Australia Visa For Indians

The Australia visa can be classified into different types, and based on one’s requests, they can be applied. The visa policy deals with all the requirements that a foreign citizen needs to have in order to enter Australia.

Every foreign citizen who is willing to visit Australia should get his or her visa beforehand. A visa serves as a permit to enter as well as stay in Australia for a specific duration based on the type one applies.

The Australian visa rules are clearly mentioned under the Migration Regulations, as per the Migration Act 1958, all of which are administered by the Immigration and Border Protection Department. For better understanding, the entire information about an Australian Visa is explained in detail below.

Introduction To Australia Visa

Australia is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations but is also known for its strict immigration regulations. It maintains a standard visa regime for every non-citizen of Australia. The visa is obtained only if the law permits it. The country is admired for its visitor visa, as it is exempted to:

• New Zealand citizens, under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement
• Citizens belonging to countries that are eligible for ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
• Visitors who qualify for a visa-free travel under special programs like Special Purpose Visa

However, since September 1, 2015, Australia stopped issuing visa labels. Therefore, all visa types are granted and stored in a central database. The visa details can be accessed only via VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online), a digital service that is administered by the Immigration and Border Protection Department.

Types Of Australian Visa

Australia offers a wide range of visa categories, which can be applied based on the purpose of visit. The different types of Australian visas are as follows:

• Visitor Visa: It is exclusively designed for individuals who want to visit Australia only for a short time. This could either business or tourism purpose. This type of visa is issued for 3 months, 2 months, or a maximum of 12 months.
• Transit Visa (Subclass 771): It is exclusively designed for individuals who want to transit via Australia bot for not more than 72 hours.
• Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602): It is exclusively designed for individuals who want to have their medical consultations, medical treatments, or organ donation done in Australia. However, this does not include surrogacy.
• Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): It is exclusively designed for individuals who are aged between 18 and 30 years old, provided that they are highly interested in having extended holidays and supplementing their savings with a short-term work for not more than 12 months. However, this visa category applies to citizens belonging to Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Cyprus, Finland, Estonia, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Japan, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Taiwan.
• Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): It is exclusively designed for individuals who are aged between 18 and 30 years old, given that they are highly interested in having extended holidays and supplementing their savings with a short-term work for not more than 12 months. However, this visa category applies to citizens coming from China, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay, and the United States.
• Student Visa (Subclass 500): It is exclusively designed for individuals who desire to study on a full-time basis in a reputed or recognized educational institution.
• Special Program (Subclass 416): It is exclusively designed for individuals who desire to participate in some approved programs, which offer opportunities for community benefit and cultural enrichment.
• Permanent Resident Visa: It is granted only if an individual qualifies to become a permanent resident of Australia. This visa type has separate laws and policies, which needs to be understood before applying. Once the visa status of an individual is changed to “permanent resident,” then he or she has complete rights to live and work in Australia indeterminately. With this, the person also has access to various benefits offered by the Australian Government like Medicare (Medical Coverage).
• RRV (Resident Return Visa) Subclass 155 & 157: This visa type permits former and current permanent residents to travel to any other country and return to the Australian zone again as a PR (Permanent Resident). An RRV allows the individual to re-enter Australia frequently but within the validity period. They are usually issued with a validity of either 3 months or 5 years.
• Special Category Visa (Subclass 444): It is issued only to the New Zealand citizens under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, provided that he/she has a valid New Zealand visa with an authority to enter the Australian zone. With this visa, he/she can visit, reside, and work in Australia indefinitely. However, it is subject to a few strict conditions like no criminal records, no untreated TB (Tuberculosis), and not been removed/excluded/deported from a country. This visa is granted once the person arrives at an Australian Airport.
• Provisional Resident Return Visa (Subclass 159): It is issued to the former Norfolk Island immigration permit holders, which can either be GEP (General Entry Permit) or TEP (Temporary Entry Permit). The holders of this visa category can live and work in Norfolk Island and reside in a few regions of Australia but solely for education purpose. They can apply for a Confirmatory Resident Visa only after they qualify for the mentioned requirements.
• Confirmatory Resident Visa (Subclass 808): It is issued to the former Norfolk Island Immigration Permit holders, who were holding either a TEP/GEP or UEP (Unrestricted Entry Permit), provided that they have fulfilled all the requirements for residence. This visa permits the individuals to reside and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely. Also, they are free to leave as well as enter Australia as they wish, given that it is within the validity period.

