If you’re planning to visit Australia for a holiday, visit family or friends, or engage in short-term business activities, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common visa to apply for. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for a tourist visa to Australia:
1. Types of Visitor Visas
- Tourist Stream (Subclass 600): For those visiting Australia for tourism, to see family and friends, or for other short-term purposes.
- Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600): For those visiting family in Australia who are sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600): For business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploratory business visits.
- Approved Destination Status Stream (Subclass 600): For citizens of certain countries visiting Australia in an organized tour group.
- Frequent Traveller Stream (Subclass 600): For citizens of the People’s Republic of China who frequently travel to Australia.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Genuine Visitor: You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business activities.
- Financial Capacity: You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- Health and Character Requirements: You may need to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate, depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay.
- Return Travel: You must have a return ticket or demonstrate that you have the means to leave Australia at the end of your stay.
3. Gather Required Documents
- Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa Application Form: Complete the online application through your ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of Purpose: This could include a travel itinerary, booking confirmations, invitation letters from family/friends, or a business itinerary.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, payslips, or any other evidence showing you have enough funds to support your stay.
- Health Insurance: While not mandatory for a tourist visa, it’s recommended to have travel insurance covering medical expenses.
- Additional Documents: If applying under the Sponsored Family Stream, you’ll need a completed sponsorship form from your sponsor.
4. Apply for the Visa
- Create an ImmiAccount: Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount to manage your visa application.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) application form online, providing all the necessary details and documents.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: The standard fee is AUD $150, though it may vary depending on your situation.
- Submit Biometrics: You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at an authorized collection center, depending on your nationality.
5. Wait for Processing
- Processing Time: Processing times can vary, but it generally takes between 18 to 37 days for the Tourist Stream and 5 to 10 days for the Business Visitor Stream.
- Additional Information: You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
6. Receive Your Visa Decision
- If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant notice with your visa details, including your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any visa conditions.
- If your visa is refused, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for refusal and whether you have the right to review the decision.
7. Travel to Australia
- Visa Conditions: Ensure you comply with all the conditions of your visa, such as not working (unless allowed under a specific stream), not engaging in study longer than 3 months, and leaving Australia before your visa expires.
- Arrival: When you arrive in Australia, your visa will be electronically linked to your passport. You may need to show evidence of your travel plans and financial capacity to border officials.
8. During Your Stay
- Length of Stay: Typically, the visa allows for a stay of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the conditions of your visa.
- Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay in Australia, you may need to apply for a different visa or request an extension before your current visa expires.
Important Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to account for processing times.
- Accurate Information: Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and truthful to avoid visa refusal or delays.
- Keep Copies: Retain copies of your visa grant notice and all documents submitted as part of your application.