VISITOR VISA
- Visitor Visa
(Subclass 600) - Electronic Travel Authority(ETA)
(Subclass 601) - Work and Holiday Visa
(Subclass 462)
Specifically, this visa addresses five different purposes of visit to Australia:
- For Holiday
- For Business
- Family-sponsored Visa
Each visiting purpose has its own requirements, flexibility and limitations. However, they have basic features in common to share:
- It is for a visit or for business purposes
- For up to three, six or 12 months
- The base application charge for this visa ranges from AUD130 to AUD335
- If you hold a certain passport, you might be able to apply for a free or cheaper visa
- The e-Visitor (subclass 651) visa is free. You must be a passport holder of a certain country
- The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa has an AUD20 service charge. You must be a passport holder of a certain country
Please note that the visa fee keeps changing on a regular basis. Please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing for the recent visa application fees.
Visa Streams
If you are willing to visit Australia to visit your family, this is the visa stream for you. To apply for this visa, you must have a sponsor who is expected to provide a family bond. You must be outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when it is granted.
Number of visits granted
The number of visits you can make to Australia depends on the specification on the visa grant:
- If you are granted with a single-entry visa, you will be allowed to enter only once. Re-entering Australia is prohibited once you leave Australia. To make a re-visit, you have to apply for a new visa.
- If you are granted with a multiple-entry visa, you can leave and enter Australia as many times you want until your visa is valid. However, the total time you spend in Australia should not exceed the period of stay granted.
Basic Requirements
Here are some key highlights that you should meet or need to demonstrate:
- Must have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Australia
- Must have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Australia
- Must intend to do the activities in the Sponsored Family stream
- Must have a Health Examination report
- Health Insurance
- Police Clearance Certificate
In addition to this, you should also demonstrate to the Immigration that you:
- Are a genuine traveler heading to Australia
- Will visit your family
- Are sponsored by an eligible relative or an Australian government official
Tourist Visa Business Visitor Stream is for you if you intend to travel to Australia for a short business visit. The purpose of the visit can be a general business, employment enquiry, negotiations, conference or related other business activities.
It can be a Business (Short Stay) Visa (Subclass 456) or Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) Visa (Subclass 495). You need to be outside Australia at the time of application.
Number of visits granted
The number of visits you can make to Australia depends on the specification on the visa grant:
- If you are granted with a single-entry visa, you will be allowed to enter only once. Re-entering Australia is prohibited once you leave Australia. To make a re-visit, you have to apply for a new visa.
- If you are granted with a multiple-entry visa, you can leave and enter Australia as many times you want until your visa is valid. However, the total time you spend in Australia should not exceed the period of stay granted.
Basic Requirements
So as to apply for this visa, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- Health Examination Report
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Health Insurance
- Must have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in Australia
- Must intend to do the activities in relation to your business visit
For the successful visa procurement, you must convince the Immigration that you:
- Possess a sound business background
- Have a good business reason for travelling to Australia
- Have one or more of these activities to perform:
- making general business or employment inquiries
- investigating, negotiating, signing or reviewing a business contract
- activities carried out as part of an official government-to-government visit
- participating in conferences, trade fairs or seminars, as long as you are not being paid by the organizers for your participation
- Will not be undertaking work for or providing goods or services to a business or person based in Australia
- Will not be selling goods or services directly to the general public while in Australia
Tourist Holiday Visa Stream is for you are willing to travel to Australia for a holiday, recreation or to visit family, friends and relatives for other purposes that business or medical treatment. You must be outside Australia to apply for this visa.
With this visa, you can:
- Enjoy holiday or visit family, friends or relatives in Australia
- Study in Australia for up to 3 months
- Work as a genuine unpaid volunteer. However, you can be reimbursed for meals and accommodation
Requirements
You must meet the following requirements before you apply for the visa:
- Health Examination Report
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Health Insurance
- Must have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in Australia
- Must intend to do the activities in relation to your Tourist Stream
Note: Due to large number of Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 103) and their aspiration of family reunion, there is possibility for you to receive a more generous Visitor Visa. You will be considered automatically if you are a (step) parent of Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or an eligible New Zealand Citizen and have applied for the Parent Visa.
