How to Apply for Australia Tourist Visa: Complete Guide for Indian Travelers

Who Should Apply?

You may want to apply for an Australian tourist visa if:

You hold an Indian passport and plan to visit solely for leisure

You aim to spend time with family or friends living in Australia

You will not seek work or pursue formal study while abroad

Your trip is short, and you promise to return to India at the end

Types of Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

The Subclass 600 visitor visa offers different streams:

Tourist Stream (lodged from outside Australia) – General holidays and recreation

Sponsored Family Stream – Visits funded or supported by an eligible relative

Business Visitor Stream – Brief trips for genuine business meetings

Approved Destination Status Stream – Reserved for certain Chinese regions

Frequent Traveller Stream – Designed for regular visitors with a fast track

Most Indian holiday-makers use the Tourist Stream lodged from abroad.

How to Apply for Australia Tourist Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

To apply for an Australian tourist visa, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount

Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and set up a free ImmiAccount. This secure portal handles all online visa applications.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

After you set up your ImmiAccount, begin a fresh application and choose Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Provide each piece of information truthfully and double-check for accuracy.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Using the checklist below, scan your documents into PDF or JPG files and upload them in the correct order.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees

The current charge for the Subclass 600 Tourist Visa is AUD 150; you can settle this fee securely online through your account.

Step 5: Biometrics and Health Check (if required)

For longer stays, authorities might ask for biometric data or a brief medical exam; follow the instructions if they appear.

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Decision

Track your application in ImmiAccount. Routine processing lasts 15 to 30 business days, though circumstances may extend that period.

Step 7: Receive Visa Grant Notification

Approval arrives by email, showing your Visa Grant Number, dates, and any special conditions. The visa exists only in digital form; no sticker will be placed in your passport.

Documents You Will Need to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa from India

As a rule of thumb, bring the following paperwork:

– Passport that is at least six months valid in addition to two blank pages

– Recent passport-size photo that matches Australias specifications

– Completed application submitted online through ImmiAccount

– Detailed travel itinerary that includes all flight reservations and onward plans

– Proof of accommodation, such as confirmed hotel vouchers or a formal invitation

– Brief covering letter explaining the purpose of your visit and intended duration

– Bank statements for the past three to six months showing regular deposits

– Income tax returns for the last three assessment years, duly filed

– Salary slips from the last three months, issued by the current employer

– No Objection Certificate from the employer if you are on payroll

– Documents that prove your ties to India, like marriage certificate, property deed, or school records

– Invitation letter signed by relatives in Australia, if applicable

– Photocopy of your PAN card and Aadhaar card for identity verification

 Australia Tourist Visa Application Checklist

Refer to this checklist to make sure nothing goes astray in your visa submission:

• Passport with six months validity and at least two blank pages
• Recent passport-size photo that meets Australian visa standards
• Completed online form lodged through Immi Account
• Payment receipt showing the visa fee of AUD 150
• Proof of funds, including three to six months bank statements
• Detailed travel itinerary, including intended dates and destinations
• Confirmed accommodation vouchers, tour packages, or invitation letter
• Employment certificate, payslips, or business registration papers
• Cover letter clearly outlining the purpose and schedule of travel
• Family invitation letter, if visiting relatives
• Evidence of personal or financial ties to India
• Medical check-up report or biometric pass, if the consulate requests it

Tip: Before submitting, cross-reference this list with the most recent information on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs site to avoid delays.

 Australia Tourist Visa Covering Letter (Format & Sample)

A well-written covering letter is crucial for any tourist visa application because it briefly presents your travel plans and convinces the officer that you will return home after the visit.

🔹 Covering Letter Format:

To,

The Visa Officer

Australian High Commission

New Delhi, India

Subject: Application for Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], holder of Indian passport number [XXXXX], respectfully apply for a Subclass 600 Tourist Visa to visit Australia from [Start Date] to [End Date] for sightseeing. During this period, I plan to explore landmarks in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

I am employed at [Company Name] as a [Designation] since [Start Date]. Included with this letter are my approved leave notice, company verification letter, recent payslips and bank statements confirming that I possess adequate funds for the trip.

I have no intention of overstaying and will return to India before my visa expires. Please find all supporting documents enclosed for your review.

I kindly request that you assess my application favourably and grant the tourism visa at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Address]

[Mobile Number]

[Email Address]

[DD/MM/YYYY]

Make sure each letter you send matches your actual trip and all the papers you plan to file.

Visa Processing Time & Fees

Standard Processing Time: 15 to 30 working days

Visa Fee: AUD 150 (this may change)

Biometric Fee (if needed): About INR 650-800

Medical Exam Fee: Varies by the clinic you choose.

Note: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before you plan to leave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you apply for an Australia tourist visa, steer clear of these pitfalls:

Submitting incomplete documents

Inconsistencies between the cover letter and the travel plan

Not showing enough proof of funds

Leaving the visa request until the last minute

Giving false details or fake papers

Ignoring calls for biometric scans or health tests

Stay honest, thorough, and well-organized throughout the process.

How Maxglob Overseas Can Help You

Tourist visas can be baffling for first-time flyers. Let Maxglob Overseas turn the paperwork into a simple, worry-free step.

Visa Consultation by Immigration Specialists

Clear answers to your visa questions from licensed advisers

Tailored draft for your Australia tourist cover letter

Easy checklist you can follow step by step

Safe filing through the official ImmiAccount portal

Ongoing tracking and updates until we receive a decision

Final document check before you board the plane

Maxglob Overseas has guided hundreds of travellers; our team gives you full support from the first inquiry to the moment you land in Australia.

Conclusion

Knowing what the Australia tourist visa application involves is the first step toward your memorable trip Down Under. Accurate forms, a clear cover letter and our easy checklist together boost your approval odds.

If you want professional support, call Maxglob Overseas and we will walk you through the entire process.