Understanding the 4 Pathways of Subclass 600 Visa

Tourist Stream (Standard visitor visa)

Sponsored Family Stream (For family-sponsored visits)

Business Visitor Stream (For business purposes)

Frequent Traveller Stream (10-year tourist visa)

This guide focuses on comparing Stream 1 and Stream 2 when applicants have Australian relatives.

Common Misconceptions Clarified

Many applicants mistakenly believe: "I have relatives in Australia, so I need a 'Family Visit Visa'."

Reality: Unless your relative is your parent/immediate family member AND an Australian PR/citizen, you'll typically apply under the Tourist Stream (Stream 1), not a special "Family Visit Visa."

Stream 1: Tourist Stream

Key Features:

Validity Options:

1-year visa: Max 3 months per stay, multiple entries

3-year visa: Max 12 months in 18-month period (for parents of AU citizens/PRs)

5-year visa: Max 12 months in 18-month period (for parents with Queue Number from pending parent visa applications)

Other Details:

Entry: Multiple entries

Fee: AUD 195

8503 "No Further Stay" clause: Usually not applied

Medicals: Required if stay >3 months or age ≥75 (cost ~CNY 800)

Purpose: Tourism, family visits, short courses (<3 months)

Processing:

Standard: 1-2 months

Priority: 7 days (additional AUD 1000 fee)

Stream 2: Sponsored Family Stream

Key Features:

Validity: Typically 6-12 months

Entry: Single entry only

Stay Duration: Max 3 months per visit

Fee: AUD 195

Sponsor Requirements:

Must be AU citizen/PR

Must be immediate family (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents/grandchildren, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews)

8503 Clause: Usually applied (blocks further visa applications in Australia)

Medicals: Required if age ≥75

Which Should You Choose?

No Australian relatives? Apply for 1-year Tourist Stream visa

Have eligible relatives & concerned about rejection? Sponsored Family Stream has higher approval rates

Child is AU citizen/PR? Consider 3-year Tourist Stream visa (medical check required)

Applied for parent visa with Queue Number? Eligible for 5-year Tourist Stream with flexible stay arrangements