Discover everything about Australia visa types, application requirements, processing fees, and step-by-step procedures. Learn how to apply online or at an embassy, visa validity, extensions, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Australia Visa: Types, Requirements, Application Process & Fees

Applying for an Australian visa is essential for travelers visiting for tourism, business, study, or work. While some nationalities can apply for a visa online, others must go through an embassy or consulate. Understanding the visa requirements, application process, and associated fees can help streamline your journey to Australia.

Overview of Australia Visa

Key Takeaways

• Visa-Free Entry: Only New Zealand citizens can enter Australia without a prior visa and receive a Special Category Visa (SCV) upon arrival.
• Online & Offline Applications: Many travelers can apply online via the Australian Home Affairs website, while others must apply at an embassy or consulate.
• Visa Processing Time: Short-term visas, like tourist visas, may be processed within weeks, while long-term visas can take months.
• Visa Costs: Fees vary significantly depending on visa type, duration, and application method.
• Visa Validity & Stay Duration: Some visas allow multiple entries within a year, while others have strict duration limits.

What Is an Australian Visa?

An Australian visa is an official authorization allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay in Australia for a specified period. Unlike many countries, Australia does not issue physical visa stamps in passports. Instead, visas are electronically recorded in an online database. Immigration officers verify visa status via the database upon arrival.

Do You Need a Visa for Australia?

Except for New Zealand citizens, all other travelers require a visa before arriving in Australia. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Visa Options Based on Nationality

• eVisitor (Subclass 651): Available to EU citizens, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the UK, and Vatican City.
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601): Available to citizens of Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Required for travelers from all other countries.

For long-term stays (work, study, or migration), all travelers—including New Zealanders—must apply for the relevant visa category.

How to Apply for an Australian Visa

Application Methods

1. Online Application (Recommended for Most Applicants):
   • eVisitor and ETA applications are submitted online via the Department of Home Affairs website or the ETA app.
   • Other visa types, including visitor visas, work visas, and study visas, can also be processed online.
2. Applying at an Australian Embassy or Consulate:
   • Required for certain nationalities or complex visa applications.
   • Applicants must submit certified copies of required documents.

Australian Visa Types

Australia offers various visa categories depending on travel purposes:

1. Visitor Visas

For short-term travelers (tourism, medical, family visits):

• Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
• eVisitor (Subclass 651)
• Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)

2. Study & Training Visas

For students and trainees:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500)
• Training Visa (Subclass 407)
• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

3. Work Visas

For employment in Australia:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
• Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

4. Family & Partner Visas

For family reunification:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103, 804, 884, 864, 173, 143)
• Partner Visa (Subclasses 309, 100, 820, 801)
• Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)

5. Business & Investment Visas

For entrepreneurs and investors:

• Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188, 888)
• Investor Visa (Subclass 891)

Visa Fees & Processing Time

• eVisitor & ETA: Free, but a AUD 20 service fee applies to ETA.
• Tourist Visa (Subclass 600): Starts at AUD 145.
• Student Visa: AUD 620.
• Work Visa: Varies, between AUD 310 to AUD 4,045.

Processing times vary based on visa type and application volume:

• ETA & eVisitor: A few days to a week.
• Tourist & Student Visas: Several weeks.
• Work & Permanent Residency Visas: Several months to over a year.

Visa Refusal & Appeals

If your visa is denied, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The appeal period varies between 7 to 28 days from the rejection date. Your visa rejection letter will specify appeal eligibility and instructions.

Extending or Renewing an Australian Visa

• ETA & eVisitor: Cannot be extended; reapply after exiting Australia.
• Tourist Visa: Possible extension if there’s no “No Further Stay” condition.
• Work & Student Visas: Extensions are possible, but require a new application before expiry.

FAQs

1. Can I Get a Refund If I Withdraw My Visa Application?

Refunds are rare. You may be eligible only if the applicant has passed away or received another visa of the same category.

2. How Can I Track My Visa Application?

Use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system or check the status via ImmiAccount.

3. What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?

Overstaying beyond 28 days may result in a three-year travel ban.

4. Can I Work on a Tourist Visa?

No. The ETA, eVisitor, and tourist visas prohibit employment in Australia.

5. Do I Need Health Insurance for My Trip?

While not mandatory for visitor visas, Australia strongly recommends travel health insurance.