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Changes are being made to Australia's visitor visas that will make it easier for you to
choose the right visa for your needs.
The new Visitor (subclass 600) visa replaces the old Tourist (subclass 676) visa,
Sponsored Family Visitor (subclass 679) visa, Business (Short Stay) (subclass 456) visa,
and Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) (subclass 459) visa.
The new Visitor (subclass 600) visa, which consists of four streams, is for people
who want to come to Australia for tourism or business purposes.
If you are intending to carry out short-term , non-ongoing highly specialised work you
should apply for the new Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (Subclass 400).
The first stream the Business Visitor stream allows business people to make a short
business visit to Australia.
Business activities may include a conference, negotiation or exploratory business visit.
The second stream the Tourist stream allows people to visit Australia for a holiday or
recreation, or to visit family and friends.
This stream may also be used for other short-term non-work purposes including study for
less than three months.
The third stream the Sponsored Family stream allows people to travel to Australia to
take a holiday or visit their family.
The applicant must have an eligible relative in Australia or an eligible Australian
Government official willing to sponsor them.
The sponsor provides a guarantee that their visitor will leave Australia before their
visa expires.
The fourth stream the Approved Destination Scheme stream facilitates the travel of
organised tour groups from the People's Republic of China (PRC) to Australia.
The ADS scheme provides streamlined travel opportunities for Chinese tour groups,
while ensuring the integrity of Australia's visitor visa program.
More information about the changes is available on the department's website.