VISITOR VISA AUSTRALIA:
SUBCLASS 600, 601, 417 & 462

employer sponsored visa australia

visitor visa australia​

Why Apply for a Visitor Visa to Australia

Australia welcomes millions of visitors each year-for holidays, reunions with loved ones, and attending business events. A visitor visa to Australia is the official way to enter the country temporarily and legally, The Australia visitor visa covers it all, with multiple subclasses designed to suit various needs. For example, the ETA Visitor Visa Australia allows passport holders from eligible countries to apply online for short visits-no paper forms or consulate visits needed.

Here’s Section 4: Visa Overview Cards for the Visitor Visa Australia page, featuring all four subclasses mentioned in the title 600, 601, 417, and 462:

Types of Visitor Visas for Australia

Australia offers several visa options for travellers, depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended stay. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used visitor visas:

Visitor Visa
(Subclass 600)

You don't need a job offer or state nomination for this one. If your skills match what Australia needs and you meet the points test, this is a strong pathway to permanent residency.
View Detail

Electronic Travel Authority - ETA (Subclass 601)

This visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory. If your occupation is listed as in-demand locally, this might be the right option for you.
View Detail

Working Holiday
Visa (Subclass 417)

Ideal for those open to living and working in regional Australia. It's a five-year provisional visa that can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191.
View Detail

Work and Holiday
Visa (Subclass 462)

This is the next step for eligible 491 visa holders. After meeting certain requirements-like regional residence and taxable income-you may qualify for permanent residency.
View Detail

Who Can Apply for an Australian Visitor Visa?

Visitor visas are available to tourists, families, and working holiday travellers-each with its own eligibility criteria. Here’s how the aus visitor visa requirements differ across the four main subclasses:

Requirement Subclass 600 Subclass 601 (ETA) Subclass 417 Subclass 462
Purpose
Tourism, family, business
Short tourism/business
Working holiday
Work & holiday with cultural exchange goals
Eligible Nationalities
Open to most passport holders
Select countries (e.g. USA, Canada)
Select countries (mostly Europe, Asia)
Select countries. (e.g. China, India Indonesia, USA)
Age Limit
No limit
No limit
18-30 (35 for some)
18-30
Up to 12 months
Duration
3, 6, or 12 months
Up to 3 months per visit
Up to 12 months
Financial Proof
Required
Not required
Required
Required
English Requirement
Not required
Not required
None officially, but basic English expected
Functional English required
Invitation Letter
Recommended for family visits
Not applicable
Not required
May be required by some countries

Which Employer Visa is Right for You?

The documents required for visitor visa Australia vary slightly depending on the visa subclass, but here’s a complete checklist to help you prepare:

Document Subclass 600 Subclass 601 (ΕΤΑ) Subclass 417 Subclass 462
Valid Passport
Online Visa Application
Recent Passport-size Photo
Travel Itinerary
Valid Passport
Invitation Letter (if visiting family)
Health Insurance
Recommended
Recommended
Required
Required
Proof of English (Functional or Higher)
Character Documents (police check)
Educational Documents

Visitor Visa Australia Fees & Timeline

Subclass 600

Duration: 3 weeks to 6 months
(depends on stream)

From AUD $500

Subclass 601 (ETA)

Duration: Instant to 5 business days

Free or ~$20
(via app/agent)

Subclass 417

Duration: 4 to 6 weeks

AUD $670

Subclass 462

Duration: 4 to 8 weeks

AUD $670

Stepping Stones Career Solutions - Immigration, Visa & Education Consultants

4.9Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 147 Google reviews

Swtha Lal
a week ago

Previously I have worked with many agencies for visa purposes and found lack of communication in terms of supplying right information and resources. Upon reaching out to so many agencies for right guidance, I finally put my trust with Stepping stone agency. The team who handled my visa application was very helpful and was able to do certain arrangements for me within the dedicated timeframe. I got my visa granted after 3 months. I would like to especially thank Mr Vineet Thakral for your service. It was amazing working with you and hope to work together in future.

palak mengi
a week ago

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support and assistance throughout my immigration process. Your expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness are really great. Special thanks to Saniya.

Irina Thondajee
4 weeks ago

I’m really happy with the support I received from my agency throughout my study journey. They were professional, helpful, and always available to answer my questions. Thanks to them, everything went smoothly!

delaney nicholas
a month ago

I personally believe they are one of the most genuine consultants . They don’t charge you on any visits it’s just one you need to apply for a visa . They are very good with communicating with their clients , my personal experience- I’m a hyper client but they were always there to calm me down no matter how many times I call them . Thank you to Anchal, Saniya , Sadgi, Manveer and Vineet . I’m still going to be working with them and I would recommend others to consider them too .

Thank you for the great support with my visa process. The service was professional and efficient. Highly recommended!✨ Thank you again🙏

4534 Ruby Mittal
a month ago

Visa Extension Approved in Just 20 Days! 🎉 I’m beyond happy to share that my student visa extension was approved within just 20 days after one day of my medical. I’m truly grateful for the smooth and fast process. A big thank you to Anchal mam from stepping stone immigration for the guidance and support throughout the application. Your professionalism and timely communication made all the difference. If anyone is planning to apply for a visa extension or has any doubts about the process, I highly recommend starting early and staying organized – it really helps!

