Australian Visa For Indians: A complete guide

The smallest continent and one of the largest countries in the world, Australia has a compelling charm of its own. You can relax on pristine beaches, dine at award-winning restaurants, witness fabulous spectacles, study, and work your best in this marvel of a place. As one of the leading countries in the world, Australia has approximately 7.4 million visitors who have visited the country since 2015.

The numbers are only expected to surge in the ensuing years. There is no reason to step back from reaping all the benefits that a visitor is given in this country! To visit this beauty, an Australian visa for Indians is absolutely necessary. For those who aspire to explore the various avenues here, an understanding of the visa formalities is crucial. There are several types of Australian visas, and each of these is suited to match with various individual purposes.

Here is a guide for obtaining an Australia visa for Indians, with a critical focus on the tourist visa.

The Australian Visa

As per the guidelines of the Australian government, it is essential for most nationals to have a permit known as the Australian visa to enter the country. There are certain countries, the nationals of which, do not require a visa to enter Australia. However, Indian nationals are required to obtain an Australian visa. Depending upon the length of stay, number of entries, purpose of the visit, and other such requirements, there are several types of Australian visas.

Your passport will not possess a stamp after visa approval as the Australian visa gets linked to the passport once accepted. Australia, like any other country, is very careful about ensuring the safety of the citizens and its land. Strong documents without any loopholes need to be provided for smooth visa procedures.

The embassy recommends the application of visas online as it is the fastest way to obtain them. The online visa applications belonging to the tourist stream are currently processed within 14 days for Indian citizens. The offline procedures take a longer period of time, usually between 28 to 42 days. It is advisable to initiate the visa application procedure well ahead of your intended travel date.

Indian citizens can apply for an Australian visa directly through the website of the embassy or through authorized visa providers.

Before travelling to Australia, ensure to check that your visa is valid and you understand its benefits, conditions, and limitations. Online services can be used to check your visa details and conditions, update passport details, or notify the embassy of any changes regarding your travel plans.

Types of visas available

Tourist Visa
Business Visitor Visa
Transit Visa
Australian Declaratory Visa
Temporary Activity Work Visa
Student Visa
Temporary Residence Visa
Family-Partner and Prospective Marriage Visa
Family-Child Visa
Family-Other Visa
Resident Return
Medical Treatment Visa
Citizenship by Descent Visa

Australian Tourist Visa

The Australian visa for Indians who are visiting the country for tourism and even business purposes is known as Subclass 600 Visitor Visa. Australian visitor visa from India is given for the temporary entry of Indians for tourism purposes.

Moreover, Australian tourist visa from India enables Indians to visit Australia to holiday or recreation or to visit family and/or friends for a period of three, six or twelve months. This Australian visa could also be used for other short-term, non-work purposes.

Australia visa requirements for Indians

There are certain general criteria to be met to obtain the Australian visa for Indians travelling to the country for tourism purposes. These are general to the other categories of visas as well. However, they could have additional requirements. They are given below:

Existence of a valid passport
Age criterion in accordance with the kind of visa required
Health and character requirements need to be met. Safety standards as per the Australian government will be looked into
A strong financial status with a good bank balance needs to be maintained

Fast-track Service – Priority Consideration

Indians applying for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa can also utilize the optional fast-track priority service after the payment of an additional fee of AUD 1000 (INR 47954.55). Majority of the priority service applications get finalized by the Australian High Commission within 48 hours of being received. All applicants must satisfy the legal requirements for migration legislation pertaining to the receiving of the Australian visa for Indians. These include relevant health, character, and security checks. It must be noted that there is no guarantee of receiving the visa within the specified 48 hours, for any reason that withholds the Commission. For the applicants that request urgent processing on compelling and compassionate grounds will undergo the same process but will not be required to pay the priority service charges.

How to apply for an Australia visa for Indians?

The collection of documents plays a crucial role in acquiring the visa that meets your requirements. Australian High Commission is responsible for the granting of visas. The Government of Australia has made the visa procedures as simple and hassle-free as possible. Those looking for a visa for Australia from India can apply through either the online or offline procedures.

The procedure to obtain the Australian visa is very sensitive. Any minor errors in the process could lead to a delay. It is recommended that the work gets done by experts who can seamlessly provide you with the visa according to your requirements. Ensure that you consult an authorized visa provider.

Details for obtaining the Australian visa for Indians –

Through the online procedure:

Consult an authorized visa provider online or an IMMI account Australian consulate
Begin by creating an IMMI account online. This refers to registering on the Australian immigration website
In accordance with your purpose of visit, select the category of visa required
Once the visa category is chosen, look for the application concerning the same
Fill the form with all the necessary details clearly
Attach the required photographs and necessary supporting documents to the form
Self-verify the details given in the visa application form
Re-verify the documents attached
Ensure that the bank balance mentioned in the form and documents is correct and no changes occur

Recommendation – Avoid any bank transaction from the mentioned bank account during the period of verification. It increases your financial credibility to sustain in Australia.

Pay the specified visa fee online
Submit the filled and self-verified application form and documents
After the submission, provide your biometrics to the embassy
If mandated by the embassy, take a health examination
The Australian High Commission will verify your application form and its details

Through the offline procedure:

Consult an authorized visa provider or an IMMI account Australian consulate
Visit the Australian immigration website
Select a visa category in accordance with the purpose of your travel
Find the required visa application form
Print the application form
Fill the form with all the necessary details clearly
Sign the form
Attach the required photographs and necessary supporting documents to the form
Self-verify the details given in the visa application form
Re-verify the documents attached
Ensure that the bank balance mentioned in the form and documents is correct and no changes occur
Submit the visa application form at the embassy
Pay the visa fee during form submission
Provide your biometrics to the embassy
If mandated by the embassy, take a health examination
The Australian High Commission will verify your application form and its details

Must Read: Covering Letter For Visa: What it is and how you can make one

General visa document checklist –

Pages of current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates
National identity card, if available
Proof of a change of name, if any
Proof of financial security such as personal bank statements
If you are being invited, proof of the invitation
Proof that you will return to India such as a letter from your employer or schooling institution
Character documents
Health documents

Validity of Australia Visa for Indians –

The validity of the visa depends on the number of days that the applicant plans on staying in the country.
Care must be taken to clearly state the purpose and duration of his or her