the three main types of Australian tourist visas:
People who wish to visit Australia for recreational purposes or social visits should choose this visa option. People who choose the Visitor Visa 600 Tourist stream will receive permission for one year of stay along with options for both single and multiple entries.
The Business Visitor stream of the Visitor Visa 600 assists people who need to join business meetings while visiting Australia. The visa does not allow work with payment or the commercial exchange of products or services.
The Sponsored Family stream of the Visitor Visa 600 allows people to visit Australia through their sponsored family members. A security bond might be necessary for the Sponsored Family stream of the Visitor Visa 600 and the maximum duration is usually 12 months.
To receive an Australian Tourist Visa you need to meet the following requirements:
Step 1: Selecting the visa category which aligns with your reason to travel.
Step 2: Preparing all necessary paperwork alongside essential proof.
Step 3: Use the official immigration website to submit your application.
Step 4: Handle visa payment and perform biometric processes if necessary.
Step 5: Monitor the application status while awaiting the official decision.
The visa processing time for an Australian tourist visa can vary based on the visa stream and other conditions:
| Visa Stream | Processing Time (75% of applications) |
| Tourist Stream (outside Australia) | 21 days |
| Business Visitor Stream | 10 days |
| Sponsored Family Stream | Up to 50 days |
Obtaining an Australian Visitor Visa will cost you a standard application charge along with other expenses such as biometric costs, health examination fees etc.
The table below has a complete breakdown of Australian visitor visa fees:
| Type of visa | Duration | Pricing |
| Standard Single Entry Visa | 3 months | AUD 195 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 3 months | AUD 365 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 6 months | AUD 555 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 12 months | AUD 1,065 |
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The Australia Tourist Visa (subclass 600) provides visitors with a period of 3, 6 or 12 months to stay based on their travel objectives and visa application category. A typical tourist stay after entering Australia lasts for three months. You can request extended stays when you visit family members or have specific travel arrangements. It is mandatory to exit Australia before your visa expires unless you submit an extension request from within Australia. The violation of your visa terms will affect your future visa eligibility so you need to stay within the date range and comply with the specified regulations.
The process of transforming a tourist visa into a work visa is not permitted to take place during an individual's stay in Australia. The Tourist Visa (subclass 600) serves exclusively for visitors who participate in touristic activities or family visits and conduct business within Australia. The process to work in Australia requires you to obtain a suitable work visa either through overseas application or through the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or Bridging Visa application process from Australia. A registered migration agent must be consulted before you change your immigration status.
No, you cannot work in Australia on a tourist visa (subclass 600). Your stay in Australia under the visa comes with a clear restriction against paid employment. Specific conditions permit volunteer work for free under specific circumstances if the position does not substitute an Australian employee and remains truly voluntary. The intention to work in Australia requires you to obtain a suitable Australian work visa. The violation of visa terms results in immediate termination and future restrictions on visa applications.
Your Australia tourist visa application status can be checked through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 1: To view your application status, you need to access your submitted application after logging into your account.
Step 2: The application status may appear as “Received” and “Assessment in Progress” and “Further Information Required” and “Finalized.”
Step 3: You will receive email notifications regarding your application status. Agents who file applications can track their clients' applications. The Department will send you notifications through your current contact information.
Individuals in Canada who want to travel to Australia should use the ImmiAccount portal to submit their Visitor Visa (subclass 600) applications. You need to provide your documents which include a suitable passport and money proof and trip schedule and invitation letter. The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) permits Canadian passport holders to visit Australia with a fast and simple paper application process. The application process requires you to submit your documents along with the Visitor Visa fee and any additional health or biometric tests.
The length of an Australia Tourist Visa depends on the stream and individual circumstances. The standard tourist visa duration in Australia is 3 months per visit yet there are exceptions for extended stays of up to 12 months when visiting immediate family members. The visa permits entry for both single and multiple occasions. While in Australia, you must abide by your visa rules which include the prohibition of employment. You have the option to apply for a new visa before your current one ends if your situation changes.
The requirements for an Australia Tourist Visa application are as follows:
Note: The necessary documents for applying depend on your visa stream and nationality
The acceptance rate for Australia tourist visa applications is relatively high as long as applicants fulfill all criteria. The current approval rate for tourist visa applications stands between 75 and 90% based on the nationality of the applicant and their financial situation and visit purpose. The probability of receiving approval increases significantly for applications that include complete documentation and clear purpose alongside sufficient financial proof. Refusals generally occur when applicants fail to provide enough financial information or the immigration authorities doubt their returning to their home country or their unclear travel plans. Adequate preparations lead to substantially better chances of acceptance.
The base application fee for the Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190. Additional expenses apply to biometric collection (AUD 50–85), medical examinations (AUD 300–500), and priority processing (AUD 1,000) when it is available. The costs for these services depend on your location and personal circumstances. The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) costs AUD 20 for select passport holders. Regardless of your application outcome, all fees are non-refundable.
| Feature | Schengen Visa | Tourist Visa (Non-Schengen) |
| Purpose | Short-term travel across multiple European countries | Travel to a specific country for tourism |
| Coverage | 27 Schengen countries | Only one country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK) |
| Type | Type C (Short-stay visa) | Varies by country (e.g., B2 for USA, TRV for Canada) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days within 180-day period | Typically 30 to 180 days, depending on country |
| Entry Options | Single, Double, or Multiple Entry | Typically Single or Multiple Entry |
| Travel Insurance Requirement | Mandatory (€30,000 coverage minimum) | Usually required, terms vary by country |
| Application Location | Embassy/Consulate of main destination or first entry | Embassy/Consulate of the country you wish to visit |
| Use Case | Ideal for multi-country European trips | Ideal for single-country leisure visits |
