"Tourist Visa vs. Visitor Visa: Unpacking the Key Differences!"
In Australia, the terms tourist visa and visitor visa are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different categories under Australian immigration law. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
A Tourist Visa is specifically designed for people who want to visit Australia for tourism or to visit family or friends. It is a subclass of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), but the term "tourist visa" usually refers to the tourist stream within this subclass.
Purpose:
Tourism or recreation (e.g., holidays, sightseeing).
Visiting family or friends for short periods.
Duration:
Typically granted for up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Eligibility:
You must be outside of Australia when applying (unless applying for an onshore visa extension).
Must show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Visa Features:
Allows multiple entries or single entry depending on the approval.
You cannot work or engage in business activities with a tourist visa.
2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa is a broader visa category that includes various streams, such as the Tourist Stream and Business Visitor Stream. While the Tourist Visa is a subcategory under this umbrella, the Visitor Visa also allows visits for other purposes, such as business activities or to attend events, in addition to tourism.
Purpose:
Tourist Stream: Visit Australia for tourism or visiting family/friends.
Business Visitor Stream: For short-term business activities (e.g., meetings, conferences, or exploratory business visits).
Duration:
Similar to the Tourist Visa, the Visitor Visa can be granted for up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
Eligibility:
You must satisfy the visa requirements based on the specific stream (tourism or business).
Must prove sufficient funds, genuine intent to visit temporarily, and meet health and character requirements.
Visa Features:
Tourist Stream: Same as the Tourist Visa—no work allowed.
Business Visitor Stream: Allows for business-related activities, but not full-time work or employment.
Key Differences:
Purpose:
A Tourist Visa is specifically for tourism or visiting friends/family.
A Visitor Visa is a broader category that includes both tourism and other purposes like short-term business visits.
Streams:
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) has multiple streams (Tourist Stream, Business Stream, etc.), while a Tourist Visa specifically refers to the tourism-related stream of this visa.
Flexibility:
A Visitor Visa can be used for both tourism and business visits, whereas the Tourist Visa is more specific to tourism.
In Summary:
Tourist Visa (usually a subcategory of Visitor Visa) is for those visiting for tourism, holidays, or visiting family and friends.
Visitor Visa is a broader visa category, including not only tourism but also business-related activities (business meetings, conferences, etc.).
If you plan on visiting Australia for tourism or to visit family/friends, you'll most likely apply under the Tourist Stream of the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
