Visitor Visa
Visitor Visa
Visa Cost
AUD 200 (offshore) / 500 (onshore)
Processing Time
Tourism stream from about 18 days, varying considerably by category
Eligibility
- Plan a short visit to Australia (tourism, visiting family, business)
- Have sufficient funds to support costs while in Australia
- Have an intention to return to China
- Meet health and character requirements
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
Granted by visa type (tourism/business/family-sponsored, etc.), with a single stay usually of 3, 6 or 12 months; if 8503 is attached you cannot apply for another visa onshore.
Eligible Dependants
You can include family members such as the spouse and dependent children in the same application, though each person's conditions may differ.
Common Visa Conditions
Full explanations of condition codes are in the Visa Conditions Lookup
Application Steps
Determine Visit Type
Determine Visit Type
Choose the visit type that suits you
- Tourism stream: sightseeing
- Business stream: business meetings and inspections
- Family-sponsored stream: visiting family (requires an Australian relative as sponsor)
Prepare Documents
Prepare Documents
Prepare the visa application materials
- Passport
- Proof of funds
- Proof of employment or enrolment
- Itinerary
- Hotel booking
- Return airfare
Lodge Application
Lodge Application
Lodge the visa application online
- Lodge the application in ImmiAccount
- Upload all materials
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for the decision (usually 20-30 days)
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport | Valid passport | - | |
| Financial Evidence | Financial Evidence | Bank statements, proof of savings | - | |
| Employment/Study Certificate | Employment/Study Certificate | Proof of work or study | - | |
| Itinerary | Itinerary | Travel plans | - | |
| Invitation Letter | Invitation Letter | An invitation letter if visiting family | - | |
| Health Insurance | Health Insurance | Travel insurance is recommended | - |
FAQ
How long can you stay on the 600 visa?
Can you work in Australia?
What if you are refused?
Common Refusal Reasons
- Unable to prove strong ties to your home country (work/family/property), and assessed as likely to overstay or migrate
- Insufficient proof of funds to cover the costs of the visit
- The visit purpose is not genuine, or the itinerary/invitation materials are inconsistent
- Prior visa breaches, overstays or an adverse record
- Health or character requirements not met
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.