FAQs
The Subclass 600 visa grants temporary entry to Australia for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, conferences, and visiting family or friends.
Generally, Subclass 600 visas are not designed for employment reasons. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of allowing certain restricted business operations. Reviewing visa conditions and consulting official guidelines is crucial in order to grasp the extent of allowable activities.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) consists of five primary streams:
- Tourist Stream: Designed for people visiting Australia for tourism, vacations, or to see relatives and friends.
- Business Visitor Stream: Designed for those participating in business-related events like meetings, conferences, and exploring business opportunities.
- Sponsored Family Stream: Intended for individuals who wish to visit their family in Australia and have a family member willing to sponsor their visit.
- Approved Destination Status Stream: Specifically caters to citizens from selected ADS provider countries, enabling organized tour group trips to Australia.
- Frequent Traveler Stream
The length of stay differs based on the type of visa received and personal situation. Tourist visas could permit visits for up to 12 months, whereas business visas could have briefer periods. Checking your visa grant notice for the precise validity period is essential.
In general, Subclass 600 visas may permit short-term and recreational courses to be taken. It is important to make sure that your reason for visiting is in line with the visa you have, and studying should not be the main purpose of your visit.
Applying for a Subclass 600 visa is possible by submitting an online application on the official Australian immigration website. The process of applying includes submitting personal details, reason for visit, necessary paperwork, and completing payment.
Commonly requested documents include a current passport, visa form, evidence of financial ability to fund your trip, evidence of connections to your country of origin, and any other pertinent documents related to your reason for traveling (e.g. business correspondence, invitations, or travel schedules).
In order to be eligible, you must have a valid reason for visiting Australia, sufficient funds for your trip, health insurance, no intentions of working (unless approved), and no criminal record or health concerns that could be problematic.
It is suggested to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates as processing times can differ. Certain visas may be done in a short period, while others may require multiple weeks for processing.
There is a chance for extensions in specific situations, but it's not definite. Applying for an extension before your current visa expires in Australia is crucial, as is having a legitimate reason for requiring additional time.
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) allows applicants to travel to Australia for tourism and business purposes. This visa is linked to your passport and with this visa, you can visit Australia as many times and stay up to 3 months per visit up to 1 year. There are two streams of this visa.
Tourist Electronic Travel Visa
Tourist Electronic Travel Visa is for applicants seeking holiday, recreation or visiting family or friends in Australia. This visa is granted for 1 year, allowing you to travel to Australia multiple times for up to 3 months.
Business Electronic Travel Visa
Business Electronic Travel Visa is for the applicants who intend to travel to Australia for business purposes only. The business activities include conference, trade fairs, seminars, employment inquiries, examining, negotiating, signing or revising business contracts, or business visits. It is valid for 1 year and allows you to make multiple visits for up to 3 months till the validity of your visa.
You must hold the passport of one of these countries to apply for this visa:
| Andorra | Austria | Belgium | Brunei | Canada |
| Denmark | Finland | France | Germany | Greece |
| Hong Kong | Iceland | Ireland | Italy | Japan |
| Liechtenstein | Luxembourg | Malaysia | Malta | Monaco |
| Norway | Portugal | Republic of San Marino | Singapore | South Korea |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan | The Netherlands |
| United States | Vatican City | United Kingdom (British Citizen/ National (Overseas) | ||
Note: It is mandatory for you to submit Police Clearance Certificate and maintain Health Insurance.
Family Members
You cannot include any family member in the application. Any member traveling with you has to submit a separate application.
FAQs
An ETA subclass 601 is an electronic authorization that permits eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business for short periods.
Inhabitants from particular nations, such as Canada, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and several European countries, can apply for an ETA subclass 601. The eligibility requirements may differ depending on one's country of origin.
A subclass 601 ETA permits a maximum stay of three months (90 days) in Australia each visit. It typically applies to several entries over a 12-month period.
No, an ETA subclass 601 is only intended for brief tourism or business visits. It prohibits you from working, studying, or participating in any other extended activities in Australia.
You have the option to submit an online application for an ETA subclass 601 via the official website of the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs. For payment, you will require your passport, an email address, and a credit card.
The price of an ETA subclass 601 may differ, but in general, it is less expensive than a regular visa. The specific cost is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Typically, ETA subclass 601 applications are approved immediately or in a brief span of time. It is advisable to submit your application several days in advance of your planned travel date in order to guarantee a hassle-free experience.
You are not allowed to prolong your time in Australia under an ETA subclass 601. If you want to extend your stay, you must obtain a different visa before your ETA validity runs out.
Possessing a criminal history could impact your ability to qualify for an ETA subclass 601. Before submitting an application, it is advised to review the eligibility requirements and seek guidance from the Australian embassy or consulate in your country.
Using the application reference number given to you during the ETA subclass 601 application process, you are able to verify the status of your application on the Department of Home Affairs website.
A Tourist Electronic Travel Visa permits qualifying travelers to visit a designated country for tourism. It is usually acquired digitally, without requiring a physical visa stamp in your passport.
The procedure to apply for a Tourist Electronic Travel Visa differs based on the country you plan to travel to. Usually, you can submit your application online via the destination country's official government website. You must submit your personal details, trip information, and any necessary supporting papers.
The length of time allowed on a Tourist Electronic Travel Visa differs based on the regulations of the country. It may vary from a couple of weeks to numerous months. Ensure to review the exact terms and conditions linked to the visa.
Typically, a Tourist Electronic Travel Visa is granted exclusively for tourism reasons. Typically, it prevents you from working, studying, or participating in any other type of employment or extended activities. If you intend to work or study, you must request a different visa.
It is typically not allowed to prolong the length of stay on a Tourist Electronic Travel Visa. After the visa expires, you must depart the country. If you want to extend your stay, you may have to apply for a visa extension or switch to a different visa category if you meet the requirements.
The requirements for a Tourist Electronic Travel Visa differ based on the country you plan to travel to. Typical considerations consist of your country of origin, reason for traveling, planned length of visit, and financial capability to sustain your stay. Visit the destination country's official government website to confirm if you meet the eligibility criteria.
A Business Electronic Travel Visa, like an e-Visitor visa or an ETA subclass 601, is a digital authorization that permits eligible passport holders to visit Australia for brief business purposes.
Typically, Business Electronic Travel Visas in Australia permit activities such as attending conferences, seminars, meetings, business negotiations, and exploring business opportunities. Nevertheless, the specific activities allowed may differ, making it crucial to carefully examine the visa terms and seek guidance from official sources.
The length of time permitted on a Business Electronic Travel Visa may differ. An e-Visitor visa and an ETA subclass 601 both typically permit stays of up to 3 months per visit, although there may be variations depending on the specific subclass and nationality.
No, a Business Electronic Travel Visa is mainly for brief business purposes and does not permit you to engage in work that necessitates a work permit. If you plan on working in Australia, you must request a suitable work visa.
You have the option to request a Business Electronic Travel Visa online by visiting the official website of the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs. Providing personal and travel information, as well as business-related activities details in Australia, is usually needed in the application process.
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462 and 417) is the visa for young aged people (18-30 years) It is a temporary visa, that allows applicants to live and travel to Australia in an extended vacation for 1 year. You can involve in a short-term employment.
With this visa, you can:
- Stay, leave and revisit Australia frequently for up to 12 months
- Undertake a maximum of 4 month’s course
- Work in Australia for up to six months with each employer
- Apply for Second Work and Holiday Visa after working for three months in northern Australia for hospitality, agriculture, tourism, forestry and fishing industry
Requirements
To be eligible to apply for this visa, you must:
- Be a genuine visitor
- Be outside Australia during application
- Be at least 18 and not turned 31 years of age
- Have letter of support if you are not an applicant from Israel, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.
