Extending an Australian tourist visa is not an automatic process. It is a formal immigration application that depends on visa conditions, eligibility, and timely submission through official channels.
This guide focuses specifically on the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream (apply in Australia), which applies to visitors who are already in Australia and are considering whether they can apply for a further stay.
Many applicants begin by reviewing their options to extend Australian tourist visa status while they are still in Australia. Understanding the process early helps avoid common issues such as applying too late, overlooking visa conditions, or misunderstanding eligibility.
It is also important to distinguish between short-term visitor options and long-term migration pathways. A tourist visa extension allows only a temporary stay and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Separate processes apply to those planning a long-term future in Australia, including options to apply for Australian citizenship, which follow a different legal framework and eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible to apply for an Australian tourist visa extension?
Eligibility to apply for a further stay on an Australian tourist visa depends on the type of visitor visa held and the conditions attached to it. This guide applies specifically to holders of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream (apply in Australia) who are already in Australia and are considering whether they can remain for a longer temporary period.
A tourist visa is not automatically extendable. What is commonly referred to as an “extension” is, in practice, an application for a new Visitor visa lodged before the current visa expires. Whether this option is available depends on the conditions of the existing visa at the time of application.
If a Visitor visa includes the No Further Stay (8503) condition, the visa holder cannot make a valid application for another substantive visa while in Australia. In this situation, applying for a further tourist stay from within Australia is not possible.
Where the No Further Stay condition does not apply, a person may be able to apply for a further stay, provided they continue to meet the requirements of the visitor program. When assessing a further stay, the Department of Home Affairs considers the individual circumstances of the applicant and whether they continue to meet the requirements of a temporary visitor.
Because visa conditions are applied on a case-by-case basis, applicants should check their visa grant notice or use official government systems to confirm their eligibility before taking any further steps.
How long can I extend my Australian tourist visa for?
There is no fixed or guaranteed period for extending an Australian tourist visa. What is commonly described as an extension is the outcome of a new Visitor visa application, and the length of any further stay is determined as part of that assessment.
For holders of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream (apply in Australia), any additional stay granted is temporary and assessed individually. The duration of a further stay is not automatically the same as the length of the previous visa and should not be assumed in advance.
When assessing a request for a further stay, the Department of Home Affairs does not apply a standard extension period. Each application is considered on its own merits, and the period granted, if any, depends on the circumstances at the time of application.
It is also important to understand that a further tourist stay does not create a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. A visitor visa, whether initial or subsequent, is designed for short-term stays only and remains subject to the conditions of the visitor program.
What documents are needed to extend an Australian tourist visa?
When applying for a further stay on an Australian tourist visa from within Australia, applicants must prepare and submit documents through the official online system used by the Department of Home Affairs. Document requirements vary depending on individual circumstances, but applicants are expected to provide clear, accurate, and complete information to support their application.
Before applying, applicants should ensure they have a valid passport. If a new passport is required, it should be obtained before lodging the visa application. Health examinations may be completed either before applying or after the Department requests them, depending on the circumstances of the application.
When gathering documents, applicants are generally required to provide:
- identity documents, including passport pages showing personal details, photo, and passport validity
- evidence supporting a genuine temporary stay, such as proof of sufficient funds and plans to leave Australia
- documents showing personal circumstances that support the temporary nature of the visit
- character-related documents if requested, including police certificates or military records where applicable
If an applicant has changed their name or used different names, supporting documents must be included. All non-English documents must be accompanied by English translations that meet the Department’s translation requirements.
Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. Applicants must upload all documents electronically and provide accurate information, as the Department may decide the application without requesting further documents. Where additional information is needed after lodgement, it must be attached through ImmiAccount as soon as possible.
Applicants under 18 years of age must provide additional documents, including proof of parental or legal guardianship and consent from any person with legal responsibility who is not travelling with them.
After applying, applicants must remain lawful while their application is being processed. If the application is lodged before the current visa expires, a Bridging visa A is usually granted, allowing the applicant to stay in Australia while a decision is made.
What are the fees for extending an Australian visitor visa?
When applying for a further stay on an Australian visitor visa from within Australia, applicants must pay a visa application charge set by the Department of Home Affairs. As at December 2025, the base application charge for a new Visitor visa (subclass 600) application lodged in Australia is AUD 500 per applicant. Visa application charges are subject to change, and the applicable fee may differ at the time of application.
Additional costs may also apply, including expenses for health examinations, police certificates, and biometric collection where required.
In some circumstances, an additional fee known as the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge may be payable. Whether this charge applies depends on the applicant’s individual situation and visa history.
Applicants should always check the most current fee information published by the Department of Home Affairs before submitting their application.
Best companies that assist with Australian tourist visa extensions
According to the Department of Home Affairs, only some people can help with an immigration application. If an applicant appoints someone to give immigration assistance, that person must be:
- a registered migration agent
- a legal practitioner
- an exempt person
Using assistance does not change visa requirements, and applicants remain responsible for the accuracy of the information and documents provided in their application.
FAQ
- Where can I find official forms to extend my Australian tourist visa?
There are no separate paper forms. Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount, the official system used by the Department of Home Affairs.
- How to check the status of my Australian tourist visa extension application?
You can check the status of your application by logging into your ImmiAccount, where updates and the final decision are provided.
- Do I need to apply before my current tourist visa expires?
Yes. You must apply before your current visa expires to remain lawful while your application is being processed.
- What happens if my tourist visa extension application is refused?
If your application is refused, the Department will notify you in writing and explain the reason for the decision, including whether review rights apply.
- Will extending a tourist visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
No. Extending a tourist visa allows only a temporary stay and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or Australian citizenship.
