Australian tourist visa in India

Australia Visa Process: A Comprehensive Overview For Indians

After dealing with a long list of documents, a tiring visa application and high-rejection chances, three months ago, while applying for a Schengen visa, when it came to planning a tourist visa for Australia, things felt pretty more effortless and uncomplicated.

And that was not just me. A few other people, I spoke with, to get an idea about their experience, moreover gave the impression that Australia has always been humble with its visa process, even for Indians.

Though of course, if you compare a Thailand or a Malaysian visa process for tourists, Australia still demands better planning and a little more paperwork, it is still an easy process.

Also, Read Tips For Australian Tourist Visas.

Documents Needed For an Australian Visa

Australian Embassy, on its website, has mentioned that it discourages any prepaid hotel booking and reserved flight tickets before issuing your visa. It moreover doesn’t want any health insurance, as you need while applying for a visa for the US and Schengen European countries.

However, the documents you may need, based on my practical knowledge, (the ones I provided) include a cover letter mentioning your intention to travel to Australia a rough travel itinerary you have in mind, a flight PNR number (at no cost) using MakeMyTrip, sufficient travel funds, proof of your occupation. (in my case it was travel blogger). If you are looking for a ticket for visa purposes, I suggest you use platforms that help you hold a ticket rather than booking one.

Also note, that the documentation required for your Australian visa application varies depending on the visa type. However, some common documents you will need include:

  1. A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
  2. A recent passport-sized photograph
  3. Proof of financial means to support your stay in Australia
  4. Travel itinerary and accommodation details
  5. Evidence of good health and character
  6. Additional documents may be required for specific visa types, such as proof of enrollment for student visas or an employment contract for work visas.

Remember, if you want to work as well and are considering visas like the 482 Temporary Skills Shortage Visa, the visa process can become quite complicated and it’s recommended that you seek professional advice. 

Australia Tourist Visa Process

First Step: Download The Application

Download the Application Form using the Australia Embassy website. If you’re applying it the traditional way, by visiting the VFS centre click the third option Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Completing the application form takes less than 15 minutes, and if you’ve any doubts, they can be cleared at the VFS visa center while submitting the application form. You can even pay 1000 Rupees to VFS and they will fill it for you.

Please note that the Australian visa process is entirely electronic, and you even get a soft copy of your sanctioned visa, it doesn’t get stamped in your passport. You can also use an eVisitor option and (subclass 651) at no extra cost and courier your documents.

Second Step: Submitting The Application

Since I submitted the visa application by personally visiting the VFS centre, I can assure you that it was an easy process. Unlike a Schengen visa, here you do not need to book an appointment with the VFS. Just hop in, finish the process — which takes less than 30 minutes to pay (as you’re not required any biometrics) — and wait for an email as a Yes or No to your application.

Please note that the Australian embassy does not stamp their visa in your passport, you come to know about their decision in an email. You print out the confirmed email and carry it along with you while travelling to Australia.

Let’s Discuss It Again M0re In Detail…

Australia, known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant cities, has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists, students, and migrants. Obtaining a visa is an essential step in planning your trip to the Land Down Under. This comprehensive Australia Visa Guide aims to help you understand the various visa types, their requirements, and the process of applying for an Australian visa.

Who Needs an Australia Visa

As a general rule, all non-Australian citizens need a visa to enter the country. New Zealand citizens, however, are exempt from this rule and are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) upon arrival. There are several types of Australian visas available, tailored to different purposes such as tourism, work, study, or migration. It is important to know which visa type suits your specific needs and circumstances.

How Natvisa Can Help in Evisa

Natvisa is an online platform that simplifies the process of applying for an Australian eVisa. The platform offers step-by-step guidance, personalized support, and streamlined services to help you obtain your eVisa with ease. With Natvisa, you can apply for your visa from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and effort.

Australian Visa Types

There are several visa types available for entry into Australia, including:

Visitor Visa (subclass 600): Ideal for tourists, business visitors, or those visiting family and friends. Applicable for passport holders from eligible countries, allowing short-term visits for tourism or business purposes.

Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) and Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417): For young adults aged 18-30 who want to travel and work in Australia for up to one year.

Student Visa (subclass 500): For individuals intending to study in Australia for an extended period.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): For skilled workers who have been sponsored by an Australian employer.

Permanent Resident Visa: For migrants who wish to live and work in Australia permanently.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for your Australian visa application depends on the visa type and your individual circumstances. On average, processing times range from a few days for Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visas to several months for more complex visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482).

Health Insurance

Visitors to Australia are generally required to have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. This may include travel insurance with medical coverage or a specific overseas visitor health cover policy. Some visa types, such as the Student Visa (subclass 500), have mandatory health insurance requirements that must be met before the visa can be granted.

Australia Visa Validity

The validity period of your Australian visa depends on the visa type and the duration of your intended stay. Most visas have specific validity periods, ranging from three months to several years. It is essential to plan your travel accordingly and ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your time in Australia.

Is Australian Visa Extendable?

Some Australian visas can be extended or renewed, while others cannot. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia, it is crucial to check the conditions of your current visa and apply for an extension or a new visa before your current one expires. Overstaying your visa can lead to serious consequences, including deportation and future ineligibility for Australian visas.

Australia Visa Cost

The cost of an Australian visa varies depending on the visa type and any additional services or processing fees. Visa fees can range from around AUD 20 for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) to over AUD 4,000 for some permanent resident visas. It is important to research the specific fees associated with your chosen visa type before applying.

How to Make The Payment

When applying for an Australian visa, you can make your payment through a variety of methods. These may include credit or debit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers. The Department of Home Affairs, as well as third-party service providers like Natvisa, generally offer secure online payment systems to make the process convenient and efficient.

In conclusion, obtaining an Australian visa involves a thorough understanding of the various visa types, their requirements, and the application process. By following this comprehensive Australia Visa Guide, you can confidently plan your trip to the Land Down Under and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer. Remember to consult official sources and seek professional assistance, such as Natvisa, to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

To further enhance your understanding of the Australian visa process and maximize your chances of a successful application, consider the following tips and recommendations:

Apply early: Give yourself ample time to gather all necessary documents and complete the application process, as processing times may vary. Allow for any unexpected delays and ensure that your visa is approved well before your intended travel date.

Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about any aspect of the visa application process, seek advice from a registered migration agent, an immigration lawyer, or a reputable online platform like Natvisa. These professionals can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Keep track of application status: Regularly check the status of your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount or the relevant third-party service provider. This will help you stay informed about any updates or additional requirements that may arise during the processing of your application.

Be prepared for an interview: In some cases, the Australian visa office may require you to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, financial means, and intentions in Australia. Approach the interview wit

Related Read: Thailand Visa On Arrival | Cambodia Visa On Arrival

Categories Australia

About

I am Dev, and I've been travelling full-time since 2016. I was a journalism student & started my corporate career as a documentary film-maker in England, before moving to India & becoming a full-time nomad. 25+countries. 50+ Brand Partnerships. And the adventure continues...

  1. Thank you so much for providing information about visa process for Australia. We have to do many processes. First Getting tourist visa to visiting Australia, After dealing with a long list of documents it has also rejection chances etc. Aus Visa Hub will help in your visa application.

  2. Thanks for this article , its really helpful to me. i was looking for the same .

  3. > a flight PNR number which I booked (at no cost) using MakeMyTrip

    How do you get this?

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