Australia Visa

Australia has, of late become, a major tourist destination. The country has many natural and man-made attractions that make it very popular among tourists from the world over. This is why there is a huge demand for Australian visas. Every tourist who wishes to go to Australia needs to procure an Australia visa beforehand. Apart from tourists, many other people, including athletes and migrant workers, also apply for Australian visas regularly. There are different types of visas available for different categories. Take a look at this article to know more about the visa application process and how exactly you can get your Australia visa done.

What is an Australia Visa?

Did you know?

The processing time for the Australia visa is usually about 3 weeks, which is on the higher side. Hence, you need to get the visa work done well in advance, as waiting for the last minute may not work out. You will need an ample amount of time to ensure the visa is processed properly.

An Australia visa is a document that provides permission to enter, stay and work (in some cases) in the country. The permission is given by the government of Australia to legally enter and stay in the country for a specified period of time. There are different categories of visas such as business visas and tourist visas, among others. You have to apply for the correct type of visa, depending on the nature of your visit. To get the visa, you have to submit some documents and pay a fee. Hence, it becomes very important for you to do your research and understand the visa requirements in detail before you proceed to apply for an Australia visa.

Features of Australia Visa

Travel tip: The application for an Australia visa can be done online or offline. The online channel makes it very quick and convenient, so do explore this route when you are looking to get an Australian visa.

The type of visa you get for your Australia visit will greatly depend on the purpose of travel. If you want to go to the country for a work-related assignment, you will get a business visa which promotes all trade and business activities. It allows you to stay and work in the country for a specified time. If you get a transit visa, you can only use it during a layover in any Australian airport. If you have a tourist visa, you can stay in the country for a short duration and explore all the beautiful places, however, you won't be permitted to work. The type of visa and the length of your stay, affect the cost of the visa. When you apply for the Australia visa, you will be informed about the documents and cost. Make sure you fill out the form and pay the fee duly in order to have your visa processed smoothly.

Types of Australia Visa

Did you know?

Skilled workers can be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, which allows them to live and work permanently in Australia. To get this visa, however, you need to be nominated by your employer who can vouch for you and ensure you are eligible for the ENS visa.

The different Australian visa categories are listed below:

• Tourist visa

30, 60 or 90-day validity for visitors who go on leisure holidays.

• Work Visa

Available for durations ranging between 1 and 4 years, depending on the type of work you do.

• Student Visa

Available for a maximum duration of 5 years for students who wish to study in the country.

• Transit Visa

A short-stay visa for transit passengers, valid for up to 72 hours.

Travel Tip: If you have a transit visa, make a thorough plan of the places you wish to explore in Australia. You will have very limited time, so sticking to a plan would help you optimise your transit stay in the country.

• Multiple Entry Visa

Allows unlimited trips within a period of one year

• Subclass 600 Visitor visa

Allows you to stay as a tourist for a maximum duration of 5 years.

• Family Visa

Allows you to stay in Australia on a permanent basis if you happen to be married to, or are a dependent child, of a person who holds a permanent work visa.

• Business Visa

Investors, entrepreneurs or business owners can get a Business Visa and work permanently in Australia.

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa

This allows you to work in the country in an occupation that has a very high demand for skilled workers.

Travel Tip: Get the right kind of visa for your travel to avoid getting embroiled in unnecessary troubles. Australia has extremely strict immigration laws and if you are found travelling with the wrong kind of visa, you can end up in trouble. To ensure nothing like this happens, do your research and get the correct form of Australian visa.

It is always a good idea to ask the official sources when looking for the most recent and reliable data related to Australian visas and immigration.

Non-immigrant Visa

Did you know?

• There is a facility called ImmiAccount which is like a digital locker. You can attach up to 100 documents to it and use it for various visa and immigration processes. This makes it easy to access and use all your documents together.
• You don't have to be married to live in Australia with your live-in partner. You just have to show proof that you have been together for more than a year and the partner visa will be issued to you.

A non-immigrant Australian visa has provisions for short-term, temporary stays in the country. People who visit the country as tourists or go to visit their family members usually go on non-immigrant visas. Even people on short business trips that can be wrapped up in a few days qualify for non-immigrant visas. You cannot apply for permanent residency if you are in Australia on a non-immigrant visa. The common types of non-immigrant visas include tourist visas, transit visas and short business visas. The documents and fees you need for your non-immigrant visa will depend on the nature of your travel as well as the duration of it.

Immigrant Visa:

Did you know?

With the Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 804, you can stay permanently in Australia if you are above the age of 65 and your children are permanent residents of the country. This allows the migrants to get their parents to stay with them and take care of them in their old age.

