Australia Office
Suite 1, 1 Tramway Arcade
Rockdale
NSW 2216 Australia
Tel: +61-2-7257 7924
Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
Nepal Office
New Plaza
Putalisadak
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-01-4525382
Email: ktm@sbsconsultant.com.au
Visitor Visa
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa and the Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) are two of the most common visas that allow people to enter Australia temporarily. Both visas are for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, business, or family visits. However, there are some key differences between the two visas.
Subclass 600 Visitor Visa
The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is a more flexible visa than the Subclass 601 ETA. It allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months and you can apply for a visa extension while in Australia. You can also apply for a permanent visa while in Australia (subjected to meeting all requirements).
To be eligible for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, you must:
- Be a citizen of a passport-issuing country with which Australia has a visa agreement
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- Have a genuine intention to return to your home country at the end of your visit
Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority
The Subclass 601 ETA is a simpler and faster way to apply for a visa to visit Australia. It is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 90 days. You cannot apply for a visa extension or a permanent visa while in Australia on a Subclass 601 ETA.
To be eligible for a Subclass 601 ETA, you must:
- Be a citizen of a passport-issuing country that is eligible for the ETA scheme
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the health and character requirements
Comparison of Visitor Visas and ETAs
The following table compares the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa and the Subclass 601 ETA:
| Criterion | Subclass 600 Visitor Visa | Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Multiple-entry | Single-entry |
| Maximum stay | 12 months | 90 days |
| Eligibility requirements | More complex | Less complex |
| Processing time | Longer | Shorter |
Which visa is right for you?
The best visa for you will depend on your individual circumstances and travel plans. If you need a visa that allows you to stay in Australia for more than 90 days or if you want to apply for a visa extension or a permanent visa while in Australia, then the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is the best option for you. If you are only planning to stay in Australia for up to 90 days and you are a citizen of a passport-issuing country that is eligible for the ETA scheme, then the Subclass 601 ETA may be a better option for you.
Processing times
The processing time for visitor visas and ETAs varies depending on a number of factors, including your individual circumstances and the current processing times. However, you can expect the processing time for a visitor visa to take several weeks and the processing time for an ETA to take several days.
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Tips for applying for a visitor visa or ETA
- Make sure you meet all of the eligibility criteria
- Complete the online visa application form carefully and accurately
- Provide all supporting documentation requested
- Be patient, as the processing time can take several weeks or days
If you are interested in applying for a visitor visa or ETA, it is important to seek advice from a registered migration agent. Our migration agent can help you to assess your eligibility, complete the visa application form, and gather the required supporting documentation.