Need a longer Australian visa? Here’s the latest on a 3 year visa

Australia has recently made changes in the process to apply for an Australian visa with the introduction of the Australian Immi App, and of particular interest to frequent visitors to Australia, there is the introduction of a 3 year visa for eligible travellers. The App is now live in 34 countries, and allows eligible applicants to complete key biometric steps from your smartphone, helping reduce costs and processing times. To be eligible to use the app, applicants must have previously provided their biometrics of facial image and fingerprints to the Department of Home Affairs and hold a valid passport. You can get more information on the Australian Immi App, confirm your eligibility and find step-by-step instructions by visiting their website. You can also Download the app. Then you can set up an Immi account, and check the different types of visa and their conditions. There’s also the latest information on Claiming your TRS refund on departure.

The 3 year visa

This Visa category does not apply to most regular tourists or visitors who don’t want to stay for longer than 3 months at a time. For that, you will continue to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). You will have to pay a service charge of AUD20 to use the Australian ETA app, but there are no further charges. You should get your ETA before you book your trip. Once approved, they are valid for 12 months.

A 3-year multiple-entry visa for Australia is issued under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) which is typically via the Tourist or Business Visitor streams, it is not a separate visa category.

Applying from outside Australia (Offshore) will cost you AUD $250 (as at 1st July 2026)

Applying from inside Australia (Onshore) is more expensive, with the cost between AUD $490 and AUD $630, depending on your stream and extension conditions. One example is if you are already in the country, holding a different visa that is expiring. If you want to stay longer, perhaps to be with family members, this visa might suit you.

Please note that while the base application charge for a 3-year validity period follows the standard Subclass 600 application fee, a longer validity period may be granted *at the discretion of the case officer, based on your travel profile and supporting reasons, including frequent family visits or business ties. 

Important to know

There is no standalone “3-year visa” application. A 3 years is a potential grant period awarded under the Visitor visa (subclass 600) that allows you to enter Australia multiple times over a 3-year window. The basic charge varies, but starts around AUD $195 for offshore applications and varies by stream.

To get a 3-year visitor visa for Australia, you must first apply for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 via the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Check if you qualify, then request for a multi-year validity period (example: Through the Tourist or Sponsored Family streams).

Approval of a 3-year multiple-entry visa generally allows you to stay for up to 3, 6, or 12 months per entry (depending on what is granted *as above), subject to a total stay of no more than 12 months in an 18-month period.

You can check all the official requirements and calculate exact charges using the Department of Home Affairs Visitor Visa 600 Page.

The visa application charge must be paid in advance and is not refunded if the visa is refused or withdrawn.

Make sure you choose the correct Stream or your application may be rejected at this point.

Tourist Stream

This is for longer holidays or visiting friends/family. It can be applied for from outside or inside Australia.
The 3-year validity is typically evaluated on a case-by-case, or where applicant is in an eligible group, including parents of citizens/PRs.

Sponsored Family Stream:

If you have an eligible family member in Australia who is either a citizen or permanent resident and is willing to sponsor you. 

Create an ImmiAccount

Go to the Department of Home Affairs portal and create an ImmiAccount or log in if you already have one.

Complete the Online Form

Select Visitor (subclass 600) and pick your intended stream.
Describe your travel plans or show a reason for a longer multi-entry validity.

Gather Supporting Documents

To confirm your identity, you should present a valid passport and national ID, if you have one.
You must prove you are a genuine temporary visitor. Show ties to your home country such as employment letters, property deeds and family commitments that show you will leave.
Produce financial evidence like pay slips, bank statements showing consistent funds over 3+ months, or a sponsor’s financial backing.
You meet health requirements and purchase or show private health insurance if this is requested, especially for long or parent-related stays.

Submit and Pay:

Pay the visa application fee online and upload all required documents.
Wait for processing and respond immediately if the department asks for more information.
There is no fixed time frame for approval, so wait to make your travel plans until you receive your approval.

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