Australia Visitor visa
Traveling to Australia
Australia is a top destination for a wide variety of reasons. In particular, it is one of the top countries for tourism, short study courses, and business trips. Citizens of New Zealand do not require a travel visa to Australia. All other foreign nationalities are required to obtain either an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) or a Visitor Visa before arriving in Australia. For passport holders who are not eligible to obtain an eTA, but there are many types of Australia Visitor Visas that can be obtained for a wide variety of travel purposes. Australia Visitor Visas can be obtained online or on paper.
Australia Visitor visa types
The Australia Visitor Visa is intended for applicants looking to stay for short visits, primarily for tourism, visiting family, taking short study courses, or conducting minor business activities. There are several types of Australia Visit Visa that applicants can choose from depending on the purpose of their trip, the duration of their stay, and the issuing country of their identity document.
The following are the main types of Australia Visitor Visas:
- Electronic Travel Authority (eTA)
- Work and Holiday Visa
- Working Holiday Visa
- Transit Visa
- eVisitor Visa
- Visitor Visa (Tourist visa)
Australia Visitor visa requirements
The requirements for Australia Visitor Visa will vary depending on the visa type. You should assemble the unique documents for your visa type before starting the application process. However, there are some general documents that will be required of all applicants.
The following are general documents required for all Australia Visitor Visa applications:
Visa application form
Almost all Australia Visa applications can be submitted online or on paper. Online applications can be submitted through the official Australian Government Office of Home Affairs website. Where you submit your application will depend on the visa type and your nationality.
Proof of good health
Australia upholds very high standards of health. Most applicants will be asked to undergo a health examination and submit proof of their good health along with their Australian Visitor Visa application.
Valid identity document
All applicants will need to include a valid form of identity such as a passport as part of their application. This document should be valid for the duration of their stay.
Biometric information
Nearly all applicants will need to submit biometrics information including fingerprints and a photograph. This information can be collected at an Australian Visa Application Center (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Center (ABCC). Once you submit your application, you will be contacted with steps for submitting your biometric information.
Australia visa application
Applying for an Australia Visitor Visa is a simple process that can be completed online or on paper. Applicants can apply for an Australia Visitor Visa online through the official Government of Australia Office of Home Affairs website. They can also apply on paper by sending their application, an identity document, and any supplementary documents by post. Each type of Visitor Visa will require slighty different steps to complete the application process. However, most applicants will follow the same general steps listed below.
- Have an idea of your travel dates
Allow yourself enough time to prepare your application, submit the materials, and wait for your visa application decision. Processing times can vary by visa type, so be sure you have an idea of your travel dates and itinerary.
- Make sure your identity document is valid
All applicants need to have a valid identity document to complete their application. This document should be valid for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Select your visa type
Make sure to select the correct visa type for the correct purpose of travel. Your visa type will impact how you proceed with the application process.
- Gather the required documents
Each visa type requires a slightly different set of documents to be submitted along with the application. Make sure to check the list of required materials before submitting your application.
- Organize a health examination (if applicable)
Most applicants will be required to prove they are in good health in order to complete their application and receive a successful decision. Check to see if you need a health examination before submitting your application.
- Submit your application
Almost all applicants will be able to submit their Australia Visitor Visa application online by creating an account through ImmiAccount. However, some applicants may need to apply by post. Be sure to allow enough time depending on how you are submitting your application.
All applications must have all required documents for the specific visa type. Incomplete applications will not be processed. - Pay the fees
Nearly all application fees can be paid online during the application process. For on-paper applications, fees can be paid at an official visa application center or online by credit card. Fees are subject to vary based on the duration of the visa and the visa type.
- Submit your biometric information
Almost all applicants will be asked to present biometric information, including their fingerprints and a photograph. This information can be collected at an Australian Visa Application Center (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Center (ABCC).
- Receive a decision
Once you submit your Australian Visitor Visa application, it will be sent for processing. A written decision will be sent to you including your visa grant number, the Australia Visa validity dates, and the visa conditions. If your application is successful, it will be sent back to you with further instructions. If your application is refused, the decision letter will include any reasons for refusal and inform you if you have the right to review or appeal the decision.
Australia Visitor visa processing time
The processing times for each type of Australia Visitor Visa will vary depending on the visa type and the duration of your stay. Visitor Visas, for example, can take between 16 days and 4 months. Working Holiday Visas can take less than a day or up to 39 days. Applicants should plan their trip accordingly and know the processing times of their visa type well in advance of their departure date.
Australia Visitor visa fees
In order for your Australia Visitor Visa application to be processed, you will need to pay the application fee. Fees will vary depending on the visa type, the duration of your trip, your nationality, and where you are applying from. As an example, for Visitor Visas the fee is AUD150 to apply outside Australia and AUD380 to apply from inside. A Working Holiday Visa will cost AUD510.
Australia Visitor visa FAQ
It is possible to be issued a 12-month Visitor Visa. This will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Please note that the processing time and fees may vary for a visa with longer validity.
The longest validity period for an Australia Visitor Visa is 12 months. For Working Holiday Visas, you may be issued up to 3 visas each with 12-month validity.
Validity depends on the visa type and the purpose of your visit. Visitor Visas can be valid for 3,6, or 12 months depending on various factors.
Yes, all those who are not able to acquire an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) can apply for the relevant type of Visitor Visa for their unique travel plans.
The process for obtaining an Australian Visitor Visa is very straightforward. Almost all applications can be submitted online or on paper. Applicants should be aware that each visa type requires a slightly different process to be approved. On-paper applications may take more time to process and will require different documents.