Australia Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens

Tourist Visa Requirements

• An applicant’s original passport with a validity of 6 months from the travel date. If there are any old passports, they have to be submitted as well. Photocopies of passport with a notary on every page is mandatory.
• A duly signed visa application that should include all the correct details about an applicant.
• Two photographs of the applicant, each on a white background with a matte finish.
• A cover letter that mentions the applicant’s travel details, passport details, and other expenses details. If the applicant is self-employed, then this has to be on a company letterhead.
• A copy of the applicant’s PAN card and Aadhaar Card.
• A copy of the applicant’s Form 16/ITR (Income Tax Returns) for the last 3 years.
• An applicant’s original bank statements for the last 6 months that shows he/she has maintained a sufficient and a healthy balance.
• Other financial documents that can be submitted as a proof can include mutual funds, fixed deposits, shares, NSC, PPF, property papers, etc.
•  If the applicant is employed, a copy of his/her salary slips for the last 3 months.
•  Original leave letter from the company. Make a note that this has to be on the company letterhead.
• If the applicant is self-employed, a copy of the company’s registration proof. This could be an MOA, Shop ACT, etc.
• If the applicant is a student, ID card/bonafide letter and NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the respective college or school.
• If the applicant is retired, a certificate that serves as a proof of his/her retirement.
• A copy of the applicant’s hotel accommodation in Australia.
• A copy of the applicant’s confirmed return flight tickets or itinerary.
• Children below 18 years should submit a notarized NOC from any one of the non-accompanying parents to authorize their journey to Australia along with the parents’ passports.

Business Visa Requirements

An Indian can apply for a Business visa (subclass 600) can be applied if he or she is travelling for the following purpose:

• Investigating job opportunities or personal investments.
• Attending conferences, meetings, and negotiations.
• Representing an overseas entity or investigating different business opportunities.
• Representing an official business or foreign government.

An Indian can apply for a Temporary work visa (subclass 400) or short stay activity can be applied if he or she is travelling for the following purpose:

• Participate in a cultural or social event, provided that he or she has been invited from the respective organization in Australia.
• Undertake a non-ongoing, short-term, and highly specialized job in Australia.

Documentation:

• A duly signed visa application, which should include all the correct details about an applicant.
• The original passport of the applicant with a validity of 6 months from the travel date and previous passports if any. Photocopies of the passport are required but every page has to be notarized.
• Two color photographs of the applicant, each of the size 35 × 45 mm and on a white background.
• A cover letter that mentions the applicant’s passport information, travel details, and work details. This has to be on the company’s letterhead. This letter should also include information about the itinerary and contact information of both the business parties.
• A copy of the company’s registration proof.
• A copy of the applicant’s Form 16/ITR (Income Tax Returns) for the last 3 years.
• If the applicant is employed, a copy of his/her salary slips for the last 6 months.
• A copy of the bank statements for the last 6 months.
• An invitation/request letter from the Australian company or business.
• A copy of the event/conference registration details.

Family/Friend Visit Visa Requirements

• The applicant’s original passport with a validity of 6 months from the travel date. If there are any old passports, they are to be submitted as well. Photocopies of all the pages of the passport with a notary on each page are mandatory.
• A duly signed visa application, which should include all the correct details about an applicant.
• Two color photographs of the applicant, each of the size 35 × 45 mm and on a white background.
• A cover letter that mentions the applicant’s passport information, travel details, and work details. This has to be on the company’s letterhead if the applicant is self-employed.
• A copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card or PAN card.
• A copy of the applicant’s Form 16 / Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years.
• Applicant’s original bank statements for the last 6 months to check if he or she is maintaining a healthy and an adequate balance to afford all the expenses in Australia.
• If employed, a copy of the salary slips for the last 3 months is required.
• If self-employed, a copy of the company registration proof is required.
• If a student, a copy of ID card/bonafide letter and No Objection Certificate are required from the respective college or school.
• If retired, a copy of a certificate that serves as a proof of his or her retirement.
• Original leave letter from the company on a letterhead.
• A copy of confirmed return flight tickets.
• Children below 18 years should submit a notarized NOC from any one of the non-accompanying parents to authorize their journey to Australia along with the parents’ passports.
• Other financial documents that can be submitted as a proof can include mutual funds, fixed deposits, shares, NSC, PPF, property papers, etc.

