Australia's Department of Home Affairs has published the official guidelines detailing what foreigners holding a Business Visitor Stream visa under the Visitor visa (subclass 600) are permitted and not permitted to do while staying in the country. The guidelines, released on 17 September 2026, provide a clear framework for business visitors, outlining both allowed activities and firm restrictions, particularly around employment and income generation.
Permitted Activities for Business Visitors
According to the published guidelines, holders of the Business Visitor Stream visa may engage in several specific activities. These include making general business or employment enquiries, investigating or negotiating a business contract, conducting activities linked to an official government visit, and attending conferences, trade fairs, or seminars. However, a notable condition applies to the last point: organisers of such events are not permitted to pay visa holders for their participation.
Beyond these activities, arrivals must complete an Incoming Passenger Card at the border, meet all visa conditions, and comply with Australian laws. Visa holders can also check their specific conditions and entitlements using Australia's Visa Entitlement Verification Online, known as VEVO.
Key Restrictions on Australia Business Visitor Visa
The guidelines draw a firm line around employment-related activities. Business visitors cannot work for or provide services to any Australian-based business or organisation, nor can they sell goods or services directly to the public. Those who need to perform short-term work that falls outside these business visitor activities are directed to apply for a temporary work visa instead.
On the matter of travel, the rules differ depending on how the visa was issued. Holders granted multiple-entry permission can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they wish within the visa's validity period. Those with single-entry visas, however, cannot return to Australia after leaving and would need to apply for a new visa to do so.
Visa Extension and Personal Details Notification
The guidelines also make clear that this visa cannot be extended. Anyone wishing to remain in Australia beyond the permitted period must submit a fresh visa application before their allowed stay expires. Visa holders are also required to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to personal details, including phone numbers, email addresses, passport information, and relationship status, as well as the birth of a child.
In related reporting, Legit.ng previously published that Australia's Department of Home Affairs outlined the residence requirement foreigners must meet before applying for citizenship. Applicants must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for a number of years before the date they apply for citizenship, and the rules specify how much time applicants are allowed to have spent outside Australia during that period.
