Autralia
The Australia visa application process varies depending on the purpose of stay, duration, and nationality of the applicant. There are several types of visas available for tourists, students, workers, investors, and other categories. Below is a detailed and informative step-by-step overview of the Australia visa application process, with links to guide applicants through the process.
1. Determine the type of visa required
The first step is to identify the right type of visa for your stay in Australia. Find below the main types of visas available:
– Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa – Subclass 600): For tourism, holidays or visiting family and friends.
– Business Visa (Business Visitor Visa – Subclass 600): For short-term business trips, including conferences or meetings.
– Student Visa (Subclass 500): For full-time studies at an Australian educational institution.
– Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS): For skilled workers with a job offer in Australia.
– Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): For young people from certain countries who wish to work and travel in Australia.
– Permanent Resident Visa (via different subclasses): For those who wish to settle in Australia for the long term (family, sponsorship, investors, etc.).
Link to determine visa type: Home Affairs – Australian Visa Types
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder
2. Check if you need a visa
Most travellers need to obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. However, some nationalities may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor Visa, which can be obtained online for short-term stays.
– ETA (Subclass 601): For citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, and some Asian countries.
– eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): For citizens of the European Union and other eligible countries.
Link to check if you need a visa: Check your Australian visa eligibility
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
3. Documents required for visa application
The documents required depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but below is a list of the documents generally required for a visitor visa or business visa:
Documents for a visitor or business visa:
– Valid passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
– Visa application form: Completed online on the official portal.
– Recent passport photo: As per the standards.
– Proof of funds: Bank statements or documents proving that you can support yourself during your stay.
– Travel itinerary: Return air tickets or proof of itinerary.
– Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a host in Australia.
– Invitation letter (if applicable): For family or business visits.
– Travel insurance (recommended): Covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
Documents for a student visa:
– Acceptance letter: From the Australian institution where you intend to study.
– Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Proof of full enrolment.
– Proof of funds: Bank statements or documents proving that you can cover tuition, living and travel costs.
– Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC): Mandatory for the entire duration of the stay.
Link to view the documents required for each visa: Home Affairs – Documents required for Australian visas
4. Complete the online visa application form
Most Australian visa applications are made online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal. You must create an account on this platform to submit your application and upload the required documents.
Steps:
Access ImmiAccount and create a personal account.
Complete the online application form: Select the type of visa that corresponds to your situation.
Upload the required documents: Passport scans, proof of funds, travel itinerary, etc.
Pay the visa fee (online by credit card or other payment methods).
Link to create an account and complete the application: ImmiAccount – Online Visa Application
5. Pay the visa fee
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the length of your stay. Below are some examples of typical fees:
– Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Around AUD$145 (around USD$95).
– Student Visa (Subclass 500): Around AUD$630 (around USD$410).
– Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482): From AUD$2,645 (around USD$1,700).
– ETA (Subclass 601): Around AUD$20.
Visa Fees Link: Home Affairs – Visa Fees for Australia
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges
6. Submission of biometric data and medical examinations (if applicable)
In some cases, you will be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) or undergo a medical examination. These requirements vary depending on nationality, visa type and length of stay.
Steps:
Receive an official request via your ImmiAccount after submitting your visa application.
Book an appointment at an approved centre to provide your biometrics or undergo a medical examination.
Submit the results via ImmiAccount or the visa application centre.
Link for more information on medical requirements: Home Affairs – Medical and Biometric Requirements https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health
7. Monitoring the visa application
Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online through your ImmiAccount. Processing times vary depending on the visa type, time of year, and complexity of the application.
Typical processing times:
– Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): 20-35 days.
– Student Visa (Subclass 500): 1-3 months.
– Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482): 1-4 months.
Link to track your application through ImmiAccount: Track your visa application
8. Decision and receipt of visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email notification. Australian visas are electronic, meaning there will be no physical visa stamp on your passport. You simply need to print the notification and bring it with you when you travel.
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal, as well as the steps to take for any appeal.
9. Arrival in Australia and border control
When you arrive in Australia, you must present:
– Your passport (with linked e-visa).
– Proof of funds (in some cases).
– Proof of health insurance (for students and some visitors).
Immigration officers may ask you questions about the purpose of your stay and check that you meet the conditions of your visa.
10. Visa extension or change of status
If you are already in Australia and want to extend your stay or change your visa, you must submit a new application through ImmiAccount before your current visa expires. You cannot generally extend an ETA or eVisitor visa, but you can apply for another type of visa depending on your circumstances.
Link to apply for an extension or another visa: Extending a stay in Australia
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing