Visiting Australia is exciting and can be overwhelming at times with all the paperwork. If you have begun your research into how to go to Australia you probably saw 2 very similar terms: Tourist Visa Australia and Visitor Visa Australia. While they may look similar while browsing travel blogs, if you select the wrong “stream” it can cause delays or a denial from the Department of Home Affairs.
At Ausguides we’re getting the same question from potential visitors to Australia, “Is a Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa the same?” Short answer No. In this article, we will explain the differences between both Visa types so you can determine which one suits your needs when travelling to Australia.
The Big Question: Australia Tourist Visa vs Visitor Visa
The first step to understanding the differences between the types of Australian visas is to examine the structure of Subclass 600. There are many different types of visas (Streams) included in the Visitor Visa (Subclass) category in Australia.
- The Tourist Stream – This is probably what you think of when you hear “tourist visa”. This stream is intended for people who are coming on holiday, going sightseeing or visiting friends/family without being sponsored.
- The Sponsored Family Stream – This specific type of visitor visa requires a family member in Australia to verify that you will comply with the visa and leave Australia at the end of your allowed stay under the visa requirements.
When comparing an Australia tourist visa vs visitor visa, you are actually comparing two “purposes of stay” within the same subclass of visa.
Understanding Australia Visitor Visa Requirements
When making a Visa application to Australia you must meet the requirements for Visitor Visas regardless of which stream you apply for. All applicants must demonstrate their status as a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to the Department of Home Affairs to show that they intend to return home after their visit to Australia.
Ultimately, they would like to know that you genuinely plan to go home post-holiday, and commonly, this can be confirmed with:
- Financial Proof: Bank statements showing you can afford your stay without working.
- Ties to home include: having a job, owning real estate or property and having family in your home country who you will need to return to after your visit.
- Health and character refer to the fact that you must meet Australian health standards and must not have any criminal convictions.
If you’re applying through the Sponsored Family stream, the requirements get a bit stricter. Your relative who lives in Australia may need to submit a bond, and there are various additional forms that they must fill out from their end. Are you feeling stressed out about the amount of paperwork that’s required to complete your visa application process? We provide assistance for your visa application form so that you don’t have to worry about the forms that will be required for you.
What are the Specific Australia Tourist Visa Requirements?
The requirements for an Australian Tourist or Visitor Visa (the tourist stream that you are involved in) will be a lot based upon your itinerary. They want to know what you plan to do in Australia. When applying for a GTE, the Department is looking to see whether or not the applicant’s plans are worth accepting for a visa. Examples include seeing the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House.
Having a rough tour itinerary will show that an applicant has taken the time to think about their holiday and will help to construct their visa application positively.
Processing Times: How Long Will You Wait?
No one likes to wait on a response from the government regarding their email but knowing how long you should expect to wait will help you prepare adequately for it.
The visitor visa Australia processing time can vary wildly depending on how busy the department is. Generally, for the Sponsored Family stream, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months because the background checks on the sponsor take time.
On the flip side, the tourist visa Australia processing time is often faster, especially if you come from a “low-risk” country. Some applications are cleared in a few days, while others might take 3-4 weeks if the case officer needs more documents. A quick turnaround requires a “decision-ready” application, i.e., You have assembled all evidence requested, at once.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your situation will determine which way you go.
- Apply for the Tourist Stream if: You are coming purely for a holiday, you have plenty of savings, and you have a strong job to return to. This is generally the path of least resistance.
- Apply for the Sponsored Family Stream if: You are visiting close family and perhaps don’t have a lot of personal savings, or if your “ties to home” aren’t very strong. Having a family member in Australia “vouch” for you can sometimes help overcome those hurdles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common reason for a visa being denied is not that you do not have enough funds, but rather that you do not have enough clarity. A visa officer is likely to deny your application if they feel that you are not providing full disclosure or if they are not able to see a clear connection between your story and your visa application.
Please note to verify the dates on your application. When planning tours/activities in conjunction with your desired length of stay, ensure that there’s an adequate amount of funds available to support you during that period. For instance, if you request 12 months’ duration of stay but present evidence of only 2 weeks of funds, immediate alert will be raised.
How about an Aussie trip to be your next adventure?
Great news, getting an Australian tourist visa is a thrilling experience but the application stage of it can be quite challenging with the diversity of forms and tasks to deal with. Nevertheless, there is really no reason to panic as you will be receiving help from our office all along the journey! We shall work hand in hand with you in gathering the necessary info for the Australian tourist visa submission. In addition to helping you prepare for this wonderful opportunity, we will also help ensure that you meet the necessary criteria to receive a visitor visa for Australia.
At Ausguides, we know how to make sure that your first impression with the Department of Home Affairs is a positive one. Don’t allow a simple mistake on a form to keep you from experiencing the beauty of a sunset on Uluru.
We invite you to contact us for more information, or if you would like to view our Visa Support Services, which will help point you in the right direction regarding your visa application process. We hope to welcome you soon to Australia!
