Blink! Blink! Blink! We landed in 2022, and it feels like it was only yesterday when everyone was travelling and visiting new countries, states, and towns. Covid-19 robbed people of their lives, enterprises, and personal connections. Everyone has been checking Covid-19 updates and travel updates first thing in the morning for the past two years, wondering when they will finally be able to travel overseas or call their loved ones closer to them. After over two years of preparation, Australia has finally opened its doors to tourists and other visitors. With the reopening of the border, there are a lot of mixed feelings among relatives and friends. After Australian citizens, permanent residents, students, and temporary residents, Australian visitor visa holders are the last to be granted permission to enter Australia. Following the news, there has been much discussion about the Australian tourist visa, its eligibility, conditions, processing time, and extension. The application process for an Australian tourist visa is broken down into steps to make it easier for persons who want to apply for visas for themselves or family members.
Which visa to apply for if you are a tourist?
The tourist visa is part of the visitor visa category. Individuals can enter Australia on a visitor visa subclass 600 to see their families or friends who live there, for business, or travel around Australia.
Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia)– This visa allows you to visit Australia for various purposes other than business or medical treatment. The purpose of applying for this visa should be solely to visit Australia, and you should have the funds to support yourself while there. Most significantly, you must be present in Australia when the application is filed and the decision is made.
Tourist Stream (Applicant from Outside Australia)– This visa permits you to travel around Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit relatives and friends. The requirements for this category are similar to those for the previous one: you must have the intent to apply for this visa exclusively and have sufficient cash to show that you can support yourself in Australia. On this visa, the applicant is unable to work.
Sponsored Family Stream Visa– This visa allows candidates to visit Australia sponsored by a family member. For this category, the candidate must have a sponsor and only visit Australia.
Business Visitor Stream: The purpose of visiting Australia should be related to business activities such as job or business inquiries, contract negotiations, or participation in conferences. Additionally, you must remain outside of Australia when applying for the visa and while the decision on the application is being made.
Approved Destination Status Stream– Applicants in this category must hold a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the applicant must be a part of the tour, which a licenced travel agent must organise.
Frequent Traveller Stream: The applicant must have a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. This visa enables these citizens to visit Australia for business or personal reasons.
What is the processing time for an Australian tourist visa?
Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): 15 days-11 months
Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): 15 days- 11 months
Sponsored Family Stream Visa: 28 days- 10 months
Business Visitor Stream: 3 days-17 days
Approved Destination Status Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalised in each period.
Frequent Traveller Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalised in each period.
Disclaimer: The processing time indicated is the average range of time it takes to make a visa determination. Although, according to the Department of Home Affairs, it varies from application to application and is subject to modification.
What are the requirements for applying for Australian tourist visa?
Applying for an Australian tourist visa, the applicant must-
1. Meet the health requirement
2. Meet the character requirement
3. Must have enough funds to support themselves while in Australia
4. Doesn’t owe the Australian government any money (You must have paid the money back or have arranged to pay it back).
5. Intend to stay temporarily in Australia
How to apply for an Australian tourist visa?
Australian tourist Visa can be applied in four simple steps:
Step 1: Log in or create an Immi Account.
Step 2: Start filling online application for visitor visa subclass 600 by selecting the correct stream.
Step 3: Attach all relevant documents required.
Step 4: Submit your application by paying the fees.
How to apply for an Australian tourist visa extension?
Tourist Visa Extension for Offshore Applicants
You can apply for a new Visitor Visa with a VAC waiver if your tourist visa has been impacted by Covid-19. This waiver applies only if you are outside of Australia and previously held a Visitor visa subclass 600 that was issued before March 21, 2020, expired, or will expire between March 20 and June 30, 2022, and was either a multiple-entry visa or a single-entry visa that was not used to travel to Australia. To be eligible for this chance, you must submit a new application using Immi Account by December 21, 2022. To be qualified for the waiver, you must state in your online application that you previously held a tourist visa and that it has been affected by Covid-19. *The VAC waiver can only be used once.
Tourist Visa for Onshore Applicants
Before applying for a new visa, make sure you don’t have any conditions on your current. There is an 8503 condition of no further stay in most cases, which can be found in the conditions section of your existing visa. In these cases, you must first seek a waiver before proceeding to the next step for onshore application.
For further information visit, https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/refunds-and-waivers-visa-application-charges
How much does the Australian Tourist Visa cost?
Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): A$370
Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): A$145
Sponsored Family Stream Visa: A$145
Business Visitor Stream: A$145
Approved Destination Status Stream: A$145
Frequent Traveller Stream: A$1,085
Disclaimer: This information is subject to change with respect to the Department of Home Affairs department.
What is the difference between e-visitor visa 651 and visitor visa 600?
The main distinction between the two visas is that the e-visitor visa 651 is only available to citizens of specific countries. You can use the link provided below to see if your passport fits under this category.
It’s challenging to stay up with immigration news with the constant changes and modifications to the rules. It’s a time-consuming process that necessitates much focus. Choose Vison Overseas Group as your migration partner because they are always on their toes and take pride in performing all jobs with passion and devotion to help your visa procedure go more smoothly and quickly