Immigrant visas allow people belonging to a foreign nationality to live permanently in Australia for work. Immigrant visas are residence permits given to people who wish to make Australia their home due to employment, entrepreneurship or family ties. There are certain categories under which such visas are issued such as Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Family visa. You must submit the documents according to the category in which you apply. Once the visa is processed, you can go and live in Australia permanently.

Visa Application Process

Did you know?

To get an Australia visa, you need to have sufficient funds in your account. The authorities will only issue the visa to you if they are convinced that you can pay for your trip and cover the expenses of supporting yourself when you are in Australia as a visitor. Along with this, you also need to show a genuine reason for your travel.

Here’s a detailed look at the Australia visa application process:

1. Type of visa - First and foremost, you need to choose the type of visa you need for yourself. These are broadly categorised under:

• Immigrant: To get an immigrant visa, you need to have all the documents. Along with this, you also need to have a sponsor and a letter from the sponsor stating your application is valid and necessary.

• Non-Immigrant: Sponsorship is not needed for non-immigrant visas. All you have to do is select the type of visa you want (tourist, transit, etc.) and submit the documents.

2. Arrange for the documents - Next, you need to gather all the documents you need. This will include your passport, visa application form, recent photographs, and any other documents required specifically for your visa (e.g.- sponsor letter, etc).

• Immigrant: For this, you will need regular papers such as your passport and also proof of income, financial records and proof of your relationship (if applicable).

• Non-Immigrant: For this, you just need the required documents, your passport and visa application form. Additionally, you will also have to pay the visa application fee.

3. Make sure you apply through a correct and safe platform. Use the official portal or ask your travel agent to assist you.

4. Check the exact amount you need to pay for your type of visa. Make the payment online and get a receipt.

5. You will have to visit the visa office and submit your biometric details such as your fingerprints.

6. It takes weeks, and sometimes even months, for the Australia visa to be processed, so wait patiently. Once your visa is ready, you will be informed. If the application is rejected, you will be notified about that as well.

Travel Tip: The Australia visa process is a long and time-consuming process. Hence, initiate the process at the earliest to ensure your travel dates don't have to be changed due to a delay in getting the visa.

7. Travel to Australia within the validity of your visa and have a great stay in this wonderful country!

Take good care when applying for an Australia visa. Submit the correct documents, fill up the form without any errors and pay the application fee in full. These factors will ensure you get your visa on time.

Validity of the Australia Visa

Did you know?

It is possible for you to extend your Australian visa beyond the original duration. However, you have to show a genuine reason for the need for an extension and also pay an additional fee. You can only extend your stay if the application is accepted.

The validity of your Australian visa will greatly depend on the type of visa you are applying for. You can get a tourist visa and have a validity of 30, 60 or 90 days. If you have a Working Holiday visa, the validity would be for 12 months. If you go to Australia on a Student Visa, it will be valid for about 5 years. So as you can see, the validity of the different visas has different times, so choose your visa carefully.

When to Apply for an Australia Visa?

Did you know?

It is quicker to get an Australian tourist visa during the off-season. During the peak season, a lot of applications are sent and the authorities take more time clearing out each application. However, during the off-season, the visa applications are lower in volume, so the clearance time is quicker too.

The Australia visa processing time is quite long. This is why it is highly advisable for you to apply for your visa well in advance. The normal processing time for an Australia visa is about 3 weeks, but it can take longer than that as well. As soon as you plan your trip to Australia, apply for the visa. This will ensure you get the visa on time and your travel dates do not require any form of alteration.

Documents Required

You will need the following documents for an Australia visa:

• A valid passport
• A duly filled Australia visa application form
• Passport-size photographs
• Hotel booking receipts/ details of stay in Australia
• Copy of travel insurance document
• Copies of air tickets
• Financial statements to highlight your financial health
• An NOC from your employer
• Business visa: A proposal letter from the company
• Family visa: A proposal letter from the company residing in Australia

Australia Visa Fees

The cost of the various types of Australian visas differs based on their type. For example, a tourist visa for an adult costs $135 whereas a Working Holiday visa is available at a cost of $440. A student visa is usually available at a payment of $570. For a Skilled Independent visa, the fee can be as high as $4015. The Australia visa fees keep getting updated, so check with the authorities how much you have to pay and complete the formalities accordingly.

Visa Processing Time

The visa processing time depends on the type of visa you apply for. A short-term non-immigrant visa is usually issued quickly. On the other hand, a migrant visa will take a much longer time as the documents and reason for application will be thoroughly scrutinised and verified before the visa is issued.

Conclusion

It is not difficult to get an Australia visa, provided you have all the documents in place. You also need the correct financial backing. When filling out the visa application form, make sure you do so in an error-free and precise manner. Submit your application in advance and keep enough time on your hands to ensure the visa is processed smoothly.