What Is an Australian Visa?
An Australian Visa is a permit that allows you to travel to Australia for a predetermined period of time. Unlike most other countries, Australia does not issue visa stamps or labels on your passport. Instead, your visa privileges are recorded electronically on an online database and when you travel to Australia, the immigration officer will check the database to learn whether you have a visa.
Australian Visa Types
Australian visas are divided into the following categories:
- Visitor visas. This category is for short-term travellers who do not intend to settle in Australia and includes the following visas and travel authorizations:
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) - Study and training visas. This category includes visas for international students, trainees, as well as parents or guardians of underage international students:
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Parent visas. This category of visas is issued to the parents of Australian citizens, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizens, and are divided into the following types: - Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and subclass 864)
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) – Temporary
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) - Family visas. This category of visas is issued to the minor or adult dependent relatives, or carers of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It is divided into:
Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
Aged Dependent Relative Visas (Subclass 114 and subclass 838)
Carer Visas (Subclass 836 and subclass 116)
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) – Temporary
Orphan Relative Visas (Subclass 117 and subclass 837)
Remaining Relative Visas (Subclass 115 and subclass 835) - Partner visas. This category of visas is issued to the spouses, de facto partners, or prospective spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, and is divided into:
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Partner Visa (Subclass 309) – Provisional
Partner Visa (Subclass 100) – Migrant
Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – Temporary
Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Permanent - Humanitarian visas. These types of visas are issued to refugees who fulfil Australia’s protection obligations and are divided into:
Refugee Visa (Subclasses 200, 201, 203, and 204)
Global Special Humanitarian (Subclass 202)
Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790) - Bridging visas. These types of visas allow the holder to stay in Australia while their immigration application is being processed. Depending on the circumstances, they are divided into:
Bridging visa A – BV (Subclass 010)
Bridging visa B – BVB (Subclass 020)
Bridging visa C – BVC (Subclass 030)
Bridging visa E – BVE (Subclass 050 and 051) - Work visas. These types of visas allow the holder to work in Australia legally. Depending on the type of work, they are divided into:
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191) – Skilled Regional
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Provisional
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Skilled Recognised-Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Provisional
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 403) – International Relations
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) – Short Stay Specialist
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) - Business and investment visas. This category of visas is issued to business owners who wish to operate an existing or new business or invest in Australia. Depending on the situation, they are divided into:
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888) – Permanent
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) – Provisional
Business Owner (Subclass 890)
Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132) – Permanent
Investor Visa (Subclass 891)
State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892)
State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893)
Work and holiday visas. These types of visas are issued to citizens of certain countries who have a work and holiday agreement with Australia: - Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
Transit visa (subclass 771). This visa allows the holder to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours.
Special Category Visa (subclass 444)
Resident Return Visas ( Subclass 155 and 157)
Declaratory Visa
How Long Is the Processing Time for an Australian Visa?
The processing time for an Australian visa depends on the visa type. Generally, most tourist stream visa applications are processed within a few weeks, to a maximum of 4 months – but it could also take only a few days if everything is in order.
As for long-term visa applications, it can take several months to more than a year, depending on the visa.
Can I Appeal a Visa Refusal?
If your Australian visa is rejected, then you can make an appeal to review the decision to the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Make sure you appeal as soon as possible after you receive your rejection letter, as it will not be considered if you wait too long. You usually have 7 to 28 days to make an appeal.
Your visa rejection letter will let you know whether you are even eligible for an appeal and if yes, how and when you can do so.
Do I Need Travel Health Insurance for Australia?
For long-term visas, you are always required to have proper Australian health insurance coverage. For visitor visas, on the other hand, it is not usually obligatory to get health insurance, but the Australian government strongly advises travelers to do so.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Valid Visa?
If you are visiting Australia as a tourist or for other short-term purposes, you can usually stay for up to three months at a time:
An eVisitor and ETA is valid for one year from the date of issue. During this year, you can enter the country multiple times as long as you don’t stay longer than three months each visit.
A Tourist Stream Visa is issued for up to three, six, or twelve months.
Work, study, and other long-term visas can be issued from a few months for up to five years, depending on your particular circumstances.
How Long Do You Have To Leave Australia Before Returning?