- Not have visited Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
- Not have a dependent child while living in Australia
- Have enough money to support basic need and buy a return or onward travel ticket after the completion of your stay
- Hold a valid passport from the country eligible for the Work and Holiday Program of Australia
This visa is sub divided into 2 streams Subclass 462 and Subclass 471. Both of these visas are more or less the same, however, they differ in terms of educational requirements and government support. Here are some distinctions between the two:
- A 462 visa requires an educational certificate to meet the education requirement whereas the 417 visa does not
- A 462 visa requires proof of at least functional English and a 417 does not
- A 462 visa requires a letter of support from your government (if required for your country) whereas a 417 does not
With both visas, you are allowed to study for up to 4 months.
The eligible countries for Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
| Argentina | Austria | Brazil | Chile | China |
| Ecuador | Greece | Hungary | Indonesia | Israel |
| Luxembourg | Malaysia | Mongolia | Peru | Poland |
| Portugal | San Marino | Singapore | Slovak Republic | Slovenia |
| Spain | Switzerland | Thailand | Turkey | Uruguay |
| United States of America | Vietnam | People’s Republic of Czech Republic | ||
The eligible countries for Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
| Belgium | Canada | Republic of Cyprus | Denmark | Estonia |
| Finland | France | Germany | Republic of Ireland | Italy |
| Japan | Republic of Korea | Malta | Netherlands | Norway |
| Sweden | Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport) | The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | ||
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders) |
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Health and Character Requirements
- Proof of health or health examinations
- Health Insurance, unless you are from one with reciprocal health agreement with Australia
- Police certificates from each country you lived in for 12 months in the last ten years (after
you turned 16 years of age)
Functional English Requirements for a First Work and Holiday Visa
To meet the Functional English Requirements, you should demonstrate the proof of one of these tests:
- Average IELTS band score of 4.5 within the 12 months of application
- Overall PTE Academic 30 within the 12 months of application
- Overall 147 in Cambridge English: Advanced
- TOEFL iBT Not less than 32
- 5 years of higher secondary education in English-medium institution
Family Members
- You cannot take your dependent child on Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- Your spouse or partner can accompany you but has to submit a separate application
Note: Make sure that you have no any outstanding debts to the Australian Government. If you have, you must arrange to repay before the visa decision.
FAQs
The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462 and 417) offers a temporary visa opportunity for young people from qualifying countries who wish to explore, work, and vacation in Australia. These visas enable you to remain in Australia for a maximum of 12 months, participating in temporary employment or education opportunities while immersing yourself in the nation's culture and way of life.
The requirements for Subclass 462 and 417 visas can differ, but typically, individuals must be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for certain nations), possess a valid passport from an approved country, demonstrate adequate funds, and fulfill health and character standards. Certain nations have particular demands, therefore it is crucial to refer to the official Australian government website for the latest information.
Indeed, one of the primary objectives of these visas is to enable you to work in Australia in order to support your finances for travel and daily expenses. Visa holders in subclass 462 and 417 are permitted to work for a maximum of 6 months with one employer and engage in brief educational programs.
Both Visa Subclass 462 and 417 permit a stay in Australia for a maximum of 12 months starting from the initial entry date.
Indeed, in specific situations, you could qualify for a second Work and Holiday Visa after fulfilling a minimum of 3 months of designated work in particular sectors in rural regions of Australia during your initial Work and Holiday Visa.
Designated regional areas of Australia involve working in industries like agriculture, fishing, construction, and mining. The Australian government's official website details the precise specifications for the type of work and the geographical regions.
Typically, these visas are approved for up to 12 months. Under normal circumstances, it's not possible to prolong the time frame further than this.
Certainly, you are allowed to engage in brief academic pursuits (lasting a maximum of 4 months) while holding a Work and Holiday Visa.
You have the option to submit your application online on the official Australian government immigration website. Ensure that you carefully adhere to the instructions and submit all necessary documents and information.
Family members are usually not permitted to be included in the application for these visas. Nevertheless, family members could qualify for individual visas depending on their personal situations.
Yes, it is mandatory for you to have sufficient health insurance while you are in Australia.
