extension tourist visa australia

How to extend your visitor visa 600 in Australia

Blog » How to extend your visitor visa 600 in Australia

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Sometimes the 3 months that you are allowed to stay in Australia as a visitor is not enough for many reasons and the most obvious option is to extend your visitor visa.

Maybe you are visiting your family and you want to stay longer, maybe you fell in love with the country and you would like to explore much more, or maybe you are stuck due to the global COVID-19 pandemic that also is affecting Australia and you need to extend the visa to stay legally.

Whatever the reason is, the first thing you should do is make sure that your tourist visa doesn’t have a “no further stay” condition, because that will be the only limitation for you to apply for a new visa while in Australia. 

If it doesn’t you can go ahead and prepare everything to extend your visa.

Visitor Visa 600

If you hold a visitor visa 600 is because you went to Australia for tourist or business purposes, and on this visa depending on these conditions you may have the possibility to stay 3, 6 until 12 months in the country.

However, it is a requirement for you to leave the country every three months even if your visa has a longer duration than 3 months, this can be very expensive and inconvenient. 

This is why you may think about getting a visa extension or a different type of visa in order to stay longer depending on your needs. 

Make a decision on how long you want to stay in Australia

Keep in mind that the longest you could stay in Australia under a visitor visa is 12 months. For this reason you have to be clear about the total length of your stay to know which visa would be the best option for you. 

Also, when you already make one visa extension, it could be less likely to do this again, so the best thing you could do is to be clear about your objectives while in the country.

Check your visa expiry dates and conditions 

Check when your visa expires , because the ideal thing to do is to apply at least 3 weeks before the expiration date. Remember that the quicker the better, if you already made a decision what we recommend is to take action immediately, check all your visa options and prepare the documents you need for your application.

Explore all your visa options

If your visa doesn’t have a condition to prevent you from further stay, then you can apply on a new visa even when your current visa is still valid. If you do this, you will most likely be issued a bridging visa A so you can stay lawfully in Australia while your other visa is still processing. 

Remember that you can’t leave Australia on a bridging visa as it will cease the moment you leave the country, just wait patiently for your visa renewal. 

Also, be sure to meet all the requirements before applying to extend your visitor visa. If you apply for another visitor visa, most likely you will need the same documents that you used to apply for your first visitor visa in the first place.

If you apply for another type of visa be sure to check what are the requirements before applying. 

Choose the visa that suits you best

What are your new goals in Australia? Think carefully about this question to evaluate your visa options. 

Maybe you want to stay longer because you feel your time in Australia was not enough, but you do not have any other purpose than to do tourism. In this case you will need another visitor visa 600.

Maybe you need to stay longer but you don’t have money. In this case you need to consider that the visitor visa doesn’t allow you to work or apply to a job , so you may have to apply to another type of visa.

Maybe you want to study in the country, then you will need to apply to the school where you want to study first and then make a student visa application .

As you can see, it all depends on your specific situation and if you have any question or doubt you can visit de Australian government website to find all the detailed information about types of visa and visa application. 

Apply for your new visa

When you have all your documents ready you can go to the Department of Home Affairs website and apply directly. Also, they will give you 28 days to have a health check, which is also important to apply to a visa. 

Remember that a visa to get processed may take from 10 to 30 days so you need to be patient. Don’t worry if your visa expires in the meantime because you will be granted a Bridging visa to stay lawfully in the country.

What to do if your visa already expired?

If you overstayed in Australia it is very unlikely that you will be granted a Bridging visa or a visa extension because you have broken the law.

The Australian government expects all visitors to leave Australia before the expiration of their visa and if you do not comply with this requirement there is not much more that you can do.  

On the Covid-19 pandemic situation

As Australia closed their borders due to the covid-19 pandemic , they are allowing tourists with a “no further stay” condition on their visas to make a written request to have it waived. If this request gets approved, then you can apply to extend your visitor visa while they are still in Australia. 

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Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600): Extension And Facts To Know

Blink! Blink! Blink! We landed in 2022, and it feels like it was only yesterday when everyone was travelling and visiting new countries, states, and towns. Covid-19 robbed people of their lives, enterprises, and personal connections. Everyone has been checking Covid-19 updates and travel updates first thing in the morning for the past two years, wondering when they will finally be able to travel overseas or call their loved ones closer to them. After over two years of preparation, Australia has finally opened its doors to tourists and other visitors. With the reopening of the border, there are a lot of mixed feelings among relatives and friends. After Australian citizens, permanent residents, students, and temporary residents, Australian visitor visa holders are the last to be granted permission to enter Australia. Following the news, there has been much discussion about the Australian tourist visa, its eligibility, conditions, processing time, and extension. The application process for an Australian tourist visa is broken down into steps to make it easier for persons who want to apply for visas for themselves or family members.

Which visa to apply for if you are a tourist?

The tourist visa is part of the visitor visa category. Individuals can enter Australia on a visitor visa subclass 600 to see their families or friends who live there, for business, or travel around Australia.

Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia) – This visa allows you to visit Australia for various purposes other than business or medical treatment. The purpose of applying for this visa should be solely to visit Australia, and you should have the funds to support yourself while there. Most significantly, you must be present in Australia when the application is filed and the decision is made.

Tourist Stream (Applicant from Outside Australia) – This visa permits you to travel around Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit relatives and friends. The requirements for this category are similar to those for the previous one: you must have the intent to apply for this visa exclusively and have sufficient cash to show that you can support yourself in Australia. On this visa, the applicant is unable to work.

Sponsored Family Stream Visa – This visa allows candidates to visit Australia sponsored by a family member. For this category, the candidate must have a sponsor and only visit Australia.

Business Visitor Stream : The purpose of visiting Australia should be related to business activities such as job or business inquiries, contract negotiations, or participation in conferences. Additionally, you must remain outside of Australia when applying for the visa and while the decision on the application is being made.

Approved Destination Status Stream – Applicants in this category must hold a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the applicant must be a part of the tour, which a licenced travel agent must organise.

Frequent Traveller Stream : The applicant must have a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China. This visa enables these citizens to visit Australia for business or personal reasons.

What is the processing time for an Australian tourist visa?

Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): 15 days-11 months

Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): 15 days- 11 months

Sponsored Family Stream Visa: 28 days- 10 months

Business Visitor Stream: 3 days-17 days

Approved Destination Status Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalised in each period.

Frequent Traveller Stream: Depends on the age of the applications finalised in each period.

Disclaimer:  The processing time indicated is the average range of time it takes to make a visa determination. Although, according to the Department of Home Affairs, it varies from application to application and is subject to modification.

What are the requirements for applying for Australian tourist visa?

Applying for an Australian tourist visa, the applicant must-

1. Meet the health requirement

2. Meet the character requirement

3. Must have enough funds to support themselves while in Australia

4. Doesn’t owe the Australian government any money (You must have paid the money back or have arranged to pay it back).

5. Intend to stay temporarily in Australia

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa?

Australian tourist Visa can be applied in four simple steps:

Step 1 : Log in or create an Immi Account. Step 2:  Start filling online application for visitor visa subclass 600 by selecting the correct stream. Step 3:  Attach all relevant documents required. Step 4:  Submit your application by paying the fees.

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa extension?

Tourist Visa Extension for Offshore Applicants

You can apply for a new Visitor Visa with a VAC waiver if your tourist visa has been impacted by Covid-19. This waiver applies only if you are outside of Australia and previously held a Visitor visa subclass 600 that was issued before March 21, 2020, expired, or will expire between March 20 and June 30, 2022, and was either a multiple-entry visa or a single-entry visa that was not used to travel to Australia. To be eligible for this chance, you must submit a new application using Immi Account  by December 21, 2022 . To be qualified for the waiver, you must state in your online application that you previously held a tourist visa and that it has been affected by Covid-19. *The VAC waiver can only be used once.

Tourist Visa for Onshore Applicants

Before applying for a new visa, make sure you don’t have any conditions on your current. There is an 8503 condition of no further stay in most cases, which can be found in the conditions section of your existing visa. In these cases, you must first seek a waiver before proceeding to the next step for onshore application.

For further information visit,  https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/refunds-and-waivers-visa-application-charges

How much does the Australian Tourist Visa cost?

Tourist Stream (Applicant currently in Australia): A$370

Tourist Stream (Applicant outside Australia): A$145

Sponsored Family Stream Visa: A$145

Business Visitor Stream: A$145

Approved Destination Status Stream: A$145

Frequent Traveller Stream: A$1,085

Disclaimer:  This information is subject to change with respect to the Department of Home Affairs department.

What is the difference between e-visitor visa 651 and visitor visa 600?

The main distinction between the two visas is that the e-visitor visa 651 is only available to citizens of specific countries. You can use the link provided below to see if your passport fits under this category.

It’s challenging to stay up with immigration news with the constant changes and modifications to the rules. It’s a time-consuming process that necessitates much focus. Choose Vison Overseas Group as your migration partner because they are always on their toes and take pride in performing all jobs with passion and devotion to help your visa procedure go more smoothly and quickly

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Thursday, 14 Mar 2024

• Documentation

Tourist Visa Extension Australia: How to Extend Your Visitor Visa

Is your 3-month tourist visa period about to end? There’s still a way you can legally extend your visit as a genuine tourist—by simply reapplying for a new Tourist visa onshore (a.k.a Tourist visa extension)!

Technically speaking, getting a Tourist visa ‘extension’ is synonymous with applying for an onshore Tourist visa. Once you’re granted this new Tourist visa, you won’t have to leave Australia before the usual 3-month visit period ends.

Keep reading to learn about the visa’s eligibility requirements, supporting documents, conditions and FAQs

When is a Tourist visa Australia extension possible?

Typically, tourist visas are granted for 3-month stays at a time. You’ll have to exit Australia before each period ends and then re-enter if you intend to return.

If you wish or need to stay in Australia longer without leaving the country, you can apply for an onshore tourist visa. This extends your stay for up to 12 months, with the department deciding the exact length of the extension.

To be eligible for this tourist visa extension, make sure:

• Your current tourist visa hasn’t expired
• There’s no Condition 8503 – no further stay condition attached to your current visa
• Your total stay in Australia won’t exceed 12 consecutive months
• You have enough money to fund your extended stay
• You have compelling reasons for staying longer, which may include:
• Exploring the different states of Australia for tourism purposes
• Participating in local festivals or cultural events
• Supporting sick or dying friend or family member

You can’t extend this visa further beyond the maximum 12 months allowed.

If you find yourself in special circumstances or are simply uncertain, seek professional advice from a trusted Australian migration agency . They’ll give you insights and clarify expectations regarding your situation.

How to Apply for Extension of Tourist Visa in Australia

Applying for an extended tourist visa is the same as applying for a tourist stream visitor visa the first time:

• Login to your ImmiAccount .

You can read our ImmiAccount Guide to help you create and log in to your account. 

• Click on ‘New Application’ and click on Visitor Visa 600.

• Fill in the correct responses under ‘Application Context’. 
• Tick ‘No’ for the question, Is the applicant currently outside Australia? A prompt will appear, confirming that you’re applying for an onshore tourist visa.

• Provide details of the request for an extension or further stay.

• Accurately provide information for all required fields. This will be about 19 pages, including:
• Applicant bio
• Passport details
• Contact information
• Details of your travel in Australia
• Employment details
• Financial status
• Health and character declaration
• Visa history
• Review the summary of information. Make sure to correct any mistakes and update the information.
• Attach all requirements and supporting documentation.
• Pay the visa application fee.

Tourist Visa Extension Requirements

Below is a checklist of documents you must submit together with your online application form:

• Passport with your photo, bio and issue and expiry dates
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Evidence of previous travel, such as entry/exit stamped pages of your passport, photos, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements, payslips, etc.
• Proof of return to home country, such as assets, properties, investments, ongoing employment or studies
• Travel itinerary or tourism plans
• Invitation letter for tourist visa from family or friends (if applicable)

If the inviter is sponsoring your stay, attach documents such as:

• their visa status/citizenship
• financial status, such as employment details, bank statements, pay slips, etc.
• lease agreement, house bills, etc.
• Health certificate (if required)
• Police certificate (if required)
• Adequate health insurance

Tourist Visa Extension Australia Fee

As of writing, the cost of applying for an onshore Tourist visa is AUD 475.

Note that this can change depending on the Department of Home Affairs.

Also, this covers only the basic application charge. You must pay for other fees like health checks and police certificates separately. 

Tourist Visa Extension Processing Time

Typically, you can receive your new tourist visa within a few days. 

Based on data from the Department, 50% of applications are processed in 8 days, and 90% within 27 days.

To prevent unnecessary delays, make sure to complete your online application thoroughly and correctly, attach all supporting documents, and respond promptly if more information is requested.

When to Apply for Tourist Visa Extension

We recommend that you apply for the extension 3 to 4 weeks before your current Tourist visa expires.

What are the conditions attached to my Tourist visa?

A tourist visa typically comes with these conditions:

• Visa condition  8101 – you must not work in Australia
• Visa condition 8201 – you must not study in Australia for more than three months

In some cases, other discretionary visa conditions may also be attached, such as:

• Visa condition 8501 – you must maintain adequate health insurance
• Visa condition 8531 – you must leave Australia before your visa expires
• Visa condition 8558 – you must not remain in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18 month period
• Visa condition 8503 (no further stay) – you cannot apply for another substantive visa during your stay in Australia

We recommend you regularly do a quick VEVO check to review the conditions of your visa and stay lawfully in Australia.

Can I request a waiver of the no further stay condition?

Yes, you can request a waiver of visa condition 8503 No further stay . However, approval is at the discretion of the Department. Usually, they grant it in dire, unforeseen circumstances, such as:  

• Serious medical issues that prevent travel
• Family emergencies like severe illness or loss
• Unsafe conditions in your home country, such as natural disasters or civil unrest

To make a request, fill in the online No Further Stay waiver request form .

You may also submit by post using this paper application form . 

Attach the following to your application:

• Copy of your passport showing your bio and issue dates
• Proof supporting your reasons for further stay (e.g. medical reports)

You must submit this before your current visa expires.

Can I bring my parents to Australia on a Tourist visa?

Yes, you can do so by helping them apply for a separate Tourist visa.

