Extending your stay

How can I extend my stay as a visitor in Australia?

If you wish to extend your stay in Australia as a genuine visitor you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa - Extension of Stay.

Who can apply for an extension of stay in Australia?

You may apply for an extension of stay as a visitor if you:

• have no limitations on making an application in Australia;

• are visiting Australia for tourism or holiday purposes and you intend to remain in Australia as a genuine visitor;

• have, or have access to, adequate funds for your personal support while in Australia;

• will not work in Australia;

• complied with the conditions attached to the your current visa;

• are not seeking the extension of stay for further study or training;

• are not seeking to extend your stay for a total period of stay of more than 12 months (unless exceptional circumstances apply);

• have adequate private health insurance in Australia as you are aged over 70 (unless your country of citizenship has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia);

• have no debts to the government of Australia;

• are in good health and are of good character; and

• understand that you will need to leave Australia when or before your visa expires.

If you wish to extend your stay for medical treatment you will also need to show that:

• no Australian citizen or permanent resident will be disadvantaged by your medical treatment or consultation; and

• arrangements have been made to cover the costs associated with the medical treatment.

How do I apply for a visitor visa extension?

Applications for a visitor visa to extend your stay in Australia can be made in the conventional way, at a regional office or by mail, or they can now also be made via the Internet.

If you would like to apply in person at a regional office, or by mail, you will need to:

Step One: complete and sign the Application Form 601 Application for Further Stay as a Visitor (PDF File)

• answer all questions honestly and completely - false or misleading information may lead to refusal or cancellation of your visa, or other penalties while in Australia;

• complete the form in English.

Application forms are available from:

• online

• overseas: at your nearest Australian diplomatic office,

• in Australia: by telephoning the general inquiry number 131 881;

Only one passport holder can apply on one form. You can include in your application any children on your passport travelling with you. If another adult is included in your passport they should complete a separate application form.

Step Two: pay the application charge; See: Immigration Costs - Information

Step Three: provide supporting documents as listed below and any further as requested by the Department:

• current passport or valid travel document for each person included in the application;

• a recent passport sized photograph of each person included in the application;

• if custody arrangements exist for your child, evidence of those arrangements and authorisation for the child to remain;

• evidence of funds available to support your stay in Australia; and

• if you are aged over 70, documents to show you have adequate private health insurance in Australia (unless your country of citizenship has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia).

If you are applying for a medical treatment visa you must also provide:

• written statements from any persons or organisations who will be providing you with financial assistance;

• written confirmation from the treating doctor or hospital in Australia;

• if receiving treatment in a public hospital in Australia, written approval from the regional director of health services in the region where the hospital is located;

• if the visit is for an organ transplant, evidence that arrangements have been made for all the travel and expenses of the donor, and that payment of these costs will not be a charge on Australia.

Do not supply original documents with your application, unless we ask for it. You should provide certified copies of original documents. Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

When you lodge your application you must ensure that your application is complete - form, fee and supporting documents. If you do not have all the necessary documents, a decision may be made on the information you have provided. It is in your interest to support your application with as much information as possible at the time you apply.

Completed applications can be lodged at the nearest regional office of the Department, either in person, by a representative or sent by mail. If an application is by sent mail, you need to include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the secure return of your passport.

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