Australia visitor visa for Indians (subclass 600)
By Ganesh ·
How Indians apply for an Australian tourist visa: ImmiAccount, the subclass 600 Tourist stream, documents, fees, biometrics, length of stay and tips.
The short answer: Indians visiting Australia for a holiday or to see family need a Visitor visa (subclass 600), usually in the Tourist stream. Apply online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs site (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), pay the fee (around AUD 190–200 for the tourist stream applied from outside Australia, at recent rates), and give biometrics if asked. Indian passport holders can't use the eVisitor or ETA, which are for other nationalities.
Australian visa fees change, usually on 1 July each year. Check the visa pricing estimator on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for the current fee. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Step by step
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs site.
- Choose Visitor (600), Tourist stream (or Sponsored Family if a relative in Australia sponsors you).
- Fill in the form and upload documents as PDFs.
- Pay the fee online by card.
- Give biometrics at an Australia Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) if you receive a request, and do a health exam if asked.
- Get your grant by email. The visa is linked to your passport electronically. There's no sticker. Print the grant notice.
Documents (typical)
- Passport bio page, and old passports showing travel history.
- Bank statements and income tax returns showing you can pay for the trip.
- Employment letter with approved leave, business registration, or student enrolment.
- A short travel plan and, if visiting family, an invitation letter and proof of their Australian status.
- For parents visiting children in Australia: proof of the relationship (birth certificates).
Costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (600) Tourist stream, applied outside Australia | Around AUD 190–200. Check the official estimator |
| Biometrics at VFS | Included or small service charge; check the VFS site |
| Health exam (only if asked) | At an approved panel clinic; cost varies by city |
| Travel insurance | Not mandatory for tourists, but strongly recommended; required for some family-sponsored visits |
How long you can stay
Visitor visas are granted for a stay of up to 3, 6 or 12 months, with single or multiple entries. Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents can be considered for longer-validity multiple-entry visas. The grant notice tells you the conditions, including "no further stay" if it applies.
Tips that help
- Apply well ahead: processing times vary a lot; Home Affairs publishes current processing times on its site.
- Show genuine temporary intent: job, family, studies or property in India, and a sensible trip length.
- Be consistent between your form, bank statements and travel plan.
- Plan distances realistically: Sydney to Melbourne is about 900 km. A Sancharees trip helps you see how many flights or road days your plan needs.
FAQ
Can Indians get an Australian eVisitor or ETA?
No. Those are for other passport holders. Indians apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Is there a visa sticker in my passport?
No. Australian visas are electronic. Carry a printed copy of the grant notice.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Visitor visas don't allow work. For a working holiday, check whether India is eligible for Australia's Work and Holiday arrangements on the Home Affairs site.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No. A plan is enough; buy flights after the visa is granted.
Photo: Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, southeast view 20230224 1 by DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Read in: भारतीयों के लिए ऑस्ट्रेलिया वीज़ा: विज़िटर वीज़ा (सबक्लास 600) क़दम-दर-क़दम