Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) from India: Streams, 2026 Fee & Documents
Australia is a favourite holiday destination for Indian families, and many parents travel there to visit children who are studying or working. Indian citizens cannot use Australia's ETA or eVisitor, so almost everyone applies for the Visitor visa (subclass 600). This guide explains the streams, the 2026 fee, the documents you need and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Which stream should you choose?
- Tourist stream — holidays, sightseeing and visiting family or friends. This is the right choice for most applicants, including parents visiting a child in Australia.
- Sponsored Family stream — an eligible relative in Australia formally sponsors your visit. The department may ask the sponsor for a security bond.
- Business Visitor stream — meetings, conferences and negotiations. You cannot do paid work.
- Frequent Traveller stream — a longer-validity option offered to some nationalities, including India, for people who travel to Australia often.
Depending on your case, the visa can allow stays of up to 3, 6 or 12 months.
Visa fee in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Tourist stream fee for applications made from outside Australia is AUD 250 (it was AUD 200 before). Applications made from inside Australia cost more. The fee is not refunded if the visa is refused, which is another reason to apply with a complete file. Use the Department of Home Affairs pricing estimator to confirm the exact amount for your stream before you pay.
Document checklist
Identity
- Passport bio page, and old passports showing previous travel
- National ID such as Aadhaar, if asked
Funds
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
- Income tax returns, fixed deposits and other savings
- If a child or relative in Australia is paying, their bank statements and a letter confirming support
Employment or income
- Employer letter with approved leave and salary slips, or
- Business registration and business bank statements, or
- Pension papers and proof of other income for retired applicants
Purpose of the visit
- A brief itinerary and accommodation details
- For family visits: an invitation letter from your relative, with a copy of their passport and Australian visa, PR or citizenship proof, and their address
- For parents of students: your child's Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and student visa grant notice
Ties to India
Property papers, a job or business you will return to, and family responsibilities at home all help show that your visit is temporary.
Health insurance
Health insurance is not always a strict requirement, but it is strongly recommended, especially for older parents. Medical treatment in Australia is expensive and the case officer may consider it.
How to apply
- Create an ImmiAccount and fill the online Visitor visa application.
- Upload clear colour scans of every document, named clearly.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Give biometrics at a VFS centre if you are asked to.
- Complete any medical examination if requested (more common for longer stays and older applicants).
- Wait for the decision by email. Apply well ahead of your travel dates, especially for December–January travel.
Tips that make a difference
- Write a short, honest cover letter explaining who you are, why you are going, who is paying, and why you will return.
- Make sure dates, names and amounts match across the form, letters and bank statements.
- Declare every previous visa refusal, for any country. Hiding one is far worse than declaring it.
- Do not book non-refundable flights before the visa is granted.
Need help with your Australia visitor visa?
We choose the right stream, prepare your cover letter, upload your documents correctly in ImmiAccount and track the application until the decision. See our Australia visitor visa service, or book a free consultation with our Hyderabad team. Thinking about studying there instead? Read about studying in Australia.
Fee checked in November 2026. Always confirm the current charge with the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
