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Visitor Visa

Visitor Visas

Visitor visas in Australia provide individuals from foreign countries with the opportunity to visit Australia for various purposes, including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or attending short-term courses or conferences. These visas play a crucial role in facilitating international travel and fostering cultural exchange. This guide explores the different types of visitor visas in Australia, their eligibility criteria, application process, and countries that require or don’t require visitor visas to enter Australia.

Visitor visas are essential for travellers from countries worldwide, allowing them to explore the country, visit family and friends, conduct business, and attend short-term courses or conferences. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and visa conditions is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to Australia. It’s advisable to consult the official Department of Home Affairs website or seek guidance from a registered migration agent or legal expert for the most up-to-date information and assistance with the visa application process.

Visitor Visa

Visitor Visas

Visitor visas in Australia provide individuals from foreign countries with the opportunity to visit Australia for various purposes, including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or attending short-term courses or conferences. These visas play a crucial role in facilitating international travel and fostering cultural exchange. This guide explores the different types of visitor visas in Australia, their eligibility criteria, application process, and countries that require or don’t require visitor visas to enter Australia.

Visitor visas in Australia are essential for travelers from countries worldwide, allowing them to explore the country, visit family and friends, conduct business, and attend short-term courses or conferences. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and visa conditions is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to Australia. It’s advisable to consult the official Department of Home Affairs website or seek guidance from a registered migration agent or legal expert for the most up-to-date information and assistance with the visa application process.

Types of Visitor Visas

There are four types of visitor visas: 

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Visitor (Subclass 600) Visa

 

 

This visa is for tourists, business visitors, and family visitors. It can be granted for single or multiple entries and allows stays of up to three, six, or 12 months.

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Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601)

 

This visa allows you to visit Australia as frequently as desired within a 12-month period, with stays of up to 3 months per visit. It’s ideal for visits to family and friends, holidays, and certain business activities. To qualify, you must apply from outside Australia, hold an eligible passport, use the Australian ETA app, and watch the ETA video guides.

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EVisitor (Subclass 651) Visas

 

 

This visa allows multiple visits to Australia within a 12-month period, each with a maximum stay of 3 months. It is suitable for various purposes, such as visiting family and friends, holidaying, engaging in business visitor activities, and, in certain cases, pursuing short-term study or training. To qualify, you must apply from outside Australia and hold a passport from a specific country.

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Tourist (Subclass 676) Visa

 

 

This visa allows tourists to visit Australia for up to 12 months and is suitable for travelers from countries not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Genuine Temporary Entrant: Applicants must demonstrate their intention to visit Australia temporarily for the stated purpose and not with the intention of staying permanently.
  • Health and Character Requirements: Visitors must meet health and character requirements and may need to undergo health examinations or provide police clearances.
  • Sufficient Funds: Visitors should have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia or have a financial guarantor.

Application Process

  1. Online Application: Most visitor visa applications are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
  2. Documentation: Applicants need to provide valid passports, proof of funds, a letter of invitation (if applicable), and other supporting documents as required.
  3. Biometrics and Health Checks: Depending on the applicant’s nationality and specific circumstances, biometric data and health examinations may be necessary.
  4. Visa Grant: If the application is successful, a visa grant notification is sent to the applicant electronically. It’s crucial to check the visa conditions and validity.

Countries Requirements

Depending on which country you come to Australia from, you may or may not require a visa. Please check carefully about your country’s visa status with Australia. Failure to obtain a required visa may cause you to be refused entry on arrival into Australia.

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Countries Requiring Visitor Visas

  1. Countries Requiring Visitor Visas: Most countries require their citizens to obtain a visitor visa to enter Australia. This includes countries from Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The specific visa type and requirements can vary by nationality.
  2. Countries with Visa Exemptions: Australia has reciprocal arrangements with several countries, and citizens of these countries may not require a visitor visa for short stays. Notable examples include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. However, these travelers still need to apply for an ETA or eVisitor visa for specific purposes such as business visits.
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Countries with Visa Exemptions

Australia has reciprocal arrangements with several countries, and citizens of these countries may not require a visitor visa for short stays. Notable examples include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. However, these travelers still need to apply for an ETA or eVisitor visa for specific purposes such as business visits.

Visitor Visa Extensions

In some cases, visitors may wish to extend their stay in Australia beyond the initial visa’s expiry date. Extension options vary depending on the type of visitor visa held and the applicant’s eligibility. It’s important to apply for an extension before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying and potential visa cancellation.

Visitor Visa Conditions

Visitor visas come with specific conditions that must be adhered to during the stay in Australia. These conditions may include:

    • No working or studying, except for certain limited business activities.
    • Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage.
    • Departing Australia before the visa expiry date.
    • Not engaging in any criminal activities while in Australia.

Apply for a Visitor Visa

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Step 1

Once you reach out to Absolute Immigration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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Step 2

From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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Step 3

Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Take the first step and schedule a call

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Call us

You can get in touch with the team on our support lines: 1300 227 658 or +61 (03) 9827 3721. Alternatively, you can book a free 10 minute consultation through our Acuity Portal.

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Email us

You can get in touch with the team through our support email: aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You and your family members can study in designated areas of regional Australia on the 491 skilled worker visa for up to five years. 

No. The 491 visa is provisional, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years. You can also apply for permanent residency three years after receiving your visa. 

The processing time for each application varies. The length of time to receive your visa will depend on individual circumstances. According to the Australian Government, these are the average processing times for the 491 visa: 

    • 25% of applications: 5 Months
    • 50% of applications: 12 Months
    • 75% of applications: 15 Months
    • 90% of applications: 20 Months

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