VISA PROCESS

The visa application process for Australia can be difficult to navigate through. In addition to several types of visas, there are also different application options available depending on your situation and nationality.

How to Apply for an Australia Visa?

You can apply for an Australian visa by creating ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website

• Online application

Since 2015 Australia stopped issuing visa labels for passports, so now all visa records are available in the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) service. Nowadays, the online application is more feasible for storing all of your data and the reviewing process is easier.

However, some countries (or visa types) may not be eligible for the online application and in those cases, a paper application through an embassy has to be submitted.

For each type of application, there are specific guidelines you have to follow when you want to apply for a visa.

Australia Visa Online Application Steps

Here are the steps that you need to take to apply online for an Australia visa:

1. create an online account
2. select the visa type
3. fill in the Australian visa form
4. attach the required documents
5. pay the application fee
6. submit the application.

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). You can open the account free of charge – all you have to do is put in your personal information, set up a password, and confirm your account via email.

The online service helps you manage your application, attach your documents and follow the reviewing process for your visa.

There is also an option to open an organisational account if the applicant is:

• A migration agent (registered).
• From an organisation.
• From a sponsoring company.

Select the Visa Type

There are several Australian visa types you can choose from. These will mostly vary on the reason for your visit, you can apply for a tourist visa, a student visa, a work visa, etc.

Fill in the Australian Visa Form

For each type of visa, there is a different application form. Once you select the visa type you can continue with filling in the form. In the form you have to put down your personal information (name, birthdate, marriage status, etc.), the reason why you want to go to Australia, how long you plan on staying, and so on.

If you are applying with family members/friends every individual needs to have their own separate application form.

Attach the Required Documents

For the online application, this is how you attach documents:

1. Select the option “attach a document”
2. Select who you are attaching the document for.
3. Select the reason why you are attaching this document.
4. Select the type of document.
5. Name the file.
6. Select attach.

There is a separate section for attaching pictures, all you have to do is initially select the option “attach a passport photo” when you want to upload photos.
>>Australia Visa Photo Requirements.

The required documents for an Australian visa are different according to your visa type, but, the general requirements include passport, identity pictures, travel insurance, financial statements, etc. Make sure your documents are scanned coloured copies.

Pay the Application Fee

The visa fees for Australia change depending on the visa. However, you have to pay the application fee before you submit your application, otherwise, your application won’t be processed.

The online application allows you to pay the fee through various means. You can pay either with a credit card, debit card, or Paypal.

Submit the Application

Once you complete these steps you can go ahead and submit your application. The ImmiAccount allows you to go back and contact the Australian authorities if something has changed. For example, if your address has changed you can let the Department of Foreign Affairs know through the account.

You can track the visa application process through the account, and while the processing time varies, as each application is different, if there are no issues you may receive a visa as soon as within a few days’ time.

Question and Answers.

How Do I Know If I Received a Visa for Australia?

The Australian authorities will notify you in writing (email or post) whether you’ve received a visa. If you apply online, you can check the status of your visa application, when it says “finalised” then you know your application has finished being processed and you will receive an answer soon.

For paper applications, you will also receive the answer either by email or post. If by any chance the Australian Immigration office can’t reach you, then they will notify a near embassy/consulate.

What If My Australia Visa Application is Rejected?

In case your visa application is denied then you have 28 days to argue why your visa rejection should be revoked. The time limit for refusal will depend on what type of visa you applied for, you should find all the information on how to appeal in your rejection letter. Depending on the circumstances on why your visa was denied, you may be barred from receiving another visa for Australia.

Should I Buy my Plane Ticket Before Submitting an Application?

No, you shouldn’t purchase your flight ticket or make any other financial obligations before your visa is processed. The Australian Immigration Office is not responsible for any purchases you may have made in case your visa is rejected or is issued later than expected. However, you can offer dummy plane tickets if requested as proof of round-trip reservations.