Are you thinking about visiting Australia? Then you probably heard a rumor or two about Australia’s magnificent landscapes, unique wildlife, and outdoor activities. You may have imagined yourself tanning on Australia’s golden beaches while listening to the rush of clear-blue waves… Perhaps, you are keen to explore exciting water-sport activities, hiking routes, colorful festivals, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Being separated from the rest of the world for many years has helped Australia store its nature, while Australia’s approach to the environment also kept the air and water extremely clean. In fact, according to the OECD Better Life Index Australia is one of the top counties in the world in terms of quality of life.
Australian Visitor Visas are an exciting opportunity to venture in the Land Down Under. The application process is also quick and easy. Keep scrolling to discover which of these Australian visas is right for you and how you can start your Australian visa application.
Most Popular Travel Visas for Australia
Tourism is one of the most profitable fields in the world, so, naturally, visitor visas are easily accessible. This is the case with Australian tourist visas as well.
You will also find several other types of temporary visas such as the Working Holiday Visas and Student Visas. Using these visas, you can travel anywhere in Australia, work, and even become a permanent resident through additional procedures.
These are the 3 available options for travelling to Australia:
- Working Holiday Visas
If you wish to work while travelling to Australia, the Working Holiday Visas are perfect for you. These types of visas are ideal for individuals who want to ‘work-on-the-go.’ They are aimed at individuals who are 18 to 30 years old – perfect for young adults who want to venture to Australia while earning money.
- Student Visas
Aside from visas for visiting Australia, you have visas for studying in Australia. With Australian Student Visas can travel anywhere in Australia, but you will also enjoy world-class education, student clubs, and an intimate cultural experience. You may be able to get internationally recognized degrees when studying in Australia, which can open doors to future careers around the world.
- Visitor Visas
You can get the Australian Visitor Visas – Subclass 600 if you want to travel to Australia as a regular tourist. You will be required to obtain a Visitor Visa or ETA visa Australia, depending on your citizenship.
Time to discover how you can explore the crooks and crannies of the country; visit the well-known places, meet with friends and family, and look for the job that is best suited for you.
Australian Tourist Visa Streams and Requirements
Below are the Australian Tourist Visa options, eligibility requirements and guidelines to start your visa application:
Tourist Stream (Applications from Outside of Australia)
This Australian visa application for offshore applicants allows you to stay up to 12 months. To prolong your stay, you must have parents who are Australian citizens or permanent residents of the country.
If you are outside Australia and want to opt for this tourist stream, you must meet several requirements. For example:
- You must have health insurance
- You must have sustainable fund
- You meet the standards for health and character requirement
- You must have genuine intent to visit Australia for the visit duration granted
Keep in mind that going on a round-trip cruise counts as staying in Australia. For example, if you go on a 1 month cruise, it will be counted as time travelling in Australia.
Tourist Stream (Applications From Inside of Australia)
This Australian visa application for onshore applicants allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. This tourist stream grants you access to visit your friends and family, as well as travel.
If you are in Australia and want to opt for this tourist stream, you must meet several requirements. For example:
- You must have health insurance
- You must have sustainable fund
- You must meet the standards for health and character requirements
- You must have genuine intent to visit Australia for the visit duration granted
Once more, keep in mind that similarly to the offshore tourist stream, going on a round-trip cruise counts as staying in Australia.
Sponsored Family Stream
If your family wishes to sponsor your visit to Australia, or, you want to support your family’s visit to Australia, you can opt for the Sponsored Family Stream. Under certain circumstances, you may be required to fund your family’s visit to Australia (as the sponsor).
To be eligible for this stream, you must meet several requirements. For example:
- You must have a sponsor, either a family member or a government official of Australia
- You must have sustainable fund
- You must meet the requirements for character and health
- You must respect the length of time allotted for your travel in Australia
Valid for 3 months, visitors availing of this can train or study. However, a student visa might be more suitable for those who wish to study in the country.
BUSINESS VISITOR STREAM
The main difference between this Australian visa and the regular visitor visas is that you are permitted to engage in business-related activities.
With the Business Visitor Stream, you are allowed to make business inquiries with your business contacts, but you are not allowed to work or sell goods and services to the public. Additionally, you may also participate in conferences, seminars, trade fairs, and activities concerning the government.
To become eligible for this stream, you must meet several requirements. For example:
- Show genuine intent to enter and leave Australia at the allotted time given to you
- You must complete the health and character requirements
- You must have feasible funds
For short-period work in Australia, opt for a temporary work visa.
APPROVED DESTINATION STATUS STREAM
If you are a citizen of a specific area in the Republic of China and wish to travel to Australia, the Approved Destination Status Stream is for you. Specifically, applicants must have an organized tour approved by a travel agent.
To become eligible for this stream, you should complete the requirements below:
- You must have a genuine intent to visit Australia for the duration the visa grants you.
- You must complete the health and character requirements
The Approved Destination Status is only available until the date specified in the grant letter, and it is the basis for the length of your tour.
Frequent Traveler Stream
This stream is specifically for the Republic of China citizens who are frequent travelers to Australia for business or personal interactions. You may opt to stay in Australia for 3 months each time, and it is valid for up to 10 years.
To become eligible for this stream, you should complete the requirements below:
- You must have a genuine intent to visit Australia for the duration the visa grants you.
- You must meet the requirements for the character, personality, and health.
- You must have sustainable funds.
Make sure to check how long this Australian tourist visa is granted to you after receiving the grant letter.
Have questions? Speak with an Accredited Consultant
UIS Australia is a leading consultancy for Australia immigration and visa matters. With a dedicated team of certified consultants, we would be happy to support you on your journey to Australia. Consult with our team today about possible immigration routes for you and your family.
FAQs:
Depending on the purpose of your visit and the agreement between your country and Australia, you might need an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a Subclass 600 Visa or other.
Typically, it can take anywhere between 2 days to a month to obtain an Australian tourist visa. The processing time starts from the time you provide the necessary documents and not from when you submit your visa application. If you will be required to pass medical or police checks the processing time can take longer.
There are three steps to apply for a tourist visa: the registration process, preparing your profile, and lastly, submission of your visa application.
The Electronic Travel Authorization simplifies issuing a visa since no mark, sticker, or stamp is placed on the passport before travel. This application is processed on the internet. Electronic visas (e-Visas) are a prerequisite for entries carried out electronically, processed on a device and connected to the passport number utilized for the application.
Keep in mind that you must be a passport holder of an eligible country to apply for an ETA.
The eVisitor online visa is for short-term stops in Australia for tourism or business purposes. If you are plannning to travel to Australia for short-term visits, you will be required to undergo an Australian visa application to obtain an eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651).
The eVisitor requires qualifying foreign nationals to study or train in Australia for up to 3 months. The required Australia eVisitor visa documents are a passport (validity of 6 months) and an email address. The approved eVisitor travel authorization will be immediately connected to your passport. You will then be required to arrive in Australia with the same passport used at the time of your request.