Fatema Khandakar
a month ago

I’ve been with Stepping Stones Career Solutions for as long as I can remember. From helping me with my student visa to successfully getting my partner visa granted, it has truly been a journey. A heartfelt thank you to Gaurav Sir, Vineet, Manveer, Mohit and everyone else who supported me along the way I’m eternally grateful. Your dedication, patience, and willingness to go the extra mile have made a world of difference. I’ve had an amazing experience with this agency. They are reliable, professional, and genuinely care about their clients. I wouldn’t look anywhere else when it comes to handling visa processes. Highly recommend Stepping Stones to anyone who wants trusted guidance and support through their immigration journey!

Sudip Bathia
a month ago

I recently applied for subclass 804 parent visa and Stepping Stones Career Solutions was very helpful in the process. They are very knowledgeable and professional, and I highly recommend taking their services. I'd like to thank Manveer with whom I had initial discussion, and I knew instantly that they are the perfect choice. A very special thanks to Arisha who guided at every step and is very hard working. I had so many queries but she always answered them patiently to ensure that I had a successful outcome. I'd like to wish her and Stepping Stones all the success. Thank you!

artistic station
2 months ago

Highly Recommended for Career and Education Guidance! I had a wonderful experience with Stepping Stones Career Solutions. The team is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping students find the best academic and career pathways based on their individual circumstances. They listened to my situation carefully and offered tailored advice that made a real difference in my journey. Whether you’re looking to change your course, explore more affordable study options, or plan for long-term goals like PR, they provide reliable and professional support throughout. What stood out most was their transparency and their willingness to go the extra mile to clarify even the smallest doubts. I’d definitely recommend Stepping Stones to anyone seeking genuine, personalized support in their education or migration journey. Thank you to the team for your incredible guidance and support!

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3 months ago

I cannot recommend stepping stones Melbourne highly enough! From the very beginning, the team was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive throughout my entire immigration process. They took the time to understand my unique situation, explained every step clearly, and made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel manageable and smooth. Their attention to detail and professionalism were truly impressive. Whenever I had questions or concerns, they responded promptly and reassured me with accurate information. Thanks to their guidance, my application was processed efficiently and successfully. If you’re looking for trustworthy, experienced, and genuinely caring immigration agents, look no further than stepping stones Melbourne . They go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. Five stars all the way! Thank u so very much ♥️🙌🏻

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a month ago

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kafeel ahmed
2 months ago

I’m incredibly grateful to Stepping Stones Career Solutions for their outstanding support throughout my permanent residency process. From the initial consultation to the final approval, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive every step of the way. They provided clear guidance, timely updates, and expert advice tailored to my specific situation. Their attention to detail and thorough preparation made a huge difference in the smooth and successful outcome of my application. Thanks to Stepping Stones, I am now a proud permanent resident! I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and experienced migration agent.

Preet Randhawa
3 months ago

I had the best experience with Stepping Stones Career Solutions while applying for my Subclass 485 visa. Their team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. They provided clear guidance, handled all the paperwork efficiently, and kept me updated at every step. Thanks to their expertise, my visa application was smooth and successful. I truly appreciate their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable visa and migration services.

I had an amazing experience with Stepping stones! They handled my student visa application with great professionalism, taking care of all the hard work so I didn’t have to stress about the process. Their team was incredibly knowledgeable, efficient, and always available to answer my questions. The communication was clear and timely, keeping me updated every step of the way. Thanks to their dedication, I got my student visa without any hassle. I highly recommend Stepping stones to anyone looking for a smooth and reliable visa application process!

Pranil Prasad
a month ago

I had a great experience with Stepping Stone Career Solution for my student visa process. A big thank you to Anchal for her helpful guidance and constant support throughout. She was always professional, friendly, and quick to respond to any questions I had. Also, special thanks to Mr. Gaurav Sir, for overseeing everything so smoothly. I truly appreciate the effort and care the team put in to make my visa application successful. Highly recommend their services.

Common Common Questions About the Australia Visitor Visa

What are the requirements for a visitor visa in Australia?

 

You’ll need a valid passport, a completed visa application, proof of funds, and sometimes an invitation letter. Requirements vary by visa subclass.

There’s no fixed amount, but sponsors typically show at least $5,000–$10,000 AUD in savings, depending on the visitor’s length of stay.

A standard Subclass 600 for 3 months costs $200 AUD. ETA and eVisitor options may be free or cost ~$20 AUD.

Tourist visa fees range from  $200 AUD for Subclass 600. The ETA (601) may cost as little as $20 AUD.

An Australian citizen or permanent resident—often a family member or friend—can sponsor someone applying under the Sponsored Family Stream.

There’s no set amount, but it’s common to show you can cover return travel, accommodation, and day-to-day costs—around  $5,000–$10,000 AUD minimum.

Yes. Most tourist visas, including the 600 and 601, don’t require a sponsor unless you’re applying under the Sponsored Family stream.

Bank statements, pay slips, tax returns, or any official documents showing you can financially support your stay.

Write a formal Australia visitor visa invitation letter including your relationship, purpose of visit, dates, and your contact and ID details. Attach proof of your residency or citizenship.

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