If you’re looking to bring your parents to Australia on a long-term basis, you can explore Family visas like the 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa or 838 Age Dependent Relative visa.

If I can’t extend my Tourist visa, can I apply for other visas instead?

Yes, you can as long as your tourist visa does not have a condition that prevents further stay (visa condition 8503). Otherwise, you must first request for the further stay condition to be waived before applying for any substantive visa.

If you’re planning to pursue Australian studies, you can apply for Student visa . Or, if you’re interested in seeking employment, pursue Australian working visas instead.

Looking for help with your tourist visa extension?

If you’re unsure about your eligibility for a tourist visa extension, KBA Global’s friendly migration agents are here to help. 

We’re happy to shed light on your situation and assist you with the application process. We can also help you explore other visa options, should your plans change for your extended stay.

Schedule a free consultation so you can discuss your case with us further.

Disclaimer: The above information is a general guide and not professional immigration advice. Be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change swiftly, potentially rendering some or all of the information outdated. Thus, before using the information above, we recommend checking the current laws with assistance from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website.

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How to Extend Visitor Visa/Tourist Visa in 2024?

Updated March 18, 2024

The Eight Essential Steps to Extend Your Australian Visitor Visa in 2024

To extend your Visitor Visa, you must ensure that your Visitor Visa is still valid. The involved process and requirements is like submitting a fresh Visitor Visa application. It means when you extend your Visitor Visa, you must show your genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia , your financial capability to support yourself during the extended stay, new travel itinerary and list of activities you will do during the extended stay, and others.

I’d recommend you to be ready to extend your Visitor Visa no later than three weeks before your current tourist visa expires.

Does it sound complicated? Relax, because I have listed the 8 simple steps below to extend your Visitor Visa in 2024.

• Decide how long you want to stay in Australia.
• See how long you have left on your current tourist visa.
• Look at the suitable visa options for you.
• Check if your current tourist visa has a ‘no further stay’ condition.
• Choose the visa that best suits your situation.
• Gather your supporting documentation.
• Apply for your new visa and have your health checked.
• Wait for your new visa to be approved.

The steps you need to take to extend your Australian visitor visa (subclass 600)

You have to follow 8 steps to extend your Visitor Visa, which includes deciding your extension period, ensuring your visa validity, exploring the suitable visa options, choosing the best visa, checking your current Visitor Visa condition, gathering all supporting documents, applying for the new visa, and waiting for the visa decision.

All steps to extend your Visitor Visa are explained in details below:

Step One: Decide how long you want to stay in Australia

This is very crucial, so count carefully on this. Consider the reason to extend your stay, is it for a further holiday with your family or is it because of a situation that is out of your control?

You can extend your Visitor Visa between 3 months to 12 months. Please note that a successful extension for a Tourist Visa application will rely on the reason and the requested extension period.

If you’re not sure, give us a call and discuss it with our professional team!

Step Two: See how long you have left on your current tourist visa

I always suggest my clients extend their Visitor Visa while it still has more than 6 weeks before expires. If your Visitor Visa is expiring less than 6 weeks, it’s best to start the preparation now.

It considers that the process to extend your Tourist Visa requires many additional documents. So, ensure the validity period left allows you to extend your Tourist Visa in peace.

Step Three: Look at the suitable visa options for you

This is strongly recommended if you face changes in your circumstances. For example, after visiting your partner, you find it more comfortable to live with your partner rather than being in a long-distance relationship. In this case, if you extend your Visitor Visa by lodging different visa subclasses, it might be better. You can find the answer here .

Also, check your previous Visitor Visa conditions. If there’s a condition which allows you to stay in Australia only for 12 months in an 18 months period, then extending your Visitor Visa is also not a good option.

You can always check your visa condition and validity period on VEVO

Step Four: Check if your current visitor visa has a ‘no further stay’ condition

Checking the No Further Stay condition is important because it will decide whether you can extend your Visitor Visa or not. If your current Tourist Visa has 8503 – No Further Stay condition imposed, there is a very low chance that you can extend your stay.

Unless you submit and be granted a waiver first. It only applies if you have compelling and compassionate reasons or major changes to waive the condition, which includes:

• Unable to travel for a medical reason
• Death or severe illness of a close family
• Natural disaster in the home country
• War or civil unrest in the home country
• Your school cannot provide your approved course

Meanwhile, the following situations are not acceptable for a waiver:

• A new relationship with an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident
• Failing your course (for Student Visa)

Read here to see how to waive the 8503 condition.

Step Five: Choose the visa that best suits your situation

You might have more than 1 visa option to extend your stay. It depends on your intention and reason to extend your stay.

Extending your stay by applying for another Visitor Visa can be the simplest and cheapest option, but there is a high risk behind it.

If you fail to convince the Department that your intention is genuinely to explore Australia as a tourist, your extension will be refused, and it will affect your ability to apply for all visas in the future.

So, it is strongly advised to get legal advice from a Registered Migration Agent . Don’t risk your immigration history which will only bring you to sorrow!

Step Six: Gather your supporting documentation

The required documents will be different depending on what visa you decided to apply for. Suppose you decide to apply for a new Visitor Visa, you must submit all documents that you submitted before, including evidence of financial capabilities, ties to your home country, etc., with some updated documents as evidence of your reason to extend your stay.

‘Why do I need to provide the same documents again?’ you might be thinking. Well, it’s because the Department of Home Affairs considers a Visitor Visa extension to be a new visa application.

Read More: Visitor Visa 600 Australia Complete Requirement List

Step Seven: Apply for your new Australian visa and have your health check

Once all documents are gathered, you can submit your new visa application through the Immi Account portal. Note that you must submit the new application at least six weeks before your current Visitor Visa expires.

You may need to do the health check either before or after the Department requests you to do so. When the Department of Home Affairs requests you to do it, pay attention to the deadline to avoid a refusal.

Step Eight: Wait for your new visa to be approved

While waiting for your new visa to be approved, you can submit supporting documents regularly. You can also check your application and email regularly in case the Department of Home Affairs requests for further documents or information.

You must understand that the processing time is varying depending on each applicant’s circumstances. You will get a Bridging Visa A that allows you to stay in Australia legally until you receive the decision for your new visa application, so don’t bother to think about your immigration status.

How much money should you prepare to extend your Visitor Visa?

The necessary costs to extend your Visitor Visa depends on your new visa application. Let’s assume that you decide to apply for another Visitor Visa, then you have to pay the Visa application cost which is AUD 475. You also need to prepare funds for other necessities like health examination, police check or documents translation.

Be noted that the Visa application cost generally increases in July every year and the above fee is valid from July 2023.

What are the reasons to extend a Visitor Visa?

There are various reasons that may lead you to extend your Visitor Visa, and it basically depends on your circumstances.

There are people who need extra time to look after their first grandchild or simply could not fly to their home country due to bad weather.

It is best to show genuine reasons to extend your Visitor Visa. Do not think to make stories up for the sake of extending your stay in Australia. The Department will find that you submit bogus information which is not only leading you to visa refusal and more consequences as explained here .

Can you extend your Visitor Visa if it has expired?

You cannot extend your Visitor Visa if it has expired. As mentioned above, you must ensure that your Visitor Visa is still valid, and it’s best to have at least 6 weeks validity period left, to extend your Visitor Visa.

