The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is one of Australia's most popular visas, with hundreds of thousands granted each year to tourists, family visitors, and business travellers. But once you're in Australia, questions inevitably arise: Can I stay longer? Can I work? Can I switch to a different visa?
This guide separates fact from fiction and explains exactly what you can and cannot do on a Visitor Visa in 2026.
Understanding the Visitor Visa Streams
The Subclass 600 has several streams, each with different purposes and conditions:
| Stream | Purpose | Typical Duration | Applies From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Holiday, visiting family/friends | 3, 6, or 12 months | Outside or inside Australia |
| Sponsored Family | Visiting family (with Australian sponsor) | Up to 12 months | Outside Australia |
| Business Visitor | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | Up to 3 months | Outside Australia |
| Frequent Traveller | Multiple entries over 5+ years | Up to 10 years | Outside Australia |
Note: The Sponsored Family stream often comes with a "No Further Stay" condition and may require a security bond of up to $15,000.
Can You Extend Your Visitor Visa?
The Short Answer
Technically, you cannot "extend" a Visitor Visa. However, you can apply for a new Visitor Visa before your current one expires-which effectively extends your stay.
The Critical Factor: "No Further Stay" Condition
Before applying for anything, check your visa conditions using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). Look for these conditions:
| Condition | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 8503 | "No Further Stay" - You cannot apply for most visas while in Australia |
| 8534 | No further temporary visa - Must leave Australia |
| 8535 | No further permanent visa - Must leave Australia |
If you have a "No Further Stay" condition:
- You generally cannot apply for a new visa from within Australia
- You would need to leave and apply from overseas
- A waiver may be possible in compelling and compassionate circumstances (medical emergency, death of relative, etc.)-but this is difficult to obtain
If you do NOT have a "No Further Stay" condition:
- You can apply for a new Visitor Visa (or other eligible visas) while in Australia
- If your current visa expires while waiting, you'll be granted a Bridging Visa A
How to Apply for a New Visitor Visa from Within Australia
Step 1: Check Your Conditions
Log into VEVO at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to confirm your current visa conditions.
Step 2: Gather Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Identity |
| Current visa grant notice | Proof of current status |
| Bank statements | Proof of financial means |
| Health insurance | Required for stays over 6 months |
| Reason for extension | Letter explaining why you need more time |
| Flight booking (if applicable) | Evidence of planned departure |
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit your application through ImmiAccount before your current visa expires.
Step 4: Wait for Decision
- If your visa expires while waiting, a Bridging Visa A is automatically granted
- The Bridging Visa allows you to stay lawfully until a decision is made
- Bridging Visa conditions mirror your original visa (e.g., no work if original had no work)
Fees for Applying from Within Australia
| Stream | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist (onshore) | ~$475-500 |
| Tourist (offshore) | ~$190-200 |
| Business (offshore) | ~$190-200 |
| Frequent Traveller | ~$1,480 |
Can You Work on a Visitor Visa?
The Simple Answer: NO
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) includes Condition 8101 (No Work). This means you cannot:
- Take paid employment
- Work for an Australian business (even if paid from overseas)
- Provide services that someone would normally be paid for
- Do freelance or contract work
What About Volunteering?
Genuine volunteer work may be permitted, but with strict limits:
- The work must be truly voluntary (no payment, no employment relationship)
- It should benefit a non-profit or community organization
- The volunteer work cannot be something an Australian would normally be paid for
Caution: If the Department believes your "volunteering" is actually disguised work, your visa could be cancelled.
What About Online / Remote Work?
This is a grey area. If you're:
- Employed by an overseas company
- Working remotely while on holiday
- Not engaging with Australian clients or earning Australian income
...some migration lawyers suggest this may be tolerated, but it's not officially permitted under the visa conditions. Proceed with caution.
Can You Study on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, But Limited
Visitor Visa holders can undertake short-term study or training for up to 3 months.
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Short course under 3 months | Full degree program |
| English language course (under 3 months) | Vocational training (Certificate courses) |
| Hobby or recreational classes | Any study requiring a Student Visa |
Critical 2025 Change: No Onshore Student Visa Applications
As of July 1, 2024, Visitor Visa holders can no longer apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) from within Australia.
