Due to the complexities of the process, applying for an Australian visa can be tricky. First, you can apply for several visa types, which can be confusing for first-time travelers. The application process and requirements also differ based on your situation and nationality, which can add to the complications.
If you’re planning to visit this country but don’t know where to start with the visa application, here’s everything you need to know about applying for an Australia visa.
How to Apply for an Australia Visa
There are two ways to apply for an Australian visa: online or through a paper application. While the online application is easier thanks to the VEVO service (Visa Entitlement Verification Online), some countries could be ineligible. In those cases, you may have to submit a paper application to a consulate or embassy.
Here’s how both application processes work:
Online Application
Here are the steps to complete your online application for an Australian visa:
- Create an Online Account You first open a free ImmiAccount on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Enter your details and complete the email verification to activate your account. With an ImmiAccount, you can apply online, upload all your documents in one place, and easily manage and track your visa application. Alternatively, applicants have the option to register for an organizational account if they are:
- A registered migration agent
- Being sponsored by a company
- From an organization
- Select the Visa Type
Many people apply for a visa every year, and based on the purpose of their visit, they have to apply for a different visa type. Some common visas include:
- Visitor Visas
These are for short-term trips to Australia. If you’re planning a holiday or a short stay, you can get a Tourist Visa. Quick and easy travel options like the Electronic Travel Authority and the eVisitor are also available to travelers from specific countries. If you’re coming to Australia for medical treatment, there’s a special Medical Treatment Visa.
- Study and Training Visas
These visas are specifically for students, trainees, and their guardians. The Student Visa allows you to study in Australia, while the Training Visa is for those undergoing workplace-based training. Legal guardians of minors can apply for a Student Guardian Visa to stay with their children while they study.
- Parent Visas
This visa type is available for parents of Australian citizens, eligible New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents. There’s a standard Parent Visa, an Aged Parent Visa for older parents, and several Contributory Parent Visas, which offer faster processing times but have higher costs.
- Family Visas
These visas are for relatives or caretakers of Australians. This includes the Adoption Visa for adopted children, Aged Dependent Relative Visas for elderly dependents, and Carer Visas for those needing care for an Australian relative.
- Partner Visas
This visa type caters to the spouses and partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. If you’re engaged to an Australian, you can get a Prospective Marriage Visa. Various Partner Visas start as temporary and can become permanent over time, allowing you to live with your partner in Australia.
- Work Visas
These visas enable you to work legally in Australia. There are numerous options here, including visas for highly skilled individuals, employer-sponsored workers, and various regional and skilled worker categories. There are also temporary work visas available for specific jobs, which include options for recent graduates, short-term specialists, and those filling job shortages.
- Business and Investment Visas
These visas are for business owners and investors. They include permanent and provisional options for business innovation, visas for business owners and talents, and several investor visas, including those sponsored by states or territories.
- Complete the Australian Visa Form
After identifying the visa type you need, please select it and proceed to the visa application form page. Fill in the required details (name, address, date of birth, marital status, etc.) and briefly answer the questions related to your travel plans. If your family members are applying with you, every person must complete their application separately.
- Attach the Required Documents
You’ll have to upload different documents based on the type of visa you’re applying for. Generally, you’ll need to upload a scanned color copy of your passport, photo, bank statements, insurance details, etc.
To attach your documents, this is what you need to do:
- Click on the “Attach document” option
- Choose who the document is for
- State your reason for attaching the document
- Pick the document type
- Name your file
- Click the attach button
You will upload your picture in another section. Select the option to attach your photo and make sure your photo is current, high-quality, has the right dimensions, and has a white background.
- Pay the Application Fee
Each visa type has a different application fee, which you must pay before submitting the visa application. You can pay using several methods, including debit card, credit card, and PayPal.
- Submit the Application
You can submit your application after paying the fee and ensuring all your documents and information are correct. Using your ImmiAccount, you can contact Australian authorities at any time to inform them of any changes to your information.
You can also check the processing time on the account. If there aren’t any issues, you will receive your visa within a week or two.
