Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Extension: How to Stay Longer (2026)

Your visitor visa (subclass 600) is expiring in two weeks and you've fallen in love with Australia. Or you're visiting family and need more time. Or your plans changed. Whatever the reason, you can extend your stay — but you need to apply before your current visa expires. This guide explains who can apply, how much it costs, what documents you need, and what happens if you don't extend in time.

Can You Extend a Visitor Visa?

Yes, visitor visas can be extended. However, not everyone is eligible. The Department considers extension requests on a case-by-case basis, and must be satisfied that:

• You have a genuine reason to stay longer
• You have sufficient funds to support yourself
• You pose no security, health, or character risk
• You have complied with all visa conditions

If you haven't breached your visa conditions and have a valid reason (family visit, tourism, business meetings), extension is usually approved.

Who CANNOT Extend

Some applicants are automatically ineligible for extension:

• You're applying for skilled migration or another permanent visa while on visitor visa (you must leave or apply before expiry)
• You've overstayed your current visa (you must depart)
• You've breached visa conditions (e.g., worked illegally, studied full-time)
• You were previously refused an extension

Timeline: When to Apply

Apply for an extension BEFORE your current visa expires. You can apply up to 28 days before expiry.

• Best practice: Apply 60–90 days before expiry (gives the Department time to process)
• Minimum: Apply 28 days before expiry
• If your visa has already expired: You cannot extend. You must depart immediately and may face restrictions on future visas.

How to Apply for Extension

Extension applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount (your Department login).

• Log into ImmiAccount (use the same login as your original visa application)
• Select "Apply for a new visa or other immigration matter"
• Choose "Visitor visa (600) extension"
• Complete the application form
• Pay the visa fee (see below)
• Upload supporting documents
• Submit

After submission, the Department will contact you if they need additional information.

Visitor Visa Extension Cost

The cost of extending a visitor visa depends on your situation:

• Standard extension (3–12 months): AUD $145–$190
• Includes health insurance requirement if medically required
• Family members must pay individual fees

Fees are subject to change — check the Department's fee schedule before applying.

Required Documents for Extension

Have these documents ready when you apply:

Identity & Travel Documents

• Valid passport (or travel document)
• Copy of your visa grant letter
• Copy of current visa pages from ImmiAccount

Financial Evidence

• Bank statements (last 3 months showing sufficient funds)
• Income evidence if you're being sponsored by someone in Australia (from your friend/family member)
• Employment letter from home country (if applicable)

The Department needs to see you can support yourself. AUD $5,000–$10,000 in savings + evidence of ongoing income is typically sufficient.

Health & Character (If Required)

• Medical examination results (if Department requests)
• Police certificate (if your stay is being extended by several years)
• Character declaration

Health is required only if the Department asks. Character is typically required unless your original visa already cleared it.

Reason for Extension

• Letter explaining why you're staying longer
• If visiting family: Letter from family member inviting you, their relationship to you, their evidence of residence
• If tourism: Booking confirmations, travel itinerary
• If business: Letter from Australian business contacts, event registrations, meeting confirmations

Processing Time for Extension

Extension applications typically process within 4–12 weeks. Processing can take longer if:

• Your application is incomplete (missing documents)
• The Department requests health/character checks
• You're from a high-risk country

What Happens If You Overstay

If your visa expires and you don't have a bridging visa or extension approved:

• You're unlawfully in Australia — the Department can cancel your visa
• You may be required to depart at your own cost
• Overstaying 28+ days = mandatory 3-year re-entry ban
• Overstaying 1+ year = mandatory 10-year re-entry ban
• You may be detained and removed by immigration authorities

Even a single day of overstaying can have serious consequences. If you're uncertain whether your extension will be approved by your expiry date, apply early.

Maximum Visitor Visa Duration

The Department has no specified maximum duration for visitor visas, but generally:

• Initial grant: Up to 12 months (usually 3–12 months depending on country)
• Extension: Typically another 3–12 months (rare to grant multiple extensions)
• Practical limit: Most visitor visas are extended once or twice. After 2–3 years on visitor visa, the Department may ask you to apply for another visa type (skilled, partner, parent) or depart.

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