🇦🇺 Australia Visa for Indians: Complete 2026 Guide
Indian nationals require a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) to visit Australia in 2026. Australia's visitor visa is applied for entirely online through the DOHA (Department of Home Affairs) Immi Account portal and is typically processed as an e-visa -- no physical stamp in your passport for most applicants.
At a Glance: Australia Visitor Visa 600 for Indians
| Visa Required? | Yes — Visitor Visa Subclass 600 |
| Fee | AUD 190 |
| Processing Time | Varies: 75% of applications in 18 days; 90% in 30 days |
| Max Stay | 3 months (tourist stream); 6 months possible for some |
| Biometrics Required? | Yes for most first-time applicants |
| Apply | Online: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
Quick Answers
Do Indians need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Indian passport holders require an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for tourism, family visits, or business. Apply online through the DOHA Immi Account portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. No visa on arrival or eTA for Indian nationals.
How much is the Australia visa fee for Indians?
The Visitor Visa subclass 600 costs AUD 190. This is a government fee paid online at the time of application. There is no additional VFS service fee for the standard online application. Biometrics (if required) are collected at a VFS Global centre in India at additional cost.
How long does Australia visa processing take for Indians?
DOHA publishes that 75% of Visitor Visa 600 applications are processed within 18 days and 90% within 30 days. However, these are averages -- individual timelines vary. Incomplete applications or those requiring medical clearance or character checks can take considerably longer. Apply 6-8 weeks before travel for adequate buffer.
Do Indians need biometrics for Australia visa?
Most Indian applicants who have not previously provided biometrics to DOHA must submit fingerprints and a photo at a VFS Global centre in India. VFS has Australian visa centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and other cities. Once biometrics are on file, they may not need to be resubmitted for future applications.
What is the maximum stay on an Australia Visitor Visa for Indians?
The Tourist Stream of subclass 600 typically permits a 3-month stay. A 6-month stay is available for sponsored family visits or in specific circumstances. Extensions inside Australia are possible but require applying before the current permission expires and demonstrating compelling reasons.
Applying for Australia Visitor Visa 600: Step-by-Step
- Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Start a new application -- select Visitor (subclass 600) -- Tourist stream
- Complete the online form: personal details, travel history, employment, financial information, health and character declarations
- Upload required documents (see below)
- Pay AUD 190 online
- If biometrics are requested, book an appointment at a VFS Global Australia visa centre in India
- Track progress through your ImmiAccount -- the grant is notified via email as a digital visa record
Required Documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond planned Australia departure)
- 6 months bank statements showing consistent balance (AUD 5,000-10,000 recommended equivalent)
- Employment letter with salary and leave approval
- ITR (Income Tax Return) for last 2 years
- Travel itinerary with Australian cities and accommodation (provisional)
- Ties to India: property ownership, family responsibilities, employment continuity
- Health insurance (recommended but not mandatory for tourist stream)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians apply for Australia visa online without visiting a centre?
Yes -- the full application is submitted online through ImmiAccount. Biometrics (if required for first-time applicants) are the only reason to physically visit a VFS Global centre. Once biometrics are on file from a prior application to Australia, UK, Canada, or other countries sharing biometric databases, they may already be available to DOHA.
What is the Australian visa grant date vs entry date?
The visa grant date is when DOHA approves your visa. The visa validity period (when you can enter) is typically from the grant date or a specific date stated in the grant notice. Check your visa grant notice carefully -- it states exactly when you can first enter and the last date of stay permitted.
Can Indians extend an Australia Visitor Visa inside Australia?
Yes -- you can apply for a further Visitor Visa (another subclass 600 or a Tourist Refusal) from inside Australia. The fee is the same (AUD 190) and must be applied for before your current visa expires. DOHA is not obligated to grant the extension -- you must demonstrate a compelling reason and that you will depart when required.
⚠ Always verify. Visa fees and rules change. Check the official government immigration portal before submitting any application or booking non-refundable travel.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy