Last checked: September 2026. Australian visa fees and rules change regularly. Always confirm the latest details on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
Whether you want to visit family in Sydney, see the sights in Melbourne, or attend a business meeting in Brisbane, Pakistani passport holders need a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to visit Australia. Pakistanis are not eligible for Australia’s ETA or eVisitor, so this is the main option for short visits. This guide explains the streams, costs, documents and common reasons for refusal.
Which Stream Should You Choose?
Tourist Stream
For holidays, sightseeing and visiting family or friends, when you are applying on your own. This is the most common stream for Pakistani applicants.
Sponsored Family Stream
For visiting family when a relative in Australia, who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, formally sponsors your visit. The sponsor applies first, and the Department may ask them to pay a security bond, which is returned if you follow your visa conditions.
Business Visitor Stream
For short business activities, such as meetings, conferences and negotiations. You cannot do paid work on this visa.
Fees and Stay Period
- Visa fee (applying from outside Australia): AUD 250 for the Tourist stream, from 1 July 2026
- Stay period: usually up to 3, 6 or 12 months, decided by the officer
- Entries: single or multiple, decided by the officer
Fees for other streams and for applications made inside Australia can be different. Check the exact amount on the official fees page. The fee is not refunded if your visa is refused.
How to Apply
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Fill in the online form for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) and choose the right stream.
- Upload your documents. Clear colour scans are best.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Give your biometrics at a visa application centre in Pakistan, if the Department asks you to.
- Do a health examination, if requested. This is more likely for longer stays.
- Wait for the decision. You will receive an email, and there is no visa label in your passport.
Document Checklist
Identity
- Passport bio page, plus old passports with previous visas
- CNIC
- Recent passport-size photo
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
Finances
- Bank statements for the last 6 months, stamped by the bank
- Bank maintenance letter
- Income tax returns
- Property documents (optional, but they help show ties to Pakistan)
Employment or Business
- Employment letter showing your job, salary, joining date and approved leave
- Salary slips for the last 3–6 months
- NOC for government employees
- Business registration and NTN for business owners
Purpose of Visit
- Cover letter explaining your trip, travel dates and who is paying
- Travel plan or itinerary
- If visiting family: invitation letter from your relative, proof of their status in Australia, and proof of your relationship
Documents that are not in English must be translated by a qualified translator.
Processing Time
Processing times change often and depend on your stream and circumstances. Check the current estimate on the Department of Home Affairs global processing times page, and apply well before your travel date. Do not book non-refundable flights until you receive your visa.
Important Visa Conditions
- No work: you cannot work for an Australian business or provide services to Australian clients.
- Limited study: you can study for up to 3 months in total.
- “No further stay” (condition 8503): if this condition is on your visa, you usually cannot apply for most other visas while you are in Australia.
- Health insurance: strongly recommended. Visitors are not covered by Australia’s public health system, and the officer may ask for proof of insurance.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Not a genuine visitor: the officer is not convinced you will return to Pakistan
- Weak financial evidence: low balance, irregular income or unexplained deposits
- Weak ties to Pakistan: no clear job, business or family commitments
- Inconsistent information: details in the form do not match your documents
- Previous immigration issues: past overstays or undeclared refusals
Read our guide to bank statement requirements to avoid financial evidence problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistanis get an Australian ETA or eVisitor?
No. Pakistani passport holders must apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
How much bank balance do I need?
There is no fixed amount for a visitor visa. You must show enough money to cover your trip and stay in Australia, supported by a regular financial history.
Can my family in Australia sponsor me?
Yes. An Australian citizen or permanent resident relative can sponsor you under the Sponsored Family stream. A security bond may be required.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Working is not allowed on a Visitor visa (subclass 600).
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Have a Question?
This guide is for general information only. For your own case, always check the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Australian Government. Visa decisions are made solely by the Department of Home Affairs.
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