This means:
- ❌ You cannot arrive on a Visitor Visa and then "switch" to a Student Visa
- ❌ Even with a course offer, you must leave Australia to apply
- ✅ If you want to study, apply for your Student Visa before you arrive
This change was implemented to prevent "visa hopping" and ensure genuine student intent.
Can You Convert to Another Visa?
The ability to switch to another visa depends on your conditions and the visa you want.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
| Can You Apply? | Condition |
|---|---|
| ✅ YES | If you have no "No Further Stay" condition |
| ❌ NO | If you have Condition 8503/8534/8535 |
If you can apply:
- You can lodge a Partner Visa application from within Australia
- You'll receive a Bridging Visa A while waiting
- Your partner must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
- You must demonstrate a genuine relationship
Partner Visa Costs: ~$9,365 (as of October 2025)
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
| Can You Apply? | Condition |
|---|---|
| ❌ NO | New rule from July 2024 blocks onshore applications from Visitor Visa holders |
You must leave Australia and apply from overseas.
Skilled Visa (189/190/491)
| Can You Apply? | Condition |
|---|---|
| 🔶 Maybe | Depends on visa conditions and whether you have an invitation |
If you receive a SkillSelect invitation while on a Visitor Visa without "No Further Stay":
- You may be able to lodge onshore
- However, most skilled visa applicants plan their pathway differently
Working Holiday Visa (417/462)
| Can You Apply? | Condition |
|---|---|
| ❌ NO | Working Holiday Visas must be applied for offshore |
Processing Times (2025)
| Stream | 75% Processed | 90% Processed |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (offshore) | 16-20 days | 33-36 days |
| Tourist (onshore) | 10 days | 26 days |
| Business Visitor | 9 days | 20 days |
| Sponsored Family | 50 days | 70 days |
Tip: Business visitors from India, UAE, and China can request priority processing for an additional $1,000 (aims for 48-hour turnaround).
Common "Pathway Myths" Debunked
Myth 1: "I can come on a tourist visa and find a job, then get sponsored"
Reality: You cannot work on a Visitor Visa. You would need to leave Australia, get a job offer, and have your employer sponsor you for a 482 (or new Skills in Demand) visa.
Myth 2: "I can come as a tourist to study, then switch to a student visa"
Reality: As of July 2024, this is no longer possible. You must apply for your Student Visa from outside Australia.
Myth 3: "I can keep extending my tourist visa indefinitely"
Reality: While technically you can apply for new tourist visas, the Department looks for "genuine temporary entrant" intention. If you've been in Australia for 18+ months on continuous visitor visas, your application is likely to be refused or you'll be given a "No Further Stay" condition.
Myth 4: "If I get married while visiting, I automatically get a visa"
Reality: Marriage to an Australian citizen does not automatically grant a visa. You must apply for a Partner Visa, provide extensive evidence of your relationship, and wait for processing (which can take 2+ years).
Tips for Visitor Visa Holders
1. Apply Early for Extensions
Don't wait until the last day. Apply for a new visa at least 2-3 weeks before your current visa expires.
2. Keep Financial Records
The Department may request bank statements to prove you can support yourself without working.
3. Get Health Insurance
Health insurance is strongly recommended (and often required for stays over 6 months). Medicare does not cover Visitor Visa holders.
4. Be Honest About Your Plans
If your true intention is to stay long-term, work, or study, apply for the appropriate visa from the start. Trying to "backdoor" into Australia through a visitor visa often backfires.
5. Check VEVO Before Making Plans
Your visa conditions determine what's possible. Always verify before booking flights or making commitments.
How First Migration Can Help
Navigating Visitor Visa options-especially when you want to stay longer or transition to another visa-can be confusing. At First Migration Service Centre, we can:
- Assess your visa conditions and explain your options
- Prepare extension applications with compelling documentation
- Advise on partner visa pathways if you've met someone while visiting
- Guide you through "No Further Stay" waiver requests in genuine circumstances
- Plan your long-term migration strategy if you want to eventually settle in Australia
Have questions about your Visitor Visa options? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment and get clarity on your situation.
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Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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