The Four Pathways of Australia's Subclass 600 Visitor Visa:

·Tourist Stream

·Sponsored Family Stream

·Business Visitor Stream

·Frequent Traveller Stream *(10-year tourist visa)*

This article focuses on the key differences between Stream 1 (Tourist) and Stream 2 (Sponsored Family) when applicants have relatives in Australia!

 

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Common Misconceptions Debunked

Many clients say: "I have family in Australia, so I need a 'Family Visit Visa.'"

Reality Check:
Unless your relative is an Australian citizen/permanent resident parent or immediate family member, you’ll typically apply under the Tourist Stream (Stream 1), not a dedicated "Family Visit Visa."

 

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Stream 1: Subclass 600 Tourist Stream

Visa Validity & Conditions

12 months stay per 18-month period *(may be reduced to 12 months total for first-time applicants)*

 

5-Year Visa (for parents with a pending Parent Visa application & Queue Date):

12 months stay per 18-month period

Other Key Details:

Entries: Multiple

Fee: AUD 195

8503 "No Further Stay" Clause: Usually not applied

Medical Exam: Required if staying >3 months per entry OR aged ≥75 (cost ~RMB 800, varies by location)、

Purpose: Tourism, family visits, short-term study (<3 months)

Processing Time:

·Standard: 1–2 months

·Priority: 7 business days (extra AUD 1,000 fee)

Visual Guide:

✅ 1-Year Visa: Multiple entries, 3 months each
✅ 3-Year Visa: 12 months per 18-month period

 

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Stream 2: Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream

Visa Features:

·Validity: 6–12 months

·Entries: Single entry only

·Max Stay: Up to 3 months

·Fee: AUD 195

·Sponsor Requirements:

Must be an AU citizen/PR

Must be an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew)

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

·Medical Exam: Required if aged ≥75

·Visual Guide:

 Sponsored Family Visa: Single entry, max 3-month stay

 

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Summary & Recommendations

Scenario	Recommended Visa
No AU relatives	1-Year Tourist Visa (Stream 1)
Have eligible AU relatives + concerned about rejection	Sponsored Family Visa (Stream 2) – higher approval chance
Child is AU citizen/PR	3-Year Tourist Visa (Stream 1, meets medical requirements)
Applied for Parent Visa + has Queue Date	5-Year Tourist Visa (Stream 1, flexible stays)