Visitor Visa Recommendation Report

At a Glance

Visa Visitor Visa Subclass 600

Base charge Official AUD $250 Primary applicant

Processing Official 2-5 weeks 50%-90% of applications

Documents 7 items 4 categories

Primary Recommendation

AI assessment

Visitor Visa - Subclass 600

As a Japanese passport holder visiting your brother in Melbourne for a 3-week family holiday, you present a low-risk profile for the Visitor visa (Tourist stream), with the option of a longer stay than the ETA allows.

Eligibility Assessment

AI assessment

✓

Genuine visitor intent Visiting family in Melbourne for a defined 3-week holiday supports a genuine temporary stay

✓

Financial capacity Evidence of at least AUD $5,000 in accessible funds is recommended to support your stay

✓

Ties to home country Your ongoing employment in Japan supports your intention to return

Health and character No health examination is normally required for short tourist stays under 3 months

Official Figures

Official

Published processing times, subclass 600

Source: Home Affairs global processing times, as of May 2026

Base application charge AUD $250 Primary applicant, effective from 1 July 2026

Onshore: AUD $630

Source: Department of Home Affairs visa pricing

Important Tips

Apply for the free ETA (Subclass 601) first if a stay under 3 months would work - it's often granted instantly
Only apply for the Visitor visa (600) if you need the longer 12-month validity or multi-purpose travel
Include a short invitation letter from your brother confirming the purpose and length of your visit
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel to allow for processing time, even though most grants are faster

Why This Visa Is Right for You

AI assessment

✓Allows a stay of up to 12 months per visit, longer than the 3-month ETA limit
✓Multiple short trips can be made on the one visa within its validity period
✓Straightforward online application with no health examination required for most short stays
✓Lets you combine visiting family with wider travel around Australia on the same trip

Alternative Visa Options

Electronic Travel Authority

Subclass 601

Free and often granted instantly for Japanese passport holders, but limited to stays of up to 3 months per visit - apply for this first if the 600 isn't needed.

Required Documents

1Identity Documents

✓Current passport (biodata page, certified copy)
✓Passport-sized photograph

2Travel & Accommodation

✓Return flight itinerary or travel plan
✓Accommodation details or invitation letter from your brother

3Financial Evidence

✓Bank statements showing at least AUD $5,000 in accessible funds

4Supporting Evidence

✓Evidence of employment or ties to Japan (employer letter, leave approval)
✓Travel insurance (recommended, not mandatory)

Expected Timeline

AI assessment

Gather supporting documents 1 week

Lodge application online 1 day

Processing to decision 2-4 weeks

Estimates based on your situation. See Official Figures above for published processing times.

Application Fees

AI assessment

Visa application chargeTravel insurance (recommended, approx.)

Visa application charge	AUD $190
Travel insurance (recommended, approx.)	AUD $80-150
Estimated Total	AUD $270

Estimates. The verified base application charge appears in Official Figures above.

Next Steps

▶Decide between the ETA (601) and Visitor visa (600) based on your planned stay length
▶Gather financial evidence and your travel itinerary
▶Lodge your visa application online
⏳Wait for processing
★Visa grant

References

Department of Home Affairs - Global visa processing times (as of May 2026)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
Department of Home Affairs - Visa fees and charges
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges

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