Other Mandatory Documents:

• An invitation/request letter mentioning the details of the person, who is inviting to Australia.
• A letter that states the applicant’s travel details.
• If sponsoring, bank statements, salary slips, and relationship stats proof.
• A copy of any accommodation proof in Australia.

How To Apply For Australia Visa Online For Indians?

Whether it is visiting relatives, going for a tour, or just for leisure, Australia has been one of the popular destinations for Indian citizens. The incredible attractions have brought Australia into a limelight amidst travelers and tourists. But most Indians face some kind of issue or the other while applying for an Australia visa, causing a delay in the entire process.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the entire procedure and understand how it is applied so that there is less hassle. Indian citizens can apply for an Australia visa online for several purposes. The common categories include:

• Business visa
• Family/Friends visa
• Tourist visa

The procedure for applying an Australian visa is as follows:

1. Decide Which Visa Type To Apply For

Based on an applicant’s needs, one has to choose the visa type and ensure to familiarize with the visa sub-classes while applying. Say, for example, tourist visa – Subclass 600. This visa is appropriate if you are planning to see Australia only for a short time. Similarly, there are other categories of business and family/friend visit visa.

2. Fill The Application Form Online

Indian passport holders are eligible for an Australia e-visa and they can apply for the electronic visa directly online so that there is no much trouble. The online form is easy to fill and it usually includes some basic questions regarding the travel history, identity, financial status, employment status, the purpose of visiting Australia, character, and health. Keep all the information handy, as the form is a little complex and tricky. Moreover, it is time-consuming.

3. Keep The Documents Handy

Once the applicant fills the application form, he or she has to submit the supporting documents. Upload the travel documents and other essential evidence like work experience certificate, birth certificate, travel history, and financial capability.

4. Pay The Australia e-Visa Fee

The fee for tourist visa generally falls between Rs.5,000 and Rs.9,000. But do not expect that it will be within the mentioned amount because it changes regularly. If the payment is made through a credit card, a surcharge is levied, which basically varies from one bank to the other.

5. Submit The Visa Application Form

Once the form is filled and all the necessary documents are uploaded, the next step is to submit the form by hitting the “submit” button. Once the online visa application is submitted, an applicant will receive an email notification to acknowledge the application’s receipt.

After this, the applicant has to be patient and wait until the visa is approved. However, the progress of the visa will not be updated. Therefore, the next notification the applicant get will be an email that states if he or she has been granted a visa or not. 

Once the “Visa Grant Notice” is received, pay attention to its validity as it is highly important. Check what is written there. Is it 1 year? 6 months? Or 3 months? Also, note the travel facility and check if it is either single entry or multiple entries. Also, note down the visa conditions and other entry requirements prior travelling.

Validity Of Australian Visa

• e-Visitor (Subclass 651) – Valid for a maximum period of 6 months
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) Subclass 976 – Valid up to 3 months (ETA is not applicable for Indian citizens)
• Tourist visa Subclass 600 – Can be valid up to 3 months or 6 months or 1 year
• Visitor visa Subclass 600 – Can be valid up to 3 months or 6 months or 1 year

Australian VoA (Visa on Arrival) for Indians

As of now, there is no facility of “visa on arrival” for Indian citizens who are travelling to Australia.

Australian Visa Application Centers In India (VFS Global)

• VFS Helpline: 022 – 67866006
• Inquiry email ID: enquiry-india@homeaffairs.gov.au
• For booking an appointment for Prime Time, call: 022 - 30163310

Note: VFS Global Services Private Limited does not accept postal applications. Therefore, a person willing to apply for an Australian visa should personally meet the nearest service center to get the work done.

*Disclaimer