Visitors not from the countries on the Electronic Travel Authority or the eVisitor eligible list, or U.S. citizens, require a Long Stay Visa (Visitor Visa Subclass 600) to remain for three months in Australia. This visa is designed primarily for tourists and business visitors who wish to stay in Australia for extended periods, either for leisure or business activities.
This type of visa allows travelers to stay up to 12 months within a single period of 24 months and provides multiple entry rights into Australia during this period. It also permits holidaying with family members already residing in the country, pursuing short-term study programs, engaging in professional development activities, and participating in recreation activities like volunteer work or conducting research projects related to their field of study.
Differences between ETA and long-stay visa
Australian Long-Stay visas (Visitor Visas, Department 600) are very similar to eVisitor and ETA visas in that they each serve a similar purpose. However, they are distinguished by numerous key differences.
Processing time
Visiting Australia for a long stay is possible with a Subclass 600 visa. This type of visa is suitable for travelers from countries that are not eligible to receive a short-term ETA or eVisitor visa. The processing time for this long-stay visa can vary, but usually, it takes up to 20 days to receive the results.
An Instant Approval ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) application is available for those from certain countries, such as the United States. This means that the applicant receives an immediate response to their application, and they do not have to wait before traveling. Further documents may be required when applying for the Long Stay Visa, leading to longer processing times than an ETA or eVisitor application.
Your location when you apply for a Long stay visa
When applying for a long-stay visa to Australia, it is important to understand the conditions and regulations surrounding the application process. One of the most important aspects in determining whether applicants will be approved is their location when applying.
To be eligible for a long-stay visa, also known as Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), applicants must be outside of Australia at the moment of their application. Applicants must confirm their eligibility before filling out forms, such as double-checking that they meet certain health requirements and have sufficient funds for travel expenses. Furthermore, all applications must pass through rigorous screening processes by Immigration officials to ensure that only those who meet all criteria are allowed entry into Australia.
Validity
Long-stay visas can be extended either with one entry or multiple entries. Each entry is valid for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Visitor Visas can be used to extend your current visa.
If your visa does not have a No Further Stay Clause, you can use the Australian Subclass 600 visa to apply for your visa’s extension. When the visa application is sent, you’re welcome to stay in Australia.
Conditions
- You shall not work while you’re present in Australia. Voluntary work may be allowed.
- You must not study in Australia for more than 3 months.
Medical requirements
Anyone applying for a long-stay visa to Australia, also known as Visitor Visas or Subclass 600, may be asked to fulfill certain medical requirements. If the visa application is for a stay of more than 6 months, then applicants may be needed to undergo a chest x-ray and medical examination. These examinations are conducted by an approved panel of doctors appointed by the Australian Government.
It can be difficult to obtain a long-stay visa for Australia, especially if you are over 75 or coming from a country that Australian Immigration considers to have a high level of risk. Visitor visas, also known as Subclass 600 visas, allow people to enter and remain in Australia for up to 3 months. However, those who are elderly or coming from countries deemed by Australian Immigration as high-risk may have difficulty obtaining this type of visa.
If you fall into one of these classifications, there is still hope. You will need to provide additional documentation along with your application and may be subject to further security checks before approval is granted.
Proof of funds
When applying for a long-stay visa to Australia, known as Visitor Visas (Subclass 600), applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their stay in the country. Immigration Australia requires proof of funds from all applicants who are seeking to enter or remain in the country on a long-term basis. This proof of funds must be shown for an application to be considered and approved.
The amount of money required relies on the length and purpose of your stay and can range from $3,000AUD up to $10,000AUD depending on how many people are included in the same application. These funds must come from either cash savings, bank deposits, or both and must be verified via bank statements or other documents upon request by Immigration Australia. Furthermore, these documents should cover at least three months before submitting your visa application.