Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600): The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Indian Travelers
- Souradeep Saha
- May 4
- 4 min read
Are you planning a holiday to Australia, visiting friends or family, or attending a short business meeting Down Under? The Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is your gateway to experiencing the beauty and vibrancy of Australia—whether you're eyeing the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, or simply reuniting with loved ones.
This beginner-friendly guide, crafted by Aussie Pathways, a trusted Australian immigration consultancy, walks you through everything you need to know about the Australia Tourist Visa process in 2025.
🌏 Types of Tourist Visas (Subclass 600)
The Subclass 600 visa has multiple streams tailored to different purposes of visit:
1. Tourist Stream (Apply from India or Outside Australia)
Purpose: Sightseeing, leisure, recreational travel.
Common Applicants: Solo travelers, couples, families.
2. Sponsored Family Stream
Purpose: Visit family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Requirement: Must have a sponsor in Australia willing to provide a formal invitation and, in some cases, a bond.
3. Business Visitor Stream
Purpose: Attend business meetings, seminars, or explore business opportunities.
Restriction: You cannot work or sell goods/services.
💡 Not sure which stream suits your purpose? Aussie Pathways can help you pick the right visa type and build a strong case.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 600 (Tourist Visa)
To qualify for an Australian Tourist Visa, Indian applicants must meet the following:
Hold a valid Indian passport
Genuine Intention to Visit: Demonstrate you will return to India after your trip.
Sufficient Funds: Enough to cover your trip and stay.
Strong Ties to India: Employment, family, property, or studies.
No criminal background
Health and character requirements
📄 Documents Required from Indian Applicants
Here’s a basic checklist of what you’ll need:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Recent passport-size photographs
Completed Form 1419 (Tourist stream) or relevant form for other streams
Cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit
Travel itinerary (including planned destinations)
Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs, salary slips)
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
Employment or student proof (leave approval, enrollment letters)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Family ties or property documents in India
Invitation letter (if visiting family or attending business events)
Aussie Pathways provides document checklists, reviews your paperwork, and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
💰 Visa Fees, Validity & Processing Time
Stream | Visa Fee (Approx.) | Typical Validity | Processing Time |
Tourist Stream | AUD 190 (~₹10,000) | 3 to 12 months | 20 to 40 calendar days |
Sponsored Family Stream | AUD 190 (~₹10,000) | Up to 12 months | 40 to 60 calendar days |
Business Visitor Stream | AUD 190 (~₹10,000) | Usually 3 months | 15 to 30 calendar days |
Note: Times may vary depending on peak seasons and individual profiles.
📌 Important Requirements to Keep in Mind
🔒 Return Obligations
Australia takes overstay seriously. You must show solid reasons to return:
Ongoing employment or studies
Family responsibilities
Owned property or assets in India
💸 Proof of Finances
Your bank account should reflect enough balance for:
Airfare
Hotel
Local transport
Meals and sightseeing
Aussie Pathways will help you prepare a personalized financial summary to prove fund adequacy.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Though not mandatory, it's highly recommended. It can cover:
Medical emergencies
Trip cancellations
Personal accidents
❌ Common Reasons for Tourist Visa Rejection
Avoid these red flags:
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Weak financial proof
Suspicious travel patterns or sudden plans
Overly generic cover letters
No strong home ties
👉 Aussie Pathways ensures every document is checked, every loophole closed, and your intent clearly communicated.
✈️ How Aussie Pathways Makes It Easy
At Aussie Pathways, we don’t just help with filling out forms—we offer end-to-end support:
✔️ Free consultation to determine your eligibility and visa stream
✔️ Customized document checklist
✔️ Drafting of compelling cover letters and travel intent
✔️ Review of financials and travel plans
✔️ Help with travel insurance, hotel bookings, and travel itinerary
✔️ Real-time updates and follow-ups with the embassy
✔️ Reapplication assistance in case of rejection
🧳 “Planning a trip to Australia? Let Aussie Pathways handle your tourist visa hassle-free.”👪 “We’ve helped hundreds of Indian families reunite with loved ones in Australia — book your slot today.”
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Can I visit my relatives in Australia on a tourist visa?
Yes, if you're applying under the Sponsored Family Stream, you can visit close family members. A formal invitation and sponsorship details are required.
❓Can I apply again if my tourist visa was rejected before?
Yes. You can reapply with improved documentation. Aussie Pathways will help you understand the reason for previous rejection and strengthen your reapplication.
❓Can I work or study on a tourist visa?
No. Subclass 600 does not permit work or long-term study. You can do short informal courses (less than 3 months), but cannot take up employment.
❓What if I need to stay longer than my visa validity?
You must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Overstaying may impact future visa applications.
❓Is a personal interview required?
Usually not. Most decisions are made on paperwork. However, in some cases, additional information or an interview may be requested.
🎯 Why Choose Aussie Pathways?
Because we:
Understand the nuances of Australian visa policies
Know exactly what immigration officers look for
Have a proven success rate with Indian tourist visa applicants
Provide support in Hindi, Bengali, and English
Keep it transparent and affordable
📞 Ready to Travel? Let’s Make It Happen!
Let Aussie Pathways take care of the paperwork—you just pack your bags!