If your Visitor Visa has expired and you have not left the country, it means you have overstayed your Visitor Visa and the condition is much more complex.

You must seek legal advice from a Registered Migration Agent soon before the situation gets worse.

Do you need more advice to extend your Visitor Visa?

Here at ONE derland Consulting , my team can advise you on the best visa option to stay legally in Australia. All advice is given according to your current circumstances and your intention to extend your stay in Australia.

We promise you a professional and transparent service, so nothing will be held back, including the assessment result that you might be not eligible to extend your stay to avoid you submitting a wrong visa application which may lead to a refusal.

There is a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you’re not satisfied with our consultation service.

Ready to take that first step to extend your visitor visa?

Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist and give you complete suggestions in extending your stay in Australia. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) , we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional, honest and speak various languages such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone on 1300 827 159 . Alternatively, you may book your consultation online , and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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Extend a Visitor Visa in Australia

Three months in Australia is never enough. You can extend your Visitor visa while staying in Australia – so that you don’t have to leave.

This article explains:

• when you can extend your Visitor visa;
• documents required to extend your Visitor visa;
• how long you can extend your Visitor visa for;
• the minefield that visa extensions can be for pregnant women;
• how many times you can extend a Visitor visa; and
• key considerations when extending your Visitor visa in Australia.

Why extend a Visitor visa in Australia?

Most visitor visas to Australia last for three months. Even if you are lucky enough to get a multiple entry visa for a year – each stay is still only three months.

So, at the end of your three months you need to decide. Will you leave Australia or will you extend your Visitor visa.

Many visitors to Australia, especially couples, want to lodge a Partner visa while they are here. If you are not married then you need at least six months living together before you can lodge a de facto visa .

So if your Visitor visa only gives you three months, you might want to consider extending it so that you meet the de facto visa requirements .

If you have a multiple entry visa, leaving Australia and coming back can be expensive. Not to mention the time spent on the airplane is just wasted.

Instead of jumping on a plane you can extend your Visitor visa while you remain in Australia. This will save you time and money.

When to Extend your Visitor Visa

It is illegal to let your visa expire, so you always need to make sure you have plenty of time to make your new visa arrangements.

If your Visitor visa lasts for three months and you want to extend it. Start to make your extension with around 6 weeks left. This way you have plenty of time to do things.

When you lodge an application to extend your Visitor visa in Australia, you get a Bridging visa that lets you stay – while Immigration make their decision.

During the processing of your Visitor visa extension, you will be asked to undergo Health Checks. You are normally given 28 days to get the health check organised.

If you miss the 28-day deadline for the health check your application to extend your Visitor visa will be refused immediately.

Documents Required for a Visitor Visa Extension

The documents needed to extend your Visitor visa come in two categories: 1) documents you already submitted for your first Visitor visa; and 2) new documents.

Documents from your Original Visitor Visa Application

You will need access to all the original documents. This is because the first visa application would have been decided in your home country. Then your application to extend will be decided in Australia.

So they are decided by two different departments of Immigration. There is no way for you to ask them to use the old documents. You have to supply it all again.

New Documents to Extend your Visitor Visa

You may also be required to show new docuemnts including new bank statements, proof of your employment in your home country and evidence of the purpose of the extended stay you are requesting.

For example, if you are requesting to stay another four months to attend a wedding – you will need to show proof that this reason is real. So, a wedding invitation would be required at teh very least.

You will also need to organise health checks as already mentioned above.

Finally, you can be asked for more information about your stay in Australia. This is typically done in the form of a questionnaire that immigration sends.

The questionnaire asks what you have been doing in Australia, whether you have been working and what your plans are.

How Long the Extension Lasts

First, you cannot stay on a Visitor visa for more than 12 months. This is the most important consideration.

Then there are quite a few considerations as to how long your extension will last:

• how long you have already been in Australia;
• the purpose of your extension- are you really still a visitor; and
• your immigration history.

Start by considering how long you have already been in Australia. You will be limited overall by the 12-month maximum.

You should also consider previous visits to Australia. The Department has a policy of no more than a year in Australia, in an 18-month period.  This applies to the temporary visas like the visitor visa.

Next, the purpose of your stay is considered. If you are using the visitor visa to stay with your partner in Australia then an application to extend can be risky.

Immigration may think that you are using a Visitor visa to live in Australia with your partner, and this is reason to refuse your Visitor visa extension.

Finally, if immigration has refused your visa before, applications to extend can be risky. Again, it becomes more and more difficult to show your case is genuine after you receive a refusal.

Extend your Pregnant girlfriend’s Visitor Visa

• pregnant women cannot do the health check;
• the 12-month rule means that after giving birth she has no visa
• schedule three requirements mean that she will have to leave Australia to lodge a Partner visa .

Health Check

Health check for pregnant girlfriend after giving birth, schedule three, how many times can i extend.

You can keep applying to extend your Visitor visa to a maximum stay if 12 months.

The first application to extend is relatively inexpensive. The application fee is around $360 and most Agents, including OzVisa Group will process the application for you for around $400 – $500.

If it is cheaper than this – you should beware. Possibly the Agent has not go the required experience to process your extension – as you will find out as the process goes on.

The second time you go to extend a temporary visa, like a Visitor visa, you will get hit with an extra charge from Immigration. Currently its around $700 more. This is nothing more than a money grab by immigration.

The reasons put forward by the Department for the extra charge are that they want discourage people from reapplying in Australia. But this excuse holds no weight because they make the decisions and could simply refuse the application if this reason was real.

The Most Important Considerations

There is one point I want to emphasize – if your girlfriend is pregnant then you must hire a lawyer.

We have written a separate blog about having your baby in Australia . But this information does not substitute for a lawyer with specific experience in this area.  It is very complex.

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Australia Visitor Visa Extension

Home / Australia / Australia Visitor (600) Extension Visa

About The Visitor Visa Extension

General information.

The Australian Visitor Visa Extension is ideal if your subclass 600 visa is about to expire. Depending on your own personal circumstances, it will extend your stay for three, six, or 12 months . This extension will only be granted for those wishing to remain in Australia for tourist purposes. We recommend that you apply for this extension 3 weeks before your Australian Visitor Visa expires . The Visitor Visa Extension can be secured online with Visa First. Say goodbye to long queues at the embassy, and say hello to Visa First’s highly efficient and affordable service!

Eligibility

You can apply for your Australia Visitor Visa extension if:

• You hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• You’re in good health
• Your current visa has not expired
• There aren't any conditions on your visa that could prevent you from continuing your stay
• Your total period of stay in Australia does not exceed 12 months in the last 18 months

Requirements

In order to apply for your Visitor Visa extension, you will be required to provide a number of documents. These may include:

• Your passport (with blank pages) - valid for at least 3 months from the e-visa expiry date
• Completed application form
• Proof of sufficient funds to stay in Australia

Australia Visitor (600) Extension Visa Processing Times

The processing time for the Visitor Visa Extension for Australia depends on the Immigration Office.

Australia Visitor (600) Extension Visa cost starts from

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Australian Employment Courses

If you want to work in hospitality (bar/restaurant) you will need to complete a one-day Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. And if you wish to work in the construction industry, you will need to pass the one-day Construction Introduction Training Course, (White Card) course. Select this pack to secure these essential qualifications.

