The festivities hold a special place for international students who bravely cross oceans to pursue their dreams to study abroad. While working hard to achieve their academic goals, they often reminisce about the celebrations of yesteryears with parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and close friends. It’s only natural for parents as well to want to spend time with their children, either during these festivities, study periods, or even graduation time.
However, parents and other similar Australian visas do weigh heavily on the pocket. For instance, an Australian parent visa (subclass 103) costs $ 7,345 over two installments for a single applicant. So, what if there were a visa that cost much less than that of a parent visa?
Let’s say, AUD 200?
This is where understanding the Australia Tourist Visa requirements becomes more crucial for parents of international students. This blog explores the requirements of the tourist visa subclass 600. It also examines why this might become your preferred visa option when you next plan to visit your child in Australia.
Do You Meet the Australian Tourist Visa Requirements?
Planning to meet your child studying in Australia? The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Tourist Stream could be your ticket Down Under. This visa allows you to stay for up to a year, offering the perfect opportunity to reconnect or discover Australia’s beauty. Here’s a quick rundown of the essential details you need to know before applying.
Check your eligibility to apply for this visa
- Health clearance: You’ll need to demonstrate that you meet Australia’s health standards.
- Good character: You must satisfy the Australian government’s character requirements.
- Debt clearance: Ensure any outstanding debts to the Australian government are paid or have a payment plan in place.
- Financial capacity: You must prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your intended stay in Australia.
- Genuine visitor intention: Your sole purpose for visiting must be temporary, and you must commit to adhering to all visa conditions and the allowed period of stay.
- Best interests of a minor: For applicants under 18, visa approval will also consider their best interests.
What can you do and not do with this tourist visa?
Want to meet your child who is studying in Australia? Let’s understand your entitlements and limitations for this tourist visa.
- Visit privileges: You can spend time with family and/or friends in Australia.
- Tourist activities: Enjoy Australia as a tourist, including cruises and general leisure travel.
- Short-term study/training: Engage in study or training for a maximum of 3 months. For a longer study, consider a student visa. (This may not apply to you as the parent)
- No work allowed: This visa does not grant permission to work in Australia.
- Cruise entry requirement: If your trip involves entering Australia via a cruise, you will need this visa.
- Round-trip cruise considerations: Time spent on a round-trip cruise counts towards your total stay in Australia and doesn’t reset your visa period.
- Temporary stay: This is a temporary visa with a stay period specified in your grant letter, typically up to 3 months, but potentially longer (up to 12 months) based on your reasons for visiting and desired duration.
- Single or multiple entry: Your visa may allow a single entry or multiple entries into Australia while it’s valid.
- Potential for longer stays for parents: Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents may be granted visas valid for over 12 months with multiple entries. However, with a maximum of 12 months’ stay in any 18 months, requiring adequate health insurance.
- No extension possible: You cannot extend this visa from within Australia. You’ll need to apply for a different visa if you wish to stay longer and your current visa doesn’t have a “no further stay” condition.
- Separate applications for family: Each family member, including those on your passport, must submit their visa application.
- Application must be outside Australia: You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and when the decision is made.
- Compliance is key: You are obligated to follow all Australian laws and the conditions of your visa.
- Health Insurance recommendation: While not always mandatory, adequate health insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential healthcare costs.
- Digital visa link: Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport; you will not receive a physical label.
According to the global visa processing time guide, the tourist visa, once applied, can take potentially 16 to 28 days to process. This processing time may vary depending on certain aspects, such as the time it takes to verify your details and documents submitted, and the number of tourist visa applications currently in the processing phase.
Documents needed to meet the Australia Tourist Visa Requirements
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- Passport details: Submit clear copies of your current passport pages displaying your photograph, personal information, issue date, and expiration date.
- National ID (if applicable): Include a copy of your national identity card if you possess one.
- Proof of name change (if relevant): Provide official documentation if your current name differs from what appears on other documents. This can include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate
- Official name-change documents issued by a relevant authority (Australian or overseas)
- Documentation of other names: If you have been known by any other names, supply documents that verify these names.
- Proof of financial capacity: Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay and departure from Australia. This can include:
- Detailed personal bank statements covering the last 3 months
- Recent pay slips
- Audited financial statements
- Tax assessment records
- Term deposit statements
- Credit card statements
- Invitation letter (if applicable): If you are invited by a relative or a friend in Australia, include their letter stating:
- Their relationship to you
- The purpose and duration of your visit
- Whether you will be staying with them
- If they are financially supporting you, provide proof of their funds
- Itinerary in Australia: Outline your planned activities and destinations during your visit.
- Evidence of incentive to return home: Provide documentation demonstrating your ties to your home country, showing reasons for your return, such as:
- A letter from your employer confirming your planned return to your job.
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution in your home country.
- Evidence of immediate family members residing in your home country.
- Proof of your ability to legally return to your home country.
- Documentation of property ownership or significant assets in your home country.
- Additional documents (if applicable)
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- Military service record: Include any relevant military service records or discharge papers.
- Police certificate (if requested): Be prepared to provide a police certificate if specifically asked by the authorities.
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- For longer visa requests
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- Justification for extended stay: If you are requesting a visa longer than the standard duration (including parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents), clearly state this in your application and provide detailed reasons for your request.
- Proof of relationship (if application): For parents/step-parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents requesting a longer visa, provide evidence of your child’s citizenship or permanent residency status.
Conclusion
For parents of international students longing to reconnect with their children in Australia, the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) presents a more accessible and affordable pathway compared to parent visas. By understanding and meeting the outlined eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documentation, you can navigate the visa application process and look forward to spending quality time with your child, experiencing the Australian lifestyle, and creating cherished memories.
Disclaimer: The Visitor/Tourist Visa requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change. Please always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information before starting your application.