Australia Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

Are you finding some tips for applying Australia visa? About these visa fees? This article is right for you! We will provide the ultimate guide for registrations, visa requirements, processing time, and other tips. Let’s get started!

Who needs a visa to enter Australia?

🇳🇿 New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country.

All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving the country. You can apply for a variety of Australian visas, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, through the ETA application or on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Australia visa type

Visitor visa

This visa allow short-term entry into Australia for purposes like tourism, visiting family, or business meetings.

• Tourist visa (subclass 600): For people who want to holiday, sightsee, or visit relatives in Australia. Valid for stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
• Sponsored family visitor visa (subclass 679): For family members sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
• Business visitor visa (subclass 600): For businesspeople seeking to attend conferences, negotiate contracts, or take part in a trade fair in Australia. Valid for stays up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
• Medical treatment visa (subclass 602): For people traveling to Australia for medical treatment. Valid for a stay as advised by your doctor or the hospital.
• eVisitor visa (subclass 651): A free online visa for eligible European passport holders coming to Australia as tourists or for business purposes. Stays of up to 3 months.
• Electronic Travel Authority – eTA (subclass 601): A quick online visa for eligible passport holders visiting Australia for tourism, business, or medical treatment. Valid for 12 months and multiple entries, with each stay less than 3 months.

Work visas

If you want to work in Australia, you need to apply for a suitable work visa before you travel.

Skilled work visa

For qualified people who have skills in demand in Australia. Subclass 189, 190, and 491 lead to permanent residency. Others are temporary.

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
• Skilled Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476)

Temporary work visa

For workers needed to fill temporary shortages:

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• Temporary Work Short visa (subclass 400)

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

For young people 18-30 years old from partner countries to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year.

Study visa

International students need a student visa to study full-time in Australia. Some options:

• Student visa (subclass 500): For school and university students. Allows you to stay as long as your course duration.
• Training visa (subclass 407): For non-academic vocational courses like cooking, carpentry or hairdressing. Valid for your course length plus up to 2 months.
• Student guardian visa (subclass 590): For parents or relatives acting as guardians of students under 18 years old. Valid as long as the student’s visa or course duration.

Family and partner visa

For family members wishing to join their relatives living in Australia as citizens or permanent residents.

• Partner visa (subclass 100, 801, 820, 309)
• Child visa (subclass 101, 802, 445)
• Parent visa (subclass 103, 804, 864, 173)
• Carer visa (subclass 116, 836)
• Aged Parent visa (subclass 804, 884)

Business and investment visa

For business owners and investors who want to establish, buy, or invest in an enterprise in Australia.

• Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
• Business Talent visa (subclass 132)
• Business Owner visa (subclass 890)
• Investor visa (subclass 188)

Australia visa requirements

The main requirements for an Australian visa are:

• Valid passport: You need a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months. Some visas may require an extension of passport validity  after your arrival in Australia.  
• Application form: Each visa has its own application form, which you must fill out completely and correctly. Forms are available online.
• Supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents such as birth certificates, bank statements, police checks, health checks, and evidence of skills and work experience. 
• Health and character checks: Most visas require good health and character to enter Australia. You may need medical examinations and a police clearance certificate.
• Proof of funds: For visitor and student visas, you must provide evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Australia. This can be done through bank statements, payment receipts, tax documents, and sponsorship letters.
• English proficiency: Some visas require you to prove your English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or PTE Academic. The minimum score depends on the visa.
• Collection of biometric data: Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints) as part of the visa process.
• Visa fees: Each visa has its own application fees, which must be paid when applying. Fees range from zero (for eVisitor) to several thousand dollars. 
• Sufficient ties to the home country: For temporary visas, you must convince officials that you will return to your home country after your approved stay by providing proof of family, study, work, or other commitments in your home country.

How to apply for Australia visa? 

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an Australia visa application:

Step#1. Determine your eligibility

Check if you meet the requirements related to:

• Nationality
• Age
• English ability
• Skills and qualifications
• Health
• Character
• Financial capacity
• Purpose of visit
• Duration of stay

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you risk visa rejection.

Step#2. Choose the correct visa type

Pick the exact visa subclass that suits your specific situation:

• Tourist visa: For holidays, sightseeing, visiting family
• Work visa: For skilled and temporary employment
• Study visa: For full-time education in Australia
• Family visa: For joining family members living in Australia
• Business visa: To start or invest in an Australian enterprise

Make sure your planned activities match the visa purpose. 

Step#3. Gather required documents

Prepare all paperwork needed for the visa:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Educational certificates
• Work experience letters
• Financial documents
• Health and police checks
• English test results
• Marriage proof
• Business registration papers
• Sponsors details
• Photography and signatures

Step#4. Fill application form accurately

Provide complete details on the right visa application form:

• Personal particulars
• Contact information
• Passport details
• Travel plans
• Nature and duration of stay
• Financial capacity
• Accompanying relatives
• Health and character
• Past visa refusals if any

Incorrect or inconsistent data can negatively impact your application.