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If you’re planning to travel, vacation or study abroad, it’s always a good idea to invest in adequate travel insurance. Travel insurance provides a priceless sense of peace-of-mind while you’re away from home. You never know when you might need it. And you can rest assured that, should the worst happen, you’ll be covered. At Visa First, we will ensure that you receive an insurance package that suits your particular travel needs – and all at an unbeatable price. Secure your Worldwide travel insurance today.

Stress free visa and work permit applications with Visa First

Other australia visas to choose from, working holiday visas, australia working holiday maker - 1st (417) visa.

Dreaming of an Australian adventure? With an Australia Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa you can live, work and travel ‘down under’ for a full year! Apply for your visa here.

Australia Work & Holiday (462) Visa

With an Australia Work & Holiday (subclass 462) Visa you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months and take up casual employment. Apply for your visa here today.

Australia Working Holiday Maker - 2nd (417) Visa

If you’ve been in Australia on a Working Holiday (Subclass 417) Visa and would like to stay for another year, Visa First can organise a second year visa extension for you. Apply here today.

Australia Work & Holiday 2nd (462) Visa

Been to Australia on a Work & Holiday Subclass 462 Visa? Would you like to say for another year? Apply for your second year visa extension here.

• Australia Working Holiday Maker – 3rd (417) Visa

With a third Working Holiday Visa you can enjoy Australia for another year, extending your total stay down under to 36 months. You can apply for this visa while in Australia, or outside the country. If you are not ready to come home, secure your third 417 visa easily with Visa First.

Australia Work & Holiday 3rd (462) Visa

If you would like to extend your Australian working holiday into a third year, you must apply for a third Work & Holiday (subclass 462) visa. You can stay for a further 12 months with this visa.

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Planning a holiday or business trip to Australia? With the Australia eVisitior (651) visa you can travel, sightsee and attend business events in Australia for up to three months.

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Looking to visit Australia on vacation? You’ve come to the right place. Easily secure your Australian Visitor Visa here with Visa First.

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Planning a business trip or vacation in Australia? With an Australian ETA you can visit Australia multiple times in a year and stay for up to three months. Secure your ETA with Visa First here.

Visa First – Getting you where you want to go!

Our visa service is available in:.

• Australia Working Holiday Maker – 1st (417) Visa
• Australia Working Holiday Maker – 2nd (417) Visa
• Australia Work & Holiday (462) Visa
• Australia Work & Holiday 2nd (462) Visa
• Australia Visitor (600) Extension Visa
• Australia Work & Holiday 3rd (462) Visa
• Azerbaijan eVisa
• Cambodia eVisa
• Canadian Working Holiday Visa
• Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
• China Tourist Visa
• China Business Visa
• Cuba Tourist Visa
• Egypt E-Visa
• Ethiopia eVisa
• India Tourist Visa
• India Business Visa
• Indian E-visa
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• Ireland Business Visa
• Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
• Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Permit
• Ireland Trusted Partner
• Ireland General Work Permit
• Ireland Dependant Permit
• Ireland Work Permit Renewal
• Kenya eVisa
• New Zealand
• New Zealand Working Holiday Maker Visa
• The New Zealand eTA (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Oman E-Visa
• Pakistan eVisa
• Russia Business Visa
• Russia Special Tourist Visa
• Russia Tourist Visa
• Russia eVisa
• Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Business Visa
• Saudi Arabia eVisa
• Sri Lanka eVisa
• Tanzania eVisa
• Thailand Tourist Visa
• Turkey E-Visa
• United Kingdom
• United Kingdom Ancestry visa
• United Kingdom Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Tier 5)
• United Kingdom Seasonal Worker Visa (Tier 5)
• United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
• United States of America
• USA B1 Visitor Visa
• Vietnam Loose Leaf Visa
• Vietnam E-Visa

Alternatively you can apply for the following visas

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Australia Visa Extension: How to Extend Your Stay in Australia

Published: February 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

Australian tourist visas are non-extendable. Meaning, you cannot apply for an Australia visa extension while in the country. However, you can extend your stay in Australia by applying for a new visa while your current visa is still valid.

To apply for a new visa from within Australia, your active visa must not have a condition that prevents further stay. However, this condition is waived in certain circumstances.

If, when, and how you can extend your stay depends on your situation and current visa. In this article, you will learn the general rules and procedures to stay in Australia longer.

Table of Contents

Can you extend an australian tourist visa.

Strictly speaking, you cannot extend any of the tourist visas that Australia issues. This is not to say that you cannot extend your stay. 

To remain in Australia, you must apply for a new visa but only if this is allowed by the set of conditions that your current visa has.

Most importantly, your visa must not have a condition preventing further stay (known as Condition 8503).

How to extend your stay in Australia?

For this article, a “visa extension” is nothing but “applying for a new visa” before the current one expires. Below are the steps to extend your stay in Australia.

Step 1: Check your visa conditions

First, check all conditions attached to your current visa using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) portal.

Pay close attention to any condition that prevents you from staying in Australia further. This is usually Condition 8503.

Most Australian tourist visas have this condition. On the contrary, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and the eVisitor visa usually don’t have it. 

If you were sponsored for a standard Visitor visa you will have this 8503 condition attached to your visa.

Step 2: Check your visa expiry date

While you’re in the VEVO portal, make a note of your current visa’s expiry date, i.e. the last day you’re allowed to be in Australia. 

You must apply for another substantive visa before this date or your stay will become unlawful and you risk serious consequences.

If you choose to apply for a new visa, you must do so before your current visa expires even by just a day. 

When you apply for a new visa, you will also automatically apply for a bridging visa A (BVA) which allows you to remain lawful while waiting for your new visa to be processed.

Step 3: Apply for another visa

You can apply for any visa that doesn’t require you to be outside of Australia.

For tourism purposes, you should consider the Visitor Visa (Onshore stream) . This is the only tourist visa that can be used to extend your stay in Australia beyond the initial 3 months stay.

What if your current visa has Condition 8503?

If a “no further stay” condition is attached to your valid visa, you must leave Australia before your visa expires.

Once outside the country, you can apply for a visa again in order to return to Australia.

You may request a waiver of this condition but only under extenuating circumstances.

No further stay waiver

You can request a waiver of the “No Further Stay” condition if there is a major change to your circumstances that is out of your control.

You can request for a waiver of the 8503 condition on Australia’s Immigration and Citizenship website.

When requesting, you will have to give reasons why you had no control over the change in your situation and why your request is compassionate and compelling.

Some examples of such changes in circumstances are:

• You can’t travel due to a medical reason or emergency
• A family member or a close friend has died or is seriously ill
• Your home country was hit by a natural disaster
• War or civil unrest erupted in your home country

Some examples of situations which will NOT be accepted as beyond your control:

• You get pregnant
• You marry an Australian citizen

If the condition is waived as a result of your request, you can apply for a new visa. However, there is no guarantee that your new visa will be granted. Your new visa application will be judged on its own merits.

What is a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa is necessary after your first visa expires while waiting for your new visa to be processed.

In almost all cases, a Bridging Visa is applied for automatically when applying for a new visa while in Australia.

