Australian Visitor Visa
Visitor visa applications need a clear purpose and temporary-stay evidence
Visitor visa planning should address the reason for travel, funds, ties, travel history, family circumstances and whether any risk issues need explanation.
Decision points
- Visit purpose and itinerary
- Funds, ties and return evidence
- Previous travel or refusal issues
Common questions
Questions to settle before lodgement
These are the practical issues we usually clarify before a matter is treated as ready.
What should a visitor visa application explain?
A visitor visa application should clearly explain the purpose of travel, intended stay, funding, ties outside Australia and why the visit is temporary.
Can a visitor visa be used for ongoing work in Australia?
No. Visitor pathways are for temporary visits such as tourism, family visits or limited business visitor activity, not ongoing work in Australia.
Why does travel history or prior refusal history matter?
Previous travel, compliance, refusals and personal circumstances can affect how temporary-stay evidence should be prepared.
Visitor visa planning should match the visit purpose
Visitor, ETA and eVisitor options are for temporary visits. The right option depends on passport eligibility, travel purpose, length of stay, previous visa history, funds, ties and whether the proposed activity fits visitor settings.
Home Affairs says visitor visas are for genuine visitors and that visitors must intend to stay temporarily. A Visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority does not allow work in Australia. Short study or training can be possible under visitor settings, but a Student visa may be more appropriate if study is the main reason for travel or will last longer than the visitor limit.
Key points
- Choose Visitor 600, ETA 601 or eVisitor 651 based on passport and purpose.
- Visitor and ETA holders cannot work in Australia.
- Business visitor activity must stay within visitor limits.