Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
If you are living in New Zealand and want to visit Australia to see family, explore the country or attend a business meeting, the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is usually the visa you will need. It is Australia’s main short-stay visa for people who do not hold a New Zealand passport, and it lets you stay for three, six or twelve months depending on your circumstances and the stream you apply under.
This specialized visa service page explains what the Subclass 600 actually is, who needs it, what the four streams cover and how Ezy Immigration supports applicants throughout the process. We have written it in plain language, because visa rules are confusing enough without jargon getting in the way. Wherever it helps, we have linked through to our other Australian visa services so you can explore the full picture of your options.
What Is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa About?
The Subclass 600 is a temporary visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It is designed for genuine visitors, not for people intending to live, study or work in Australia long term. Genuine is the key word here. The Department wants to see that you plan to visit, enjoy your stay and then return home (or to New Zealand) before your visa expires.
The visa covers four main streams:
Tourist Stream
It is the one most people apply for. It suits holidays, sightseeing and visits to friends or relatives, and it is the stream Ezy Immigration helps with most often.
Sponsored Family Stream
It is for applicants being sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident, often a close family member, who agrees to support part of the visit.
Approved Destination Status Stream
It applies only to Chinese passport holders travelling with an approved tour group.
“Choosing the wrong stream is one of the most common reasons a visitor visa application is delayed or refused,” is a point our team raises with almost every client, because the stream you apply under shapes the evidence you need to provide.
A quick but important note for New Zealand citizens: if you hold a New Zealand passport, you generally do not need a Subclass 600 to visit Australia, as you can travel under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival. The Subclass 600 is most relevant if you are a resident of New Zealand who holds a different passport, or if you are supporting a family member’s visit from overseas.
The Real Challenges of Applying on Your Own
Most people who come to Ezy Immigration have already tried, or started to try, applying by themselves. The online form itself looks simple enough. The difficulty is usually everything around it: working out which stream fits your situation, gathering the right financial evidence, writing a statement of purpose that clearly shows genuine intent, and knowing how much detail is enough without overwhelming the case officer.
Small mistakes carry real consequences. A missing bank statement, a vague travel purpose, or weak evidence of ties back home can lead to requests for further information, long delays, or in some cases a refusal that then makes future applications harder. For a visit that might only last a few weeks, that kind of setback is frustrating and, frankly, avoidable.
This is where a second, experienced set of eyes makes a genuine difference. Our team reviews your circumstances honestly, tells you where your application is strong, and helps you shore up the parts that are not.
Why New Zealand Applicants Choose Ezy Immigration
Ezy Immigration has spent years helping people across New Zealand navigate Australian visa applications, and the Subclass 600 is one of the visas we support most regularly. Our approach is straightforward: we look at your situation properly before we tell you what to do next.
Every case starts with a proper conversation about your travel plans, your financial position and your ties to New Zealand, rather than a generic checklist. From there, we tell you plainly whether the Tourist, Business or Sponsored Family stream fits best, and we explain why in terms you can actually follow. If your case has complications, such as a previous visa refusal or an unusual travel history, we address it head-on instead of hoping the case officer will not notice.
Our clients also value that we stay involved after lodgement. Visa processing can throw up follow-up requests from the Department, and we help you respond quickly and correctly rather than leaving you to work it out alone. You can read what past clients have said about working with us on our testimonials page, and learn more about our background on our About Us page.
Subclass 600 Requirements and What You Will Need
Regardless of the stream, every applicant must satisfy the Department that they are a genuine temporary visitor. This means demonstrating sufficient funds to support the trip, meeting health and character requirements, and showing strong enough ties to New Zealand, or your home country, that returning is the clear and obvious plan.
In practice, this usually means providing a valid passport, recent passport photos, a general travel itinerary, evidence of income or savings, and, depending on the stream, a letter of invitation or sponsorship from an Australian contact. If you have visited other countries before and returned home as planned, that travel history helps your case. If you have dependants, property or steady employment in New Zealand, that evidence strengthens it further.
Health and character checks depend on your nationality, how long you intend to stay and where you have lived recently. Some applicants need a police certificate or a medical examination; others do not. Because these requirements vary so much from person to person, we recommend starting with a proper free assessment rather than guessing at what applies to you.
It is worth being clear about one common misconception: the Subclass 600 does not permit paid work in Australia. If your goal is to work while you are there, you will need a different pathway, and our team can talk you through what that might look like as part of a broader full migration assessment.
How the Application Process Works With Ezy Immigration
Working with us follows a clear sequence, and we walk you through each stage rather than handing you a form and disappearing.
Throughout the process, our focus stays on reducing the stress on your side. Visa applications can feel like a black box; our job is to make sure yours is not.
