Business Visitor Visas facilitate short-term international business engagement – but not for employment or paid work. They include the 600 Visa – Business Visitor, 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa, and 651 eVisitor Visa.
These visas allow businesses to host international colleagues, clients, partners or prospective investors, fostering global collaboration and enhancing business agility.
Comparing Australian Business Visitor Visas
To assist businesses with understanding the visas available for short-term international business engagements, Interstaff has prepared a comparative analysis.
| Visa | Applicant Passport | Apply From | Stay Period | Validity Period | Entries Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 Visa – Business Visitor | Any country | Outside Australia | 3 months | Generally 12 months | Single or multiple* |
| 601 Visa – Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Business | Only eligible passports in Europe, Asia and North America | Outside Australia | 3 months | Generally 12 months | Multiple* |
| 651 Visa – eVisitor Business | Only eligible passports – includes specific European countries | Outside Australia | 3 months | 12 months | Multiple* |
*The option to enter the country multiple times throughout the validity period benefits businesses that require frequent in-person meetings or host recurring events and negotiations with overseas clients or stakeholders.
Maintaining Compliance with Visa Conditions
Business Visitor Visa holders are subject to Visa Condition 8115, which prohibits work or the selling of goods and services in Australia.
It is essential that businesses and visa holders clearly distinguish between permitted business visitor activities and prohibited actions that could breach this visa condition.
Examples of permitted business visitor activities include:
- Making general business or employment enquiries: Useful for market research, talent scouting, or exploring partnerships.
- Investigating, negotiating, signing, or reviewing contracts: Ideal for formalising deals or assessing commercial opportunities.
- Attending conferences, trade fairs, or seminars: Participation is allowed, but must be unpaid by the event organisers.
- Undertaking official government visit activities: Applies to delegates or representatives on government missions.
Misunderstanding ‘Business Visitor Activities’ boundaries can lead to visa breaches, reputational risk, or future visa refusals.
Planning Short-Term Business Visits with Confidence
With professional guidance, businesses can confidently host international stakeholders knowing risk and compliance plans are in place to meet visa conditions.
Interstaff guides clients through the Business Visitor Visa process, enabling overseas visitors to lawfully enter Australia for short-term business activities.
STEP 1
Assess and Strategise:
Business Visitor Visa Pathways
We provide immigration advice to help businesses navigate available pathways, eligibility requirements and visa conditions.
We support you by:
- Reviewing the purpose of the business visit and its alignment with applicable visa conditions.
- Assessing eligibility and advising on the appropriate Business Visitor Visa.
- Considering alternative visas, such as the 400 Visa, if the role involves work.
STEP 2
Apply and Comply:
Visa Management
With a Business Visitor Visa strategy in place, Interstaff helps businesses build meaningful global connections without unnecessary delays.
We support you by:
- Advising on key application requirements.
- Managing all aspects of the application accurately and efficiently.
- Keeping you and your employees informed at every stage of the process.
STEP 3
Retain and Grow:
Staying Compliant and Future-Ready
We help businesses integrate Business Visitor Visas into their organisational strategies to sustain long-term and ongoing global relationships.
Our support includes:
- Rapid eligibility assessments for future short-term business visits.
- Risk management strategies to help ensure business visitors remain within the scope of non-remunerated, strategic, or observational roles.
- Ongoing training on Business Visitor Visa case uses and best practices.
Experience and Insights
600 Business Visa Stream
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