Australia Visa

Australia offers an attractive lifestyle with many an opportunity for business, higher studies or exciting careers. It boasts of political and economic stability and a robust democratic structure. Healthcare and education facilities in Australia are also important factors that make it a preferred destination. Australia offers many different visas, be it tourist visa, working visa, retirement visa or student visa. Find out more about Australia visa application procedures.

Australia has a Universal Visa system. All travelers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Visas will be issued to travelers as an electronic record on the department's computer systems and/or as a label or a stamp in your passport. All temporary visas are issued with conditions. Some conditions restrict employment or relate to studies. It is imperative to comply with the conditions listed on your Australian visa. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of the visa or deporting. Australian visa procedures are subject to the Migration Act and Regulations. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs handles all applications by people interested in visiting or migrating to Australia.

You can apply for an Australian visa, either in person or by post or even online. Visas to Australia are sometimes issued on the spot in case of personal application. Australia visa application is made in person at the departmental office in Australia or at an Australian Government office overseas. Visa applications for Australia can take a few weeks by post. You can forward an Australian visa application through a registered travel agent, airline service or specialist provider. To submit an online application for a visa, a person must hold a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months. This service is available only to persons from specified countries and regions. Australia visa applications are assessed on evidence or enrolment and bon fides provided by you. The applicant's ability to finance all expenses is also taken into consideration.

- Invisible electronic visa that does not need an application form and neither is a visa label placed on the passport. ETA is ideal for business visits since it allows multiple entries for a stay up to 3 months on each entry. There may or may not be a charge for a tourist visa or ETA valid for one year, with multiple entries and up to three months' stay in Australia.
Australia's temporary residence program includes a category for people wishing to live in Australia in their retirement. A Retirement visa allows retirees to spend some of their retirement years in Australia. You will need to undergo chest x-ray or medical examination depending on your country of residence. Potential migrants to Australia are selected based on skills, health, financial resources, age, English language ability and family and business contacts in Australia. Race, gender and culture are not considered at all.
Australian visas for permanent settlement are given under 2 migration schemes - Migration Program and Humanitarian Program. The Migration Program works on the basis of skills, health, financial resources, age, English speaking abilities and business contacts in Australia.