How the Subclass 600 Compares to Other Visitor Options
Not every visitor to Australia needs a Subclass 600, so it helps to see how it sits alongside the alternatives.
| Visa | Who it suits | Typical stay | Can you work? | Government fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Subclass 600 (Tourist Stream) |
Non-NZ-citizen passport holders visiting for tourism, family or business |
3, 6 or 12 months |
No |
From roughly AUD 200–250, depending on when you apply |
|
ETA (Subclass 601) |
Eligible passport holders from a short list of countries |
Up to 3 months per visit |
No |
A small service charge only |
|
eVisitor (Subclass 651) |
Eligible European passport holders |
Up to 3 months per visit |
No |
Free |
|
Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) |
New Zealand citizens travelling on a NZ passport |
Ongoing, granted on arrival |
Generally yes |
Free |
Government fees are reviewed and adjusted periodically, so treat the figures above as a general guide and confirm the current charge with our team before you apply. If you are unsure which row applies to you, that is exactly what our free assessment is for.
Ready to Plan Your Visit to Australia?
If you have read this far, you are probably weighing up whether to apply yourself or get support. Either path is possible, but if you would rather not risk delays over a missing document or the wrong stream, we are here to help. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a straightforward conversation about your plans and what the Subclass 600 process would look like for you.
Expert Guidance for Your Subclass 600 Visitor Visa Application
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is the standard route for non-New-Zealand-citizen residents of New Zealand who want to visit Australia for tourism, business or family reasons. Getting the stream and the evidence right matters more than people expect, and that is exactly where Ezy Immigration adds value. From your first enquiry to your visa decision, and any follow-up questions along the way, our team is on hand to make the process feel manageable rather than intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the eligibility criteria for a Subclass 600 visitor visa?
You need to show genuine intent to visit temporarily, enough money to support your trip, and strong ties to home that make your return believable. Requirements also shift slightly depending on which of the four streams you apply under, so check the details for your specific situation.
- What documents do I need for a Subclass 600 application from New Zealand?
Typically a valid passport, recent photos, a travel itinerary, proof of funds such as bank statements, and evidence of ties to New Zealand like employment or property. Sponsored applicants also need a letter from their Australian sponsor.
- How can I apply for a Subclass 600 visa online from New Zealand?
Applications are lodged through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal. Many applicants choose to work with a registered adviser first, so their evidence and stream selection are correct before anything is submitted.
- How much does a Subclass 600 visitor visa cost?
The Tourist stream government fee is generally in the low hundreds of Australian dollars, though it is reviewed periodically. Confirm the current amount with Ezy Immigration before lodging, since fees do change.
- How long does a Subclass 600 visa take to process?
Processing times vary depending on the stream, your documentation and individual circumstances. Straightforward, well-prepared applications tend to move faster than incomplete ones, which is one reason a pre-lodgement check is worthwhile.
- Can I extend my Subclass 600 visa while in Australia?
In some cases, yes, though it depends on your visa conditions and circumstances. Speak with our team before your visa expires so we can assess whether an extension or a new application is the right move.
- Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 600 visa?
No, paid work is not permitted on this visa. If working in Australia is part of your plan, a different visa pathway will suit you better, and our full migration assessment can point you in the right direction.
- What is the difference between the Subclass 600 and other visitor options?
The Subclass 600 suits people who are not eligible for the free eVisitor or ETA visas, generally because of their passport. It also allows longer stays, up to twelve months in some cases, which the shorter-stay alternatives do not offer.
- Do New Zealand citizens need a Subclass 600 visa to visit Australia?
No. New Zealand citizens travelling on a New Zealand passport are usually granted a Special Category Visa on arrival instead. The Subclass 600 is mainly relevant to New Zealand residents holding other passports.
- How can a registered migration adviser help with my Subclass 600 application?
An adviser checks your eligibility, confirms the right stream, helps organise your evidence, and manages communication with the Department. This reduces the risk of delays or refusal and takes the guesswork out of the process for you.
How would you like to proceed with your Australian Visitor Visa plans?
Find on this page
New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser and Australia Registered Migration Agent
IAA # 201300919
MARA # 2117455
Planning a holiday, visiting relatives, or attending business events in Australia? Proving genuine temporary visitor intentions—from demonstrating sufficient funds and home country ties to securing compliant family sponsorship letters—is essential to avoid delays or refusals. Schedule a private consultation with our registered migration specialists to evaluate the best stream (Tourist, Sponsored Family, or Business) and lodge a complete, decision-ready application.
Success Stories
Hear from skilled professionals we have helped successfully migrate to New Zealand.
- Your Free Australian Visitor (Subclass 600) Visa Assessment
Securing an Australian visitor visa requires demonstrating genuine temporary stay intentions, sufficient financial support, and strong incentives to return home. Our free, two-minute evaluation reviews your passport category, sponsorship options, and travel timeline against active Department of Home Affairs guidelines. Receive honest, structured recommendations tailored to your trip.
- We identify the most efficient visa pathway (ETA Subclass 601, eVisitor 651, or Subclass 600)
- We review sponsor eligibility, invitation validity, and required financial declarations
- We outline a comprehensive document roadmap for your planned stay duration
- Your personal, immigration, and financial details remain strictly confidential