You will most probably receive Bridging Visa A (BVA) which does NOT allow you to return to Australia if you leave while holding it. 

If you have to leave Australia while holding a BVA, you can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) which allows returns after trips abroad.

Can you extend your Australia visa after it expires?

No, you cannot extend your Australia visa after it expires. If your visa has already expired, you must apply for a Bridging Visa E immediately and make plans to leave Australia as soon as possible.

Staying in Australia without a valid visa is unlawful and may result in you getting arrested, deported, detained, fined, and/or denied future visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is australian visa 3 months or 90 days.

Australian visas’ validity is measured in months, meaning most tourist visas allow stays of up to 3 months, not 90 days.

For example, if you enter on the 15th of October, you must leave before the 15th of January (3 months but 92 days).

To be on the safe side, check when your visa expires in the VEVO portal.

Can tourists stay more than 3 months in Australia?

Yes, a tourist can stay longer than 3 months in Australia by applying for a new visa. If you want to remain in Australia as a tourist, the Visitor Visa (Onshore stream) is the most suitable visa.

Can I renew my Australian visa before it expires?

No, you cannot renew or extend Australian tourist visas. However, you can apply for a new visa before your current one expires.

How many days can I stay in Australia after my visa expires?

Zero. Staying in Australia beyond your visa expiry date is unlawful and may get you into a lot of trouble. 

There is significant leeway if you report your situation to the Home Affairs within 28 days of becoming unlawful but it’s still better to either leave before that ever happens or apply for a new visa. You will have more options and will not be breaking the law.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

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01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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Australian visa changes for 2023-24

From 1 july 2023, several visa changes and opportunities will come into effect. here's what you need to know..

New visa pathways start on 1 July 2023. Source: SBS News / Getty

What visa changes are coming into effect on 1 July?

Citizenship pathway for new zealanders, new visa for pacific migrants, changes to student visas.

Karanbir’s work hours have been cut by half. He’s not alone

Changes for Working Holiday Makers

Changes to the australia-uk working holiday program.

Thinking of working in the UK? The rules for Australians are changing

Visa application costs

Migrants will need to earn more

What other upcoming immigration changes do we know about, skilled workers will have a pathway to permanent residency.

What other immigration changes were announced in the budget?

• More investment

• Skilled migrants prioritised

Visa processing

What else did the migration review recommend.

My grandparents waited six years for a parent visa. Today, they'd wait up to 50

Is Australia welcoming more migrants?

It's been ages since Australia’s borders reopened, so why can't these people leave?

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Want a Tourist Visa Extension Australia in 2022? – A Helpful Guide

Are you staying in Australia as a visitor and your Tourist Visa is expiring soon? Do you apply for a Tourist Visa extension Australia but don’t know how? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back! As we’re going to pen down the important facts about a Tourist/Visitor Visa 600 .

Australia is such a beautiful place to spend your holidays. You can come to Australia to visit your friends or family. It’s an ideal place for spending time with your family. Australia offers a Visitor Visa to people who want to make a short visit to Australia. Many tourists decide to stay longer in Australia on a Visitor/Tourist Visa. They try to find ways to extend their Visitor Visa.

So, in this guide, you’ll find out the details of a visa 600 and its extension process .

Table of Contents

What is the Purpose of a Tourist/Visitor Visa?

A Tourist Visa 676 is no longer available in Australia. You can apply for a Visitor Visa 600 instead. A Visitor Visa is for people who want to visit Australia to meet their friends and family. If you want to go on a trip to Australia, you can be eligible for visa 600.

Once you get a Visit Visa 600, you can study for up to 3 months in Australia. Visa 600 is a temporary visa. You can stay for a maximum of 12 months in Australia with a visa 600. Australia offers 6 streams of Visitor Visa for different purposes.

The Visitor Visa streams include:

• Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia)
• Tourist Stream (Apply outside Australia)
• Sponsored Family Stream
• Business Visitor Stream
• Approved Destination Status Stream
• Frequent Traveler Stream

All streams of a visa 600 serve differently. For instance, you can apply for a Sponsored Family Stream if your family member sponsors you to visit Australia. However, you must be outside Australia when applying for a family sponsored stream.

If you’re a business that wants to visit Australia for business purposes, you can apply to the Business Visitor stream. The length of your stay in Australia can be up to three months. Applications for the Business Visitor stream do not take long to process.

Apply for a Business Visitor Stream 600 to stay in Australia for 3 months and get your visa within 17 days.

So, if you apply for a Business stream, you’ll get your visa within 15 to 17 days . If you need assistance to apply for a Business stream, you can Book Consultation.

Visitor Visa Processing Time these days 2022? | Q&A Session | The Migration Australia

Is Tourist Visa Extension Australia Possible?

A Tourist Visa extension Australia isn’t possible. Tourist/Visitor Visa 600 is a temporary visa. It allows visitors to stay for 6 to 12 months in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs decides the visa length on a case-by-case basis. Your stay period also depends on the purpose of your visit to Australia.

Though, you can’t extend visa 600 . You have to apply for another visa which allows you to stay longer in Australia. Whether you want to stay for a few months or permanently, you have to look for other visa options. You may apply for a new visa if it doesn’t contain Condition 8503 – No Further Stay .

Australia offers many visas which allow people to stay in Australia for years. You just have to choose the right one according to your circumstances. You can also apply for PR in Australia to settle in Australia permanently.

Just be sure that you meet the visa requirements you want to apply for. In case, you need any help regarding the application process of any Australian visa, you can reach out to us anytime.

How Can I Extend my 3 Months Visa in Australia?

You can extend your 3 months Tourist Visa to 6 to 12 months. It depends on the individual circumstances. Your visa will only be extended for 12 months and not more than that. You must find other visa options to stay in Australia for a long period. As Tourist Visa extension Australia might not be possible.

Can I be eligible for a Visa Application Charge?

Yes, you may be eligible for a Visa Application Charge (VAC) if you apply for a new  600 visa . You can get the VAC in all Visit visa streams except Frequent Traveler Stream. VAC will be available to you if you’ve held a Visitor Visa 600 granted outside Australia before March 21, 2020.

If your visa 600 has expired or will expire between March 20, 2020 , and June 30, 2022 , you can get VAC . You can apply online by December 31, 2022 , through ImmiAccount for a new 600 Visitor Visa in Australia.

Tourist Visa – Processing Time

People who are exempt from Australian travel restrictions are given priority when applying for visas, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

But broadly speaking, it concludes:

• 25% in 14 days of applications
• in 25 days, 50% of applications
• in 45 days , 75% of applications
• 90% applications are completed in 11 months .

For a 600 visa, applicants are recommended to submit all required documentation. You must satisfy the conditions for eligibility. since it has an impact on how quickly your Visit Visa application is processed. Additionally, correctly complete the application for your visa.

To shorten the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa Processing Time for your visa application, submit it with all the required supporting documentation. Verify again to make sure nothing is missing. Pay the 600 Visa application fees for the visa.

Since Home Affairs needs all of these items to process your visa application.

Tourist Visa Extension Australia – One Final Thought!