Step #5. Make the visa fee payment

Pay all applicable charges fully before submitting the visa application. Fees depend on

• Visa type and subclass
• Number of applicants
• Duration of stay requested
• Application method 

Step #6. Submit visa application

Once ready, lodge your complete visa application:

• Online – Through ImmiAccount if you can apply digitally
• Paper – At the Australian embassy/consulate in your country

Attach all supporting documents. Keep copies and proof of submission.

Step #7. Wait for visa processing

Post application, you have to wait patiently as authorities assess your visa. 

• Visa type (visitor versus permanent)
• High/low-risk country
• Peak seasons
• Completeness of documents

You will be notified by email or post once a decision is made.

Australia visa fees

Visa costs differ based on the visa category, applicants, and requested length of stay.

Visitor visa

• Tourist stream visa – AUD 140
• Family sponsored stream visa – AUD 145
• Business visitor visa – AUD 105

Additional applicant charges apply for family applications.

Student visa

• Student visa – AUD 620
• Student guardian visa – AUD 140

Work visa

• Working holiday visa – AUD 455
• Work and holiday visa – AUD 465
• Temporary work visa – AUD 1175
• Skilled work visa – AUD 3670 – AUD 4045

Higher charges apply for family inclusion and longer duration.

Family visa

• Partner visa – AUD 7175
• Prospective marriage visa – AUD 3310
• Child visa – AUD 2685
• Parent visa – AUD 6865
• Carer visa – AUD 3670 – AUD 4115

Additional fees per dependent applicant may also apply.

Business and investment visa

• Business innovation & investment visa – AUD 3670
• Business talent visa – AUD 6865
• Business owner visa – AUD 6865
• Investor visa – AUD 6865

Business visa fees are among the highest.

Other Australian visa fee

• Bridging visa – AUD 145
• Refugee visa – No charge
• Distinguished talent visa – AUD 3210
• Resolution of status visa – AUD 140

So Australia visa fees cover a wide range based on the visa and situation. Pay correctly as per the latest charges.

Processing time for Australia visa

Visitors visas are quicker while permanent visas take longer:

• Visitor visa – Few days to 4 weeks
• Work visa – 1 to 4 months
• Student visa – 2 to 6 weeks
• Family visa – 7 to 11 months
• Skilled PR visa – 8 to 14 months

A few notes about Australian visa submission time:

• High or low-risk country: Applicants from high-risk nations may require additional verification resulting in delays.
• Peak application periods: During peak travel seasons, processing time may be longer due to high volumes. Avoid applying from December to February if possible.
• Complete and accurate application: Incomplete forms, wrong details, or missing documents lead to delays and further information requests.
• Need for health or character checks: Medical exams or police verification for some applicants adds to processing time.
• External checks by other agencies: Some applications get referred to external agencies for security checks etc which extends processing.
• Individual circumstances: Complicated cases requiring detailed assessments can take longer to finalize.
• Application on paper or online: Online applications may process faster as information can be verified quicker digitally. So while published processing times give an indication, actual processing periods may be shorter or longer depending on your exact situation. Have patience once you apply.

Tips when applying for Australia visa

Here are some tips to apply for Australia visa application:

• Check eligibility criteria thoroughly before applying
• Select the exact visa type suited for your purpose
• Have all required documents ready
• Provide complete and accurate details on the application
• Make the full visa fee payment on time
• Apply well in advance of travel date
• Respond promptly if further information is required
• Verify that all names, dates, and details are consistent across documents
• Keep copies of all documents and application confirmation
• Use a registered migration agent if needed for complex visas
• Purchase suitable health insurance coverage
• Ensure your passport has sufficient validity period
• Be patient but follow up if the application has taken longer than typical processing time
• Abide by all visa terms and conditions once granted

How to extend Australian visa?

Here’s what you need to do when you want to extend the Australia visa

• Step#1. Select the appropriate visa type: Select the new visa category that suits your long-stay purpose as a student, employee, family member, etc. See eligibility criteria. Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa. This includes health, character, age, abilities, and financial situation.
• Step#2. Complete the application form: Carefully fill out the correct application form for the new visa you are applying for. Provide updated supporting documents. Pay the visa application. Pay the visa application fees applicable to your situation. Extending a visa usually costs less than applying for the first time.
• Step#3. Submit visa extension application: Submit your new visa application at least two weeks before your current visa expires. Attach all required documents. You can apply online or in person. When you apply for a new onshore visa, you will automatically receive a bridging visa to cover your status until a decision is made. This allows you to remain legally in Australia until then.
• Step#4. Wait for the new visa decision: If your extension is approved, you will receive a new visa grant letter with updated validity and conditions. In the event of a denial, you may have options to appeal.
• Step#5. Update files and status: Once  the new visa has been granted, update your study or work documents, accommodation, insurance, and other requirements for the now-approved extended stay.
• Step#6. Leave Australia if your renewal is refused: If your extension is refused, plan to leave Australia before your bridging visa expires to avoid overstaying.