Paper Application
Here are the steps for completing a paper visa application:
- Find the Nearest Australian Embassy/Consulate
Paper applications are always submitted to representative offices of the Australian government. Please use the official website to locate your country’s nearest embassy or consulate. If the embassy is outside your country, you may be able to submit your visa application through the post, so check with the embassy to see if this is possible.
- Set an Appointment at an Australian Office
Before starting the visa application process, you must book an appointment with the embassy. You can set up your appointment by email or by visiting it in person. Once the appointment is confirmed, you can officially start your application process.
- Verify the Required Documents
The embassy requires you to submit verified copies of the original documents with your application. You can get your documents verified by someone who meets these criteria:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian authority or recognized professional
- A citizen of your home country
- A person not related to you by birth or marriage
The person verifying your documents must state on single-page documents that they acknowledge these are true copies of the originals. They should write the declaration on the front page and initials on the rest for multi-page documents.
- Complete the Application Form
With your documents sorted, you can now request an application form for the visa type you are applying for. Follow the form’s instructions and ensure everything is correct before signing it. Once finished, submit the form together with your other documents.
- Pay the Application Fee
You can pay the fee online using your ImmiAccount, or in some cases, you can pay it when you submit your application to the embassy. However, it’s a good idea to ask your respective Australian visa application center for confirmation beforehand to ensure the payment process is completed correctly.
- Submit Your Visa Application
After finishing your application and payment, please submit it to the embassy and wait. The process takes a while and varies for each applicant, and it is usually longer for paper applications. Therefore, it may take a while before you receive an answer.
When Should I Apply for an Australia Visa?
You can apply up to four months before your estimated departure. The Department of Home Affairs recommends this as processing times can vary based on several factors, such as the type of visa, the completeness of your application, and the current workload of the visa office. Applying early helps ensure your application is processed in time for your travel plans.
Can Someone Else Apply on My Behalf for an Australia Visa?
If you need help with your application, you can authorize someone else to assist you. However, remember that this person will only be able to receive communications about your visa. You’ll still need to complete and sign the form yourself.
There are two ways to appoint someone to act on your behalf as an authorized recipient:
- Using an ImmiAccount: Log into your ImmiAccount and follow the prompts to add an authorized recipient. This will allow them to receive correspondence and manage your application.
- Using Form 956A: Download and complete Form 956A (Appointment or Withdrawal of an Authorized Recipient). Once filled out, submit it as part of your visa application process.
How Do I Withdraw an Australia Visa Application?
If you must withdraw your application before approval, complete Form 1446.
If you submitted your application online, log into your ImmiAccount, find your application, and follow the instructions to attach the completed Form 1446.
If you submitted a paper application, complete Form 1446. Then, please submit it to the address where you originally sent your application.
Please note that once your visa has been processed, you can’t withdraw your application.
How Do I Know If I Received a Visa for Australia?
You can be notified about your application status by post or email, depending on how you submitted your application. For online applications, you can easily track the status through your ImmiAccount. If the status says “finalized,” you can expect a response soon.
For paper applications, you will receive either an email or a post. If the Australian Immigration office cannot contact you, they will contact you through a nearby embassy.
What If My Australia Visa Application Is Rejected?
Don’t be disheartened if your visa application is rejected; you have time to appeal it.
First, carefully read your rejection letter to understand the reason for rejection. The letter will also contain information on how to appeal the decision. Generally, you have 28 days to challenge the decision and get the rejection revoked, but the time limit may be different for different visa types.
Remember that, based on the reason for your visa denial, you may not be allowed to receive a new visa. When preparing your appeal, address the issues mentioned in your rejection letter.
Should I Buy My Plane Ticket Before Submitting an Application?
It’s best not to buy your plane ticket before your visa is approved. The immigration office is not responsible for any financial losses if your visa is denied or processed late.
Streamline Your Visa Application Process
Applying for an Australian visa can be detailed, but starting early can help avoid unnecessary delays and stress. Ensure you gather all the required documents, follow the instructions carefully, and check in with the Australian visa application center if you have any questions. By giving yourself plenty of time, you’ll have an easier application experience and higher chances of getting approved without any last-minute hiccups.