Australia offers a Visitor Visa only to make temporary visits in Australia. Sometimes, tourists have to stay for a longer period in Australia. As we’ve explained that why Tourist Visa extension Australia isn’t possible. You must look for other visas to stay in Australia before your current Visit Visa gets expired. Though, if you’re unable to find a visa option to remain in Australia, you can contact us for the best advice.

Related Articles 

• Australia visit visa subclass 600 and how it is affected in 2020
• Return of International Tourists to Australia on February 21, 2022
• Can I Apply for 600 Visa Australia During Covid-19?

Nasir Nawaz

I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.

Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.

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• June 15, 2017

It is not uncommon for people to visit Australia as a tourist and enjoy their stay so much that they’d like to stay longer. The Visitor visa subclass 600 allows you to stay in the country as a sightseer without taking up employment, usually for a set period. It’s also ideal for business visitors.

The Visitor visa subclass 600 is usually available for three months but is also offered for six, or 12 months. The good news is that some holders of this visa may extend the duration of their visa after they arrive in Australia. You may also apply for a new visa if you are on an ETA Visa subclass 601 or an eVisitor subclass 651. While we talk about extending a visa, the reality is that you are lodging a new one.

Visitor visa subclass 600 and the 8503 ‘no further stay’ condition

If you’re in Australia, you may apply for an extension to the Visitor visa subclass 600, as long as there is no 8503-condition imposed upon, otherwise known as a ‘no further stay condition’. You must also be a passport holder from a list of approved countries, with at least six months validity beyond your actual travel date. 

Condition 8503 is the most common visa condition which prevent visa holders from applying for further visas or an extension while in Australia. The condition is usually imposed at the discretion of the individual case officer and sometimes it is mandatory.

Here at Visa Solutions Australia , we are seeing more of these ‘no further stay conditions’ as the Australian Government takes a tougher stance on immigration. 

Why do I have an 8503 or ‘no further stay condition’? 

There are several reasons why a condition 8503 could be applied, the most obvious is that you are an applicant from a high-risk country, where it has always been difficult to obtain visas for Australia.

Another reason could be that they have already spent a considerable amount of time in the country, or perhaps have abused visa conditions on a previous stay in Australia.

You can ask immigration officials to waiver a condition 8503, but this can be a long, drawn out process as evidence and documentation will be required and there is no guarantee you will be successful.

Processing the new visa

If you are planning to extend your Visitor visa subclass 600, we recommend that you do this at least three weeks before your current visa expires.

Processing the new visa can take between 10 and 30 days and if you are refused a new one then you must leave Australia within the amount of time as stipulated in the decision notice issued by Department of Immigration. 

If you start a new Visitor visa application while you are in Australia, and you decide to not progress it further and this occurs before a decision has been made, then you will need to withdraw the application by informing Department of Immigration and/or before your current visa expires.

Here at Visa Solutions Australia , we can offer guidance and advice on all your visa queries from tourist to permanent visas. We understand how to navigate Australia’s complex and ever-changing migration laws so why not contact us today?

Call us today on +618 9328 2664 or National Toll free 180 0 828 008

We are in the business of solutions, no problem too big or too small.  Contact Us

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‘It’s very unfair’: Australia’s visa crackdown is disrupting international students and hitting university finances

Student applications and net arrivals fall as refusal rates reach a record high. The situation is set to worsen if visa fees are hiked in the upcoming budget

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It took Rajesh more than 12 months to receive his visa to study in Australia.

But Rajesh – not his real name – considers himself lucky. Two of his friends who also come from India have recently had their PhD offers expire after waiting for visas for more than 10 months.

“It’s frustrating … especially considering PhD students are crucially important,” says Rajesh, who comes from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, considered a red flag by universities trying to weed out non-genuine applicants. “They are fully funded and highly skilled individuals who contribute significantly to our academic community.”

As part of a bid to halve net migration by 2025 , the Australian government is cracking down on non-genuine students who use student visas as a back door for work and permanent residency. The federal government has announced a series of reforms, including tougher visa conditions, stronger English-language tests and rules for education agents who bring overseas students to Australia.

The latest home affairs data shows the proportion of offshore student visa applications being refused has reached a record high, with as many as one in five students having their visas rejected in the year to March. Visas granted to Indian students fell by 48% between December 2022 and December 2023, with Nepalese visas granted falling 53% and Pakistani visas falling 55% over the same period.

The department cites an increase in incomplete applications and fraudulent documentation, contributing to both higher visa refusal rates and longer processing times. The tougher visa conditions have prompted institutions to change their policies, with some even imposing blanket bans on Indian students.

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The home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, says the federal government recognises “change is hard” but migration is “too high” and must be brought back to “sustainable levels”.

“We are working with the sector to help providers adapt, but we must restore integrity to the system to protect the sector’s international reputation,” she says.

But some say the approach is having a financial impact on institutions and disrupting the plans of genuine students who may be turned off studying in Australia altogether.

What’s going on?

The founder and president of the Pakistani Students Association of Australia, Zeeshan Malik, says many offshore students are experiencing visa refusals , while others are scared to travel back home lest their visas be cancelled on return to Australia.

While there have not been any reported cases of students having their visas cancelled on return, Malik says students feel they are being discriminated against based upon their country of origin.

“It’s very unfair,” he says. “Lots of students are struggling with mental health and other issues because of these confusing policies.”

A University of Sydney spokesperson says a “significant number” of students have been forced to defer or withdraw their applications due to visa processing delays, while others have been suspended to fulfil additional requirements.

“This has been very disruptive to highly capable young people from around the world who had paid their visa application fee and chosen to come to Australia for their studies,” the spokesperson says.

“We have moved our last date to apply for semester 2 to try to limit any such impact for future students.”

The University of Melbourne has also “faced challenges” this semester, with a number of students yet to receive their visas for the 2024 intake. A spokesperson says it has provided an extension to allow enrolled international students to start later.

Central Queensland University has gone even further, writing to education agents confirming it will no longer offer English language programs to students from India or Nepal, or enrolments to applicants over 25 or married, except for research placements.

“With many universities witnessing an increase in student visa refusals, it has been necessary for CQUniversity to proactively reconsider admissions requirements on a regular basis,” a spokesperson says.

“We have a moral obligation to ensure that prospective students have the best opportunity to successfully obtain a student visa.

“Such an outcome is not good for the student, the university, or the reputation of Australia as a global study destination.”

Why universities are imposing blanket bans

Phil Honeywood, the chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), says stigmatising entire nations is a “blunt instrument” that ignores the benefits of diversity.

“We’re supposed to be a welcoming, safe nation,” he says. “It’s a shame sometimes blunt policy instruments go against other government policies.”

Honeywood says universities are imposing restrictive measures on international students in the hope it will improve their risk ratings, which are used by the federal government to reduce student numbers.

The system assesses universities based upon how likely they are to recruit non-genuine students who arrive in Australia primarily to work, not study. Visas are given a risk rating between 1 and 3, and only low-risk universities on level 1 have visa applications processed quickly.

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Earlier this month, the list was updated, with nine universities downgraded to a level 2 and two downgraded to a level 3.

According to Honeywood, less than 10% of international student visas are waiting to be approved at low-risk universities while universities at level 2 and 3 are facing extensive delays.

During a webinar hosted by the IEAA at the beginning of the university year, Charles Sturt University’s pro-chancellor, international, Mike Ferguson, said 40% of international students enrolled in his university – which is a level 2 – were still waiting on visa decisions in the first week of the semester.

