Australia Tourist visa

There are two streams of visa application, online and paper applications. Both require the translation of non-English documents into English.

Online Applications

• Scan or photograph all documents (both original and translations) clearly and in color.
• Documents of multiple pages should be saved as a single file.

Paper Applications

• Have all documents (both original and translations) certified by someone who is:
  • An Australian citizen
  • Not related to the applicant by birth, de facto relationship, or marriage
  • Works in one of the occupations listed here

• Applicants applying outside Australia who don’t know any Australian citizen, can have their documents can be certified by someone who is:
  • A citizen of the country where the applicant is in
  • Not related to the applicant by birth, de facto relationship, or marriage
  • Works in one of the occupations listed here

• Send all certified copies to the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Authority
• Send documents with application, whenever possible

Required Documents for Australia Visa

The following documents are required for the application of an Australian visa:

• Passport with validity of at least 6 months, or other travel documents
  • Passport details page showing personal details, photo, passport issue date, and passport expiry date
  • National identity card, if applicant has one
  • Proof of name change, if applicable
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce certificate
    • Documentation showing name change from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the equivalent authority overseas
    • Documentation that applicant has used other names before
• Invitation from a friend or relative residing in Australia
  • Invitation letter should state inviter’s relationship to you, the purpose of your visit, length of stay, and whether the inviter will be paying for your stay in Australia
• Inviter’s proof of identification such as passport or residence permit
• Inviter’s proof of address such as energy bills
• Inviter’s proof of funds (if inviter is paying for your stay in Australia)
• Proof of financial documents to support your stay in Australia
  • Bank statements for at least a period of 3 months
  • Credit card statements
  • Fixed deposits
  • Salary slip
  • Tax records
• Reasons for going back to your home country
  • Letter from employer stating that the applicant intends to return to his or her job
  • Proof of study
  • Proof of assets owned
  • Proof that applicant can return to his or her home country
  • Proof that immediate family members reside in the applicant’s home country
• Record of military service or discharge from the military, if applicable
• Itinerary
• Additional documents required for applicants below the age of 18
  • Birth certificate showing the name of both parents
  • In lieu of a birth certificate, the identification pages of the following documents can be submitted:
    • Government-issued document; or
    • Court-issued document; or
    • Family book indicating the name of both parents; or
    • Family census register
• Medical examinations, if applicable

Note: Applicants below the age of 18 under the guardianship of individuals other than their parents, i.e. court-appointed legal guardian or adoptive parents, must provide proof of legal guardianship, such as the following:

• Adoption papers
• Parental court order

Australia Visa Application Steps

Paper Applications

• Gather all the required documents.
• Fill out the application form.
  • The application form can be downloaded here. Answer all questions and sign the form.
• Pay the application fee.
  • Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Log in for returning users or create an account for new users. Go to the ‘Manage Payments’ section to make the payment for the visa application. After payment is made, you will be given a receipt number. Copy the receipt number on the application form.
  • Note: Surcharge for cards used for online payment vary from one company to another. Overseas applicants may also check the visa office where they intend to submit their application for other possible payment options.
• Send the Australian visa application form.
  • Certified copies of the supplementary documents must be provided for paper applications and sent together with the completed and signed application form by post or by courier to the visa office.

Online Applications

• Collect all the required documentation.
• Fill out the application form.
  • Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Log in for returning users or create an account for new users. Select ‘New Application’, answer all questions and follow the instructions. Attach the required documents and passport photo
• Submit the Australian visa application form
  • Family applications must be submitted together
• Pay the application fee.
  • The application fee can be paid by BPAY, credit card, PayPal, or UnionPay. Wait for the outcome of your application.
  • Note: Only one credit card can be used to pay the application fee. The full application fee must be paid in a single transaction.

Australia Visa Fees

The cost of visa application starts from AUD145. However, applicants may also need to pay other requirements such as the following:

• Biometrics
• Police certificates
• Health examinations
• All fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

Where to apply

Paper visa applications can be submitted at the nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy. Most types of visas can be applied online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Australia Visa Processing Time

The current Covid-19 situation might affect the processing time and some applications may take longer to process.

• 75% of applications may take 7 months
• 90% of applications may take 9 months

For approved visa applications

Applicants will be informed in writing if their visa has been approved and will be provided the following details:

• Visa grant number
• The start date of the visa
• Visa conditions

Note: Keep a copy of the decision with your person at all times when in Australia

For denied visa applications

Applicants will be informed in writing if their visa application is denied. You will also be informed of the reasons for denial, and if you have a right to a review of the decision.