How to Apply for a Visa to Australia
Australia welcomes millions of visitors each year for tourism, study, work, and migration. Its visa system is fully electronic and managed by the Department of Home Affairs. The visa you need depends on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay.
This guide explains the main visa types, who needs one, and how to apply step by step.
1. Do You Need a Visa?
- Everyone except Australian and New Zealand citizens needs a visa (or travel authority) to enter Australia.
- Visa-free entry: Only New Zealand citizens can normally enter and get a Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) & eVisitor: Passport holders from many countries (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Japan, Singapore) can apply online for short visits.
- Visitor visa (subclass 600): For countries not eligible for ETA/eVisitor, or for longer visits.
✅ Check your visa options here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
2. Main Visa Types for Travellers
| Visa | Purpose | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) | Tourism or business for eligible passports | Up to 3 months per visit, multiple entry for 12 months |
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | Tourism/business for EU/EEA passport holders | Up to 3 months per visit, 12 months validity |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) | Tourism, visiting family/friends, business | 3, 6, or 12 months (single or multiple entry) |
| Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462) | Work & travel for young adults (18–30/35) | Up to 12 months, renewable if eligible |
| Student Visa (subclass 500) | Full-time study | Duration of course + extra months |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS, subclass 482) | Sponsored skilled work | 2–4 years |
| Permanent Residence & Skilled Migration | Live/work permanently | Indefinite (points-based or employer-sponsored) |
3. Applying for Short-Stay Visitor Visas (ETA, eVisitor, Subclass 600)
Step 1 — Determine Which Visa Fits
- ETA (601): For US, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, etc. (apply via AustralianETA app).
- eVisitor (651): For EU/EEA passport holders (apply free on Home Affairs website).
- Visitor (600): For other passports or longer stays (apply online, fee required).
Step 2 — Gather Required Documents
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity recommended)
- Completed online application form
- Recent passport-style photo (if requested)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
- Return/onward flight booking (sometimes requested)
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)
- Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
Step 3 — Apply Online
- All visas are applied through the ImmiAccount portal: https://online.immi.gov.au
- ETA applications use the AustralianETA app (iOS/Android).
Step 4 — Pay the Visa Fee
- ETA: AUD $20 service charge
- eVisitor: Free
- Visitor visa (600): From AUD $190 (longer stays cost more)
Step 5 — Wait for Processing
- ETA/eVisitor: usually minutes to a few days
- Visitor visa (600): 3 days – 4 weeks (depends on country & complexity)
💡 Submit early if travelling during busy seasons.
Step 6 — Receive Visa Grant Notice
- No sticker is placed in your passport — your visa is linked electronically.
- Print or save the grant letter to show airlines or immigration if requested.
4. Applying for Long-Term Visas (Study, Work, Residence)
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian school/university.
- Proof of funds (living costs ~AUD $29,710/year plus tuition), English test, and OSHC health insurance required.
Work Visas (e.g., TSS 482)
- Employer sponsorship required.
- Skills and English language requirements apply.
- Health and character checks are mandatory.
Skilled Migration (PR)
- Points-based system (age, education, work experience, English).
- Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Once invited, apply for permanent residence online.
5. Fees (2025)
| Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| ETA (601) | AUD $20 service charge |
| eVisitor (651) | Free |
| Visitor (600) | From AUD $190 |
| Student (500) | From AUD $710 |
| TSS 482 | AUD $1,455–$3,035 (stream dependent) |
| Skilled PR | AUD $4,640 main applicant (approx.) |
Fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused.
6. Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply early: Especially for Visitor (600), Student, and Work visas.
- Use official sites: Only apply via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or the ETA app.
- Proof of ties: Show you’ll return (job, property, family) to avoid visitor visa refusal.
- Meet health & character checks: Some visas require medical exams and police certificates.
- Check passport validity: Must be valid for your entire stay.
- Digital visa: Keep a copy of your visa grant email — airlines may ask at check-in.
Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
Health insurance (mandatory for students; recommended for visitors)
Valid passport (6+ months recommended)
ImmiAccount or ETA app set up
Visa approval/grant letter saved
Funds & proof of onward travel if asked at border