Related:
- How to extend your stay in Australia on a Visitor visa?
- Reasons for Australian Visitor Visa Refusal
- Australia Visa Waivers and Refunds
- Australia and New Zealand Safe Travel Zone
- Permissible Activities on Visitor Visas
- Bringing Family Members to Australia
- Visitor Visa options for Parents after COVID-19
- Australian borders to open in beginning of 2022
- Australia’s four-phase plan to open its border
- Visas for Digital Nomads
Business stream at a glance
| Purpose | Short business visits, such as meetings, conferences, negotiations and exploring business opportunities |
| Where to apply | Outside Australia (you must also be outside Australia when the decision is made) |
| Length of stay | Usually up to 3 months per visit; a longer stay may be granted where there is a strong business case |
| Work | Not permitted. Only business visitor activities are allowed |
| Government charge | $250 from 1 July 2026 (see our visa fees page) |
What you can and cannot do on a business visitor visa
Allowed business visitor activities
- making general business or employment enquiries
- investigating, negotiating, entering into or reviewing a business contract
- taking part in an official government to government visit
- attending a conference, trade fair or seminar, as long as you are not paid by the organiser to take part
Not allowed
- working for an Australian business or organisation, or doing hands on work such as installing equipment or providing services
- selling goods or services directly to the public
- being paid by the event organiser for participating in a conference or seminar
If you need to do short term specialist or highly skilled work, look at the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) instead. See also our guide to permissible activities on visitor visas.
Documents to prepare
- a valid passport
- a letter from your employer (or your own business) explaining your role, the purpose of the trip and who is paying for it
- an invitation letter from the Australian business or event organiser, if you have one (see our invitation letter sample)
- conference registration or meeting details and a brief itinerary
- evidence of funds, such as bank statements or a letter confirming your employer will cover your costs
- evidence of ties to your home country, such as ongoing employment, business ownership, property or family
- previous travel history, especially past visits to Australia
Do you need a visitor visa at all?
If you hold an eligible passport, you may be able to travel for business visitor activities on an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or an eVisitor (subclass 651), which are usually quicker and cheaper. The Business stream of the subclass 600 is mainly used by people whose passport is not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor.
Can I apply for the Business stream while I am in Australia?
No. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made. If you are already in Australia and want to stay longer as a visitor, the Tourist stream may be available in some cases.
Can my overseas employer keep paying me during the trip?
Business visitor activities generally relate to your overseas business or employment, and the visa does not let you work for an Australian organisation. Get advice before the trip if any Australian party will pay you or if your activities go beyond meetings and negotiations.
How long can I stay in Australia?
Usually up to 3 months on each visit. The grant letter states how long you can stay and whether you can make more than one entry.
Can my visa be cancelled if I work?
Yes. Doing work that is not a business visitor activity can breach your visa conditions and lead to cancellation and problems with future applications.
Is there an age or health requirement?
There is no age limit, but you must meet health and character requirements. Some applicants may be asked to have a health examination or to hold health insurance for the stay.
