how do i apply for a visa to visit australia

Australia Visa Online Application Steps

• Create an Online Account The first thing you need to do if you want to apply for an Australian visa is open an individual online account at the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs (ImmiAccount). ...
• Select the Visa Type ...
• Fill in the Australian Visa Form ...
• Attach the Required Documents ...
• Pay the Application Fee ...
• Submit the Application ...

Full Answer

Does an American need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes, an American citizen needs a valid visa to visit Australia. However, if you want to stay only for a maximum of 3 months, you can also apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). An ETA will be linked to your passport and allow you hassle-free travel to Australia, without the need for a visa. Here’s what you need for an ETA 1.

How do I get a tourist visa to Australia?

You will have to collect documents for an Australian Tourist Visa such as:

• Proof that your reason to visit Australia is genuine.
• Evidence that you have funds for the duration of your intended stay.
• Documents that will prove that you will leave once your visit to Australia is over.

How do I apply for an Australian visa?

When you apply for a visa for Australia, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Passport.
• Australian Visa Form.
• Paid Visa Fee.
• One Identity Picture.
• National Identity Card.
• Police Certificate.
• Family Certificates
• Evidence of Financial Means.
• Health Insurance.
• Authorised Recipient Form.

More items...

How to get a working holiday visa for Australia?

Working Holiday Visa – Requirements (417 & 462)

• Eligible countries. Depending on your nationality you might be eligible for a 417 (Working Holiday Visa) or 462 (Work and Holiday Visa).
• Sufficient funds. To obtain or renew a working holiday visa you must pay the sum of $495. ...
• Previous visas
• Health conditions. Australia has fairly strict health standards. ...
• Legal conditions. ...

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How long is a tourist visa valid in Australia?

This visa may be valid for between three months and 12 months, and you can request it for single entry or multiple entries. You can enter and leave as often as you want as long as the Tourist Stream is valid, but you may not stay more than 12 months during 18 months. This visa is also typically more expensive than an ETA and takes longer to process. Also, immigration office can request more documents from the applicant, for example a scanned copy of passport ID page or bank statement. In general, whenever possible we recommend applying for a Tourist ETA, for a faster – 100% online – visa release process.

How to get an Australian tourist visa?

In order to obtain your Australian Tourist Visa, you will need to pay an application charge when applying for your visa – plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can therefore vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. Both paper applications and e-visas such as ETA tourist visa costs must be paid online, and forms of payment accepted are credit cards and PayPal.

How long is an ETA good for?

The Australian ETA is good for 90 days at a time, also allowing multiple-entries. This means that within one year sinve when the ETA Tourist visa has been issued you can enter, leav and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish – as long as each entry lasts a maximum of 90 days.

How long does it take to get a visa for Australia?

In general, the Australian tourist visa processing time for a Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) can take from 48 hours to more than a month. A Tourist ETA though – which is the most common type of tourist visa – has a much lower estimated waiting time, as it is much faster to process.

What is an ETA visa?

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most commonly used Australian Tourist Visa. The process can be completed online and requires no extra application forms, no visa labels and no passport stamps.

How long is an Australian visa valid?

A standard Australian tourist visa ( Electronic Travel Authorization) authorizes visits of up to three months at a time and is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. Unlike traditional visas, there are no paper applications to complete, and you will have no visa labels or stamps in your passport.

What documents are required for a visa?

For other visa types, you may be asked for other identification, including the biographical pages of your passport, travel documents and the IDs of your fellow travelers. Other required documents may be requested if authorities are not satisfied as to your identity.

How to contact Global Service Centre?

Please contact the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196 when you decide to travel to Australia but do not finalise your travel plans until you have received confirmation that your entry to Australia can be facilitated.

How long does it take to get an ETA notification?

You may need to wait up to 12 hours after applying to receive your notification. You can also confirm if your application has been approved by checking your visa status through the AustralianETA app (if you applied through the app) or by using the Check an ETA function.

How to check visa details?

You can check visa details and conditions through Visa Entitlement Verification Online system ( VEVO ).

How to know if you have an ETA?

After you have applied for an ETA, you should wait for a written notification which will be sent to you by email. In most cases, you will be notified of the result of your ETA application immediately. Sometimes there will be a delay before receiving your notification.

How to lodge a visa online?

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount. This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

What to do if your Australian visa has not been finalised?

If your Australian visa has not been finalised and you would like to withdraw your application you will need to advise us of this in writing. You can complete the form 1446 and attach it to your ImmiAccount .

What is the Global Talent program?

The program, offering up to 5,000 places (in 2019/20), provides a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly skilled and talented individuals to work and live permanently in Australia. The program is designed to attract skilled migrants at the top future-focused fields to Australia.

How long can an evisitor stay in Australia?

During this period, the holder may enter the country multiple times. The maximum length of each stay is 90 days. The eVisitor may be used to visit Australia for tourism or business. Holders may also study or undertake training in the country for no longer than 3 months.

How long does it take to get an ETA in Australia?

Applications for the Australia ETA are generally processed quickly. Some applicants may receive their approved ETA within 24 hours of submitting their application. Processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications, but it rarely takes longer than a few days.

Which countries are eligible for an evisitor visa?

Citizens of all 27 EU countries are eligible for the Australia eVisitor visa. In addition, visitors from the other countries in the Schengen Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), European microstates (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City), and the United Kingdom are also eligible for the Australian eVisitor.

What is the nationality of a visitor's passport?

The nationality of the visitor’s passport is the criteria which decides the type of Australia visa or electronic travel authorization that is needed to travel to the country.

How to get an ETA in Australia?

It can be obtained by completing an online application form.

How long is a passport valid in Australia?

The applicant must have a passport that will be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of their arrival in Australia.

Is an evisitor visa valid in Australia?

The Australia eVisitor visa is required by travelers from a number of European countries, including European Union (EU) member states. It is also valid for short stays as both a tourist visa and a business visa.

What happens if you are denied entry to Australia?

If you are denied entry into Australia, you will be held at the airport until arrangements can be made to return you to the United States or another country where you hold a valid visa to reside. You are not under arrest – you are simply not eligible to enter Australia on this visit.

Where to contact for APACS clearance?

APACS clearances are processed based on date of travel, not date of application. To follow up on an APACS clearance, contact the DAO at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra.

What to expect in a detention center?

Conditions in the detention center are comfortable and you will be given food and water, and access to a telephone and medical treatment if necessary. Stay calm. Do not attempt to dispute the official’s decision – once you have been found inadmissible, you will not be permitted to enter.

Is the Department of State responsible for the quality of services provided?

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

Can you travel to Australia if you are refused entry?

As a result not everyone who arrives in Australia is permitted to enter. When travelers are refused entry, the Australian authorities usually order them returned to the airport from which they last departed, or return them to the United States.

What are the requirements to enter Australia?

Everyone who wants to enter Australia must be of good character and will be assessed against the character requirements. Applicants must declare all recorded offences to us. If you do not declare an offence and we become aware of this it might have a negative impact on your application.

Where can I get my identity history summary check?

US citizens and permanent residents can apply directly to the FBI or to one of four department approved channelers listed below to obtain an Identity History Summary Check.

Does Australia have biometrics?

The Australian Government has incorporated the collection of biometrics into the visa application process outside Australia.

Can panel physicians perform medical examinations on visa applicants outside Australia?

See the department's list of office locations to find information on panel physicians in your location that have been approved to perform medical examinations on visa applicants outside Australia.

Is Australia a good country for health?

Australia enjoys some of the best health standards in the world. To maintain these standards, most visa applicants are required to meet certain minimum health standards in order to be granted a visa. We refer to this as meeting 'the health requirement'. For information on meeting the health requirement visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

How long is an ETA valid in Australia?

An ETA is usually valid for twelve (12) months and permits a stay of three (3) months from the date of each entry.

How long is an Australian visa valid?

Australian travel authorities are usually valid for 12 months (unless your passport expires sooner), and will allow you to stay in Australia for up to three months per visit. If you do not qualify for an ETA or EVV, you may be eligible for a Visitor Visa. Australian Government Issued ETA. 24h Online Application.

Is copying and unauthorized reproduction illegal?

Unauthorized reproduction and copying is strictly prohibited. Offenders will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of law.

How to work out what your visa cost?

To work out what your visa will cost use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not take into account the other costs. Apply outside Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be outside Australia when you apply and when we decide your application. See other eligibility requirements.

Why is Australia a strict border state?

Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the community. We are prioritising visa applications for travellers who are exempt from our travel restrictions .​

What is a tourist stream?

Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) This visa stream lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to go on a cruise or to see family and friends. Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the community.

What happens if you leave Australia and have a single entry visa?

If you have single entry and you leave Australia, you have to apply for another visa to return.

How long is an Australian visa valid?

If you are the parent or step-parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and you meet all the visa criteria, we may grant you a visa that is valid for more than 12 months.

What happens if you owe the Australian government money?

If you owe the Australian government money, you must have paid it back, or have arranged to pay it back.

Do you have to comply with Australian laws?

You must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

How long does it take to get an ETA number?

If you are using the online ETA system, you will receive a reference number as soon as you submit your application. It typically takes around 30 seconds for your application to be approved after you complete the submission process and enter your credit card information. The longest it will take to process your application if you're using the ETA system is 12 hours.

How to get a visa for Australia?

If you hold a passport from another country, you can get a visa application through a travel agent, airline, or Australian visa office. Complete your visa application. If you are applying online, you must have your passport, email address, and a credit card to complete the application.

How long do you have to stay in Australia to visit?

If you're planning on conducting business in Australia, but will be in the country less than three months, you may need a short validity business visa. If you get a visitor visa, you may visit Australia as many times as you want during a 12 month period from the date your visa is granted.

What is the Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupations?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations collects and analyzes statistics to classify workers and occupations. Australia uses the ANZSCO system as the standard by which your skills will be assessed if you are applying for a visa that requires a skills assessment.

How much does it cost to get a working visa in Australia?

Fees for working visa applications can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the type of work you want to do in Australia, and how long you intend to stay.

How long does a temporary visa last in Australia?

Decide if you want a temporary or permanent visa. Temporary visas last anywhere from one day up to four years and allow you to work for an Australian employer, while permanent visas have no time limitation.

What degree is eligible for streamlined processing?

Find out if you are eligible for streamlined processing. If you have a confirmation of enrollment in a degree program such as a bachelor's or master's degree , you may be eligible for streamlined processing.

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Visa Types

Visa Applications, Fees and Processing Times

• Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount. This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster. If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application: 1. Visa fees 2. Processing times 3. Visa requirements(health, c...

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