Overview of the ADS Stream
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream is designed specifically for citizens of the People’s Republic of China (excluding SARs) who wish to visit Australia as part of an organised tour group. Under this arrangement, the tour must be coordinated by a travel agent registered under the ADS scheme.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this visa stream in 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
- Group Travel: You must travel to Australia as part of a tour group organised by an approved ADS travel agent.
- Location: You must be outside Australia (specifically in China) when the application is lodged and when the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision.
- Genuine Visitor: You must intend to stay only temporarily in Australia for the purpose of the tour.
2026 Application Fees
As of 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the Base Application Charge for various visa subclasses. For the Approved Destination Status stream, the following fees apply:
| Charge Type | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $200 |
Note: Additional costs may include health examinations, police certificates, or biometrics if required by the Department.
Current Processing Times
Processing times for the ADS stream are generally faster than other Visitor visa streams due to the organised nature of the travel. Based on 2026 percentile benchmarks:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 2 days.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 10 days.
To ensure a smooth outcome, ensure all mobile phone contact details and documentation are accurate at the time of lodgement via your authorised travel agent.
Visa Conditions and Obligations
Holders of the Subclass 600 ADS visa must adhere to strict conditions:
- 8101 (No Work): You must not work while in Australia.
- 8201 (Maximum 3 Months Study): You may study for a maximum of three months.
- 8503 (No Further Stay): You cannot apply for another visa while in Australia.
- Group Adherence: You must enter and leave Australia with your organised tour group and remain with the group during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my stay in Australia on an ADS visa?
No. The ADS stream is granted with a "No Further Stay" condition. You must leave Australia with your tour group before your visa expires. If you wish to visit Australia independently later, you must apply for a different stream, such as the Tourist stream.
Who lodges the application for me?
Under the ADS scheme, individual applicants do not lodge their own applications. Your ADS-approved travel agent will manage the lodgement process on your behalf through the Department’s secure systems.
Can I visit family members while on an ADS tour?
While the primary purpose is the tour, you may have limited free time. However, you are legally required to stay with your tour group and follow the itinerary submitted by your travel agent.
Is health insurance required?
While not always mandatory for the ADS stream, the Australian Government and Aussie Immigration Services® strongly recommend that all visitors hold adequate health insurance, as you are responsible for any medical costs incurred in Australia.