“Speaking to my colleagues at other universities, I know many others are in similar situations,” he says.

“You’re looking at refusal rates for offshore students in most markets in the region of 50%.”

Level 3 institution Federation University has faced significant budget pressure since the migration crackdown. It recently announced plans to cut 200 ongoing positions – the equivalent of just over one in 10 staff members.

A spokesperson for the university said the announcement came in response to a 49% decline in international student numbers between 2019 and 2023, which had been exacerbated by “unexpected but necessary changes to international student visa arrangements”.

Similarly, the University of Tasmania – also at level 3 – announced last month it would sell two of its Hobart hotels intended to house international students in anticipation of declining numbers.

Private institutions have also been hit hard. According to English Australia, the national peak body for more than 100 English language colleges for international students, visa grants plummeted by 68% in December 2023 compared with the previous year.

What the future holds

The share of international students is likely to decrease further with an anticipated hike in student visa fees in the May budget, making Australia “well and truly” the most expensive country to apply for a non-refundable visa, according to Honeywood.

Honeywood says international students are facing a “blame game” as the only migration market to Australia that can feasibly be reduced.

The former immigration department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi agrees. He says while higher visa fees are likely, it will be “poor long-term policy”.

“It will mostly deter high-performing students who have options of going elsewhere,” he says. “Policy must be designed to encourage and reward providers to compete for the best students not just those who can apparently afford to pay.”

Rizvi says the cautious approach being taken by providers, coupled with the ramping up of refusal rates for offshore student applications, led to a big fall in student visa applications in February and a fall in net student arrivals in March.

“That trend will likely continue over the next few months,” he says. “But while the flow of students is slowing, the stock is still rising and is now well over a record 700,000,” he says, referring to the number of international students in Australia.

“The industry is built on continuous growth. Under the risk rating system, lower tier providers are particularly vulnerable. They are the ones complaining the most.”

To Rajesh, the decline in quality lies squarely with universities and the government.

“Students are not responsible for that,” he says. “Blaming everything on students and their respective countries is not solving the problem.”

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Australian government quietly suspends new working holiday visa applications for Chinese nationals

Nathan Que quit his job in China and waited 10 months for a chance to come to Australia for a once-in-a-lifetime working holiday.

But now he feels "cheated" by the government, along with tens of thousands of other working holiday seekers from China.

Mr Que said many of them had been pondering the same question — "is China being targeted?"

For many young people around the world, a working holiday visa is seen as a precious chance to experience life in Australia.

In 2015, the program opened to 5,000 Chinese applicants annually under a free trade agreement between Australia and China.

The agreement said the program aimed to "increase demand for tourism services and support the development of Australia's tourism sector, particularly in rural Australia".

The demand to come to Australia is there, but according to applicants the chance to obtain a working holiday visa has all but evaporated.

No announcement about visa suspension

According to information on the Department of Home Affairs website, when a country's quota of working holiday visas was close to full, it would be "suspended" and visa applications from its citizens would no longer be taken.

Five countries on the list eligible for the visa have been tagged as suspended: Brazil, China, Switzerland, Thailand and Turkey. 

A footnote on China's "suspended" tag in the Home Affairs documents said the suspension was linked to "a high volume of interest".

Out of the suspended countries, only China's annual cap of 5,000 visas is far from being filled.

Altogether, only 406 working holiday visas for new applicants in China have been issued in this financial year, according to Department of Home Affairs records.

It is unclear why applications from China have been suspended when the cap hasn't been hit.

The ABC has sought an explanation from the government.

"There were a couple of countries on the list, but it only stopped [processing] for Chinese applicants. I don't know why," Mr Que said.

"There was no announcement, no communication."

Mr Que said he had wanted to come to Australia for a working holiday after his friend spent a year in Darwin in 2016.

"He told me I would be seeing a different world … and I would be able to meet a lot of people from different parts of the world," Mr Que said.

Angry applicants left in the dark

Lily Li, who's also in China, has been longing for a working holiday in Australia.

She had been waiting for her visa pre-application to be processed.

But last week her application — along with tens of thousands of others according to Chinese media reports — was marked as "expired", she said.

That has left her furious and disappointed, but she is also unsure about what she can do.

For China and other countries where people queue up for a working holiday visa, a pre-application is required.

The next step is meant to be random selection until the quota is met.

Ms Li received a message last year from the Department of Home Affairs, which has been seen by the ABC, saying she would be included in the "next random selection round" and her registration would expire on April 30, 2024.

"Even until the last days before the expiry, people were waiting for miracles," Ms Li said.

The "random selection", however, never happened.

"We'd all been waiting," Ms Li said.

"I mean, if you are not planning to select [applicants], why open the visa?"

She wasn't alone in her anger.

Hundreds of young people have left angry messages on the Australian embassy's official account on Chinese social media Weibo, asking for an explanation.

"You are a liar," read one of the messages.

"Straightforward response is the way to solve problems," another comment said.

People have continued to message the embassy over Weibo asking for answers.

The visa application issues come after the government tried to drum up interest in tourism even further with a $125 million Come and Say G'day campaign launched in late June last year.

It was seen millions of times on Chinese social media.

The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.

Additional reporting by  Natasya Salim .

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Malaysia should extend visa waiver for Chinese tourists, says MCA vice-president

Wednesday, 08 May 2024

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PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should respond in kind by extending the visa waiver for tourists from China, said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.

"As the chairman of the PRC Affairs and Belt and Road Initiative Committee, I urge the Malaysian government to reciprocate by extending the visa waiver for tourists from China intending to visit Malaysia," he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (May 8).

Tan, who was also the MCA vice-president, said the visa extension was not merely a reciprocal move towards the goodwill gesture by China but one that would bring significant benefits to both countries.

He noted that such a move could help expand the goodwill shared between both nations while adding to the celebratory mood of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

On Tuesday (May 7), Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, announced visa-free travel to China for Malaysian citizens would be extended until the end of 2025.

Ouyang pointed out that Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was on a visit to France, had announced on Monday (May 6) that the visa-free policy for citizens from 12 countries, including Malaysia, to enter China would be extended until the end of 2025.

The 15-day visa-free policy applies to Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passports to go to China for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.

This visa-free privilege was first announced by China on Nov 24 last year. Prior to this latest announcement, the visa-free policy was enforced from Dec 1, 2023 to Nov 30, 2024.

Malaysia was one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists and had seen a substantial increase of 53.9% in arrivals compared to the previous year.

During the recent festive season, it was estimated that 100,000 Chinese tourists visited the country resulting in economic gains of between RM10bil and RM15bil for the nation.

Tags / Keywords: China , Tourist , Visa , Visa Waiver , Extension , MCA , Tan Teik Cheng ,

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• China extends visa exemption for 12 countries to promote exchanges: Spokesperson
• China has decided to extend the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China for 12 countries until the end of 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

To promote exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals, China has decided to extend the visa-free policy to Dec. 31, 2025, for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, Lin told a regular press briefing when answering a query related to the Chinese leader's announcement of the visa-free policy during his visit to France.

Lin added that citizens of these countries with ordinary passports will be allowed to enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

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