If you have an ETA or eVisitor, there are really no rules on how long you need to be outside Australia before you return. You must just take care to leave the country before your 3 months are up. Once you re-enter, you can stay for another three months, provided that you do not exceed your visa’s one-year validity.
Also remember that you are not allowed to work in Australia with an ETA, eVisitor, or a tourist visa and that you cannot pursue a study course that’s longer than three months.
Can I Extend an Australian Visa?
If you are already in Australia and you want to stay longer, you can apply for a new visa at least two weeks before your current one expires – as long as your visa does not have a “No Further Stay” notice. This means that you cannot extend or apply for a new visa if you have entered using a tourist visa (which has a “No Further Stay”), unless you have extraordinary circumstances.
Once you apply for a different type of visa, you will receive a Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay in Australia until the Immigration Authority makes a decision.
How Long Can You Stay After Your Visa Expires?
Unless you have applied for another type of visa, then you are not allowed to stay in Australia after the expiry of your visa. If you overstay, even by just a few days, then it will go on your immigration record and it could affect your future visa applications.
If you overstay your visa for longer than 28 days, you could be subject to an interview by immigration authorities on your way out, and you may even get a three-year travel ban.
Naturally, there are exceptions if you have a valid reason for having overstayed.
How Much Does an Australian Visa Cost?
The fees for an Australian visa depend on the visa type, method of application, and the duration of your stay:
- Visit visa (tourist stream): AUD 145
- eVisitor and ETA: Free of charge, except for a AUD 20 service fee
- Student visa: AUD 620
- Training visa: AUD 310
- Work visa: AUD 310 to AUD 4,045 depending on the visa
How Do I Find Out About The Progress of My Application?
If you apply online, you can track your application status through the ImmiAccount. As the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application, they will update the process on your account, as follows:
- Incomplete – if you have not yet finished your visa application.
- Ready to submit – if you have completed the application, but have not submitted yet.
- Submitted – the application is submitted.
- Received – the DHA has received your application.
- Initial assessment – the DHA is assessing your application.
- Further assessment – if the DHA requested you to submit additional information.
- Finalised – a decision has been made and you will soon be notified by email or post.
How Can I Pay For My Visa?
When you apply online, you pay your visa fee through your credit or debit card (such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club or JCB). If you apply at an Embassy or Consulate, the office will notify you how to pay the fee.
Do Pakistani citizens need an Australian Visitor Visa?
If you’re a Pakistani citizen planning a trip to Australia, you’ll need to obtain an Australian visitor visa.
With an Australian Visitor Visa, Pakistani travelers can:
Enjoy multiple entries into Australia, which means they can come and go from the country during the validity of their visa.
Explore and experience the diverse attractions of Australia, including its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities.
Take part in various tourist activities, such as sightseeing, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.
Travel for leisure, visit family and friends or engage in short-term business activities. It’s important to remember that this visa doesn’t allow you to engage in work-related activities while you’re in Australia.
Visa types available for Pakistani citizens?
Pakistani citizens can also apply for the following visas:
Business Visa: Pakistani citizens planning to travel to Australia for business-related activities can apply for an Australian business visa. It’s suitable for attending seminars, conferences, meeting business associates, or participating in a training program.
- Work Visa: If you’re seeking employment in Australia, you must apply for a temporary work visa under subclass 400.
- Working Holiday Visa: Pakistani citizens who want to spend their holidays in Australia while also working can apply for a working holiday visa. This visa allows a maximum stay of one year and permits multiple entries within its validity period.
For more information about your eligibility and how to apply for each of these visas we recommend you contact your local Australian Embassy.
Financial requirements for Pakistani citizens?
To fulfill the financial requirements for the Australia Visitor Visa, you must provide financial documents such as bank statements, tax returns, audited accounts, and credit card limits from the last three months. The closing balance must be at least AUD $5,000 per applicant.
If you have a sponsor for your visitor visa, they also need to meet certain financial requirements. They must provide proof of Australian assets, such as a house, car, or business, as well as a bank statement from the last three months with a closing balance of at least AUD $5,000 for one applicant. Moreover, they should demonstrate either Australian income or overseas tax assessment.