Can I stay in Australia for 6 months every year?

Understanding Australian Tourist Visa Length and Limitations

Planning an extended stay in Australia? It’s essential to understand the intricacies of the Australian tourist visa and its limitations.

6-Month Tourist Visa: Overview

A 6-month Australian tourist visa, also known as a Subclass 600 visa, provides visitors with access to Australia for a period of 12 months. This flexible visa allows for multiple entries, but each visit is capped at a maximum of 6 consecutive months.

Duration of Stay

upon entry into Australia, you will be granted an initial stay of up to 6 months. However, within the 12-month period, you can re-enter Australia multiple times, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months.

Example:

• You arrive in Australia on January 1st and are granted a 6-month stay.
• Your visa expires on December 31st, but you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish within that 12-month period.
• However, each visit can only last for a maximum of 6 months at a time.

Note:

• The 6-month limit applies to each individual visit, not to the total time spent in Australia within the 12-month period.
• If you overstay your 6-month limit on any single visit, you may face penalties and may be asked to leave Australia.

Planning Your Stay

To make the most of your 6-month tourist visa, it’s crucial to plan your visits carefully. Consider the following tips:

• Determine how long you plan to stay in Australia each time you enter.
• Allow ample time for travel and any other activities you wish to engage in.
• If you need to stay longer than 6 months in one visit, consider applying for a different type of visa that allows for extended stays.

By understanding the limitations of the 6-month Australian tourist visa, you can plan a memorable and hassle-free experience in the Land Down Under.