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Applying for a visa - general instructions
Who needs a visa?
If you are not an Australian citizen, you will need a visa or travel authority to travel to Australia, regardless of your reason for travelling.
How to apply for a visa
To obtain a visa you will need to make an application and pay the scheduled fee (where applicable) for the type of visa which matches the purpose of your travel to Australia. For help in choosing the right visa for your circumstances, see: Visa Wizard
Some visa applications can be made on the internet or through travel agents, others can be made by mail (or courier) or by personal appointment at our office; some applications must be sent directly to Australia. For more information and instructions about:
- which visas you can apply for at our office or online, and where to apply for other visas, see: Visa types
- how to make an appointment to lodge a visa application at our office, see: Contact us
(Please note that if you choose to apply in person we may not be able to make a decision on your application the same day.)
- fees and how to pay, see: Fees
Online (electronic) visas - information & help
For information about online visa (eVisa) applications (including eVisitor) and help desk contact information, see: Online visas - information and help
Forms
Forms and booklets referred to on this website are provided as PDF files, and can be downloaded from this site provided you have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/functional/pdf.htm
Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) forms referred to on this website can be downloaded from the DIAC website.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/index.htm
Please be aware that forms are changed regularly - before you submit a visa application please check that you have completed the most current form (see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/application-forms/index.htm)
Processing times
The Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) is committed to meeting service standards published by the Australian Government.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/standards/index.htm
Additional requirements for persons under 18 years of age
In all applications for a person under 18 years of age except for an eVisitor or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), all people with custody of the child (usually the parents) who are not travelling to Australia with the child must provide consent for him/her to travel to Australia.
In such cases, applicants are requested to provide:
- the original / certified copy of the child(ren)’s birth certificate, AND
- a copy of the passport identification page of the parent(s) not travelling with the child, AND
- Form 1229 (Consent form to grant an Australian visitor visa to a child under the age of 18 years) signed by the non-travelling parent. The parent's signature must be witnessed by a notary public or other person normally authorised to witness the signing of legal documents in the country you are in.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1229.pdf OR
- a legal document (such as a court decision) depriving the non-travelling parent of parental rights, OR
- if unable to obtain the non-travelling parent’s consent, please contact our office to discuss available options.
See: Contact Us
Providing further information
If you are requested by the Embassy to provide additional information after you have lodged an application, please make sure that you provide, in writing, your name, date of birth and file reference details with the requested information.
Migration agents
If you are considering using a migration agent to help you lodge a migration visa application, further information is provided on this website to assist you with your decision.
See: Migration Agents
Copies and documents in languages other than English
All documents provided with your application in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English language translation. Please note that photocopies of official documents/certificates are not acceptable; you must provide notarised (or certified) copies.
Any document provided in support of your application may be checked. If false or fraudulent supporting documents/ declarations have been provided, the visa application can be refused.
Personal information and advice about decisions
Personal information cannot be released unless the law permits it. In general, this means that we are unable to discuss visa applications (including reasons for decisions) with friends or relatives, unless we have specific authorisation from the visa applicant. Where a decision is made to refuse to grant a visa, the applicant is sent a letter setting out the reasons for that decision.
Client Service Charter & Feedback
The Client Service Charter of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is available at:
http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/index.htm
Your compliments, complaints and suggestions are valuable to us and will help us to provide better products and services.
You can provide feedback about any aspect of the services provided or funded by DIAC via email, telephone, in writing or by contacting your nearest immigration office. For contact details, please see the DIAC website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/forms/services/index.htm