Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)
Step-by-step process
Decide stream & check eligibility.
This is the Tourist stream of Visitor visa (subclass 600) — use this if you’re visiting for holiday or to see family/friends (grants up to 12 months in some cases). Confirm you meet health, character and genuine-visitor requirements.
Gather all supporting documents.
Typical documents you should prepare and scan (Home Affairs will give a tailored checklist in ImmiAccount): passport bio-page, recent passport-style photos, proof of funds (bank statements/ITR/salary slips), leave/employment letter, travel itinerary/hotel booking or invited family details, previous travel evidence, ID proofs, and translations (if not in English). Use the Department’s Document-Checklist tool once you start the application — it lists exactly what to upload.
Create an ImmiAccount and start the online application
Create/login to ImmiAccount → select Visitor visa (subclass 600) → choose Tourist stream → complete form and attach documents. All outside-Australia applications must be lodged online.
Pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC).
Pay the visa application charge inside ImmiAccount using the payment options available. The VAC amount is determined by the date Home Affairs receives the application (fees change occasionally).
After lodgement — ImmiAccount messages.
Home Affairs will notify you in ImmiAccount if they require anything further (biometrics, medicals, police certificates, Form 80 or additional documents).
Biometrics (if requested)
If Home Affairs requests biometrics you’ll be told where to go. In South Asia the Australian program currently lists Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in a dedicated biometrics program for the region; India applicants are normally informed in ImmiAccount if biometrics are required. Biometrics are collected at the contracted service provider (VFS Global / VAC ) and they charge a service fee.
Health examinations (if requested)
Some applicants may be asked to see a Home Affairs panel physician and do a chest x-ray / medical (typical for longer stays or where health concerns arise). Panel physicians charge directly for the exam and tests; you must use an approved panel doctor. Arrange this only if/when Home Affairs asks.
Police Certificate (if requested)
Home Affairs may ask for police certificates (character check). If requested, obtain police / PCCs for countries where you’ve lived 12+ months since age 16. In India PCCs are issued through Passport Seva
Processing & decision
Check Global visa processing times on Home Affairs for an indication — many tourist-stream applications are finalised within a few weeks but times vary by case complexity and external checks.
After grant
Grant letter will list visa conditions (length of stay, single/multiple entry, work/study limits). Use the grant letter details when you travel (you don’t get a paper visa sticker; the visa is electronic).