Is Australia visa 651 the same as 600?

Decoding Australia’s Tourist Visas: 651 vs. 600 – Are They Twins?

Australia’s visa system can seem labyrinthine, especially for tourists. Two frequently encountered visas, subclass 651 (eVisitor) and subclass 600 (Visitor), often lead to confusion. While both allow temporary stays, they are distinct in their eligibility and application processes. The simple answer is: no, they are not the same.

The Subclass 651 (eVisitor) is a streamlined, electronic visa. Crucially, it’s only available to citizens and nationals of select countries, a list regularly updated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This means eligibility is entirely dependent on your nationality. If your country isn’t on the approved list, you cannot apply for a 651 visa, regardless of your intended purpose of visit. The 651 visa is primarily for tourism and short business visits, generally allowing stays of up to three months. Its simplicity lies in its online application and generally quicker processing time.

The Subclass 600 (Visitor) visa, on the other hand, is a much broader category. It encompasses various purposes, including:

• Tourism: Sightseeing, holidays, and general leisure activities.
• Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends in Australia.
• Business visits: Short-term business activities such as meetings or conferences.
• Cruises: Shore excursions during a cruise visit.

The 600 visa is significantly more versatile, catering to a wider range of nationalities and visit purposes. However, this versatility comes at the cost of a more complex application process, often requiring more documentation and potentially longer processing times. Unlike the 651, the duration of stay on a 600 visa is determined by the visa’s validity period, which can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the purpose of their visit.

Key Differences Summarized:

Feature	Subclass 651 (eVisitor)	Subclass 600 (Visitor)
Eligibility	Restricted to select nationalities	Available to a wider range of nationalities
Application	Online, typically simpler	More complex, often requiring more documentation
Purpose	Primarily tourism & short business visits	Tourism, family visits, business visits, cruises
Duration	Typically up to three months	Variable, depending on visa validity
Processing	Generally faster	Can be longer

In conclusion, while both visas facilitate temporary stays in Australia, the 651 and 600 visas serve distinct purposes and cater to different applicant pools. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful visa application process. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria before applying.

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