If you want to come to Australia to visit your family or to attend business meetings or for tourism you will require a Visitor Visa. This Visa is for a short and temporary period. Details of the visa vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
Details to remember regarding visit visa:
Subclasses: 600
Streams:
Tourist:
For individuals visiting for tourism or family visits.
Sponsored Family:
Family members sponsor their loved ones so they can come to Australia to visit them.
Business Visitor:
Business meetings such as conferences, business visits.
eVisitor (Subclass 651):
By e it means an online visa. It is a short visit visa for eligible passport holders outside Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
Tourist Visa:
Intended for tourism or family visits. Genuine intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity to support the visit.
Business Visitor Visa:
Business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. No work should be undertaken other than business visitor activities.
Sponsored Family Visa:
Sponsored by an eligible family member in Australia. Genuine intention to stay temporarily.
eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa:
This option is not for everyone it is only given to passport holders of certain countries. Intended for short visits, including tourism or business purposes.
Application Process:
Online Application:
Applications are usually submitted online through the official website or through an immigration agent.
Required Documents:
1. Passport details.
2. Proof of financial capacity.
3. Travel itinerary and accommodation details.
4. Health insurance.
5. Any additional documents depending on the stream.
Duration and Conditions:
The duration can vary depending on the stream:
• Tourist Stream: Generally up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
• Business Visitor Stream: Usually up to 3 months.
• Sponsored Family Stream: As determined by the sponsor but usually up to 12 months.
• eVisitor (Subclass 651): Typically allows for short visits over a 12-month period. Health and Character Requirements:
Health Examination:
A health examination may be required depending on the individual circumstances and intended duration of stay. The department might say you need to get a health check done. This includes different tests, such as blood tests and chest x-raysThe check has to be done by a doctor approved by the department. They will let you know about this requirement through ImmiAccount or other official communication channels. They will also tell you how much time you have to get the check done.
Character Assessment:
A character assessment is done to ensure the visitor does not pose any risks to the Australian community. When individuals apply for a visa, criminal history and any relevant information about their character must be provided, as it is crucial to have a clean record to achieve a visa.
This includes offenses committed in any country, regardless of whether there were convictions. Applicants might need to provide character references from credible individuals who can offer reliable information about their good character. These references should ideally come from reputable sources and may need to include specific details about the applicant’s behavior and dependability.
No Work Conditions:
Generally, work is not allowed, except for limited business visitor activities. The Department of Home Affairs has set limitations that clearly state that individuals with these visas cannot work while in Australia. This applies to both paid and unpaid jobs.
These limitations are often associated with visitor visas, especially those in the tourist stream. The “no work conditions” highlight the temporary and non-employment nature of the visit. It is crucial for visa holders to strictly follow these conditions of’ requirements and regulations. Breaking of rules will create issues and may affect the visa holders chances of gaining a visa in the future.
Biometrics:
Fingerprints and a photograph, is also a requirement for some applicants.
Application Charges:
The visa charges are different for every category, lets see some examples.
Tourist Stream:
For a short stay (up to 3 months) is generally less expensive compared to a longer stay (6 or 12 months). The application fee varies from around AUD 145 to AUD 1,065.
Business Visitor Stream:
The fees ranging from approximately AUD 145 to AUD 1,065.
Sponsored Family Stream:
The cost ranges from approximately AUD 145 to AUD 1,065.
eVisitor (Subclass 651):
The eVisitor visa is usually provided at no cost for citizens of eligible countries.
Processing Time:
Processing times can vary, and it is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel dates. Different categories of visas and streams may have different processing times. For example, the processing time for a tourist visa is different from that of a sponsored family visa.
Extending the Stay:
In some cases, it may be possible to extend the stay, but this must be applied for before the current visa expires.
Conclusion:
The Australia Visitor Visa offers a flexible and easy way for individuals to explore the country, conduct business activities, or visit family and friends. It provides the most up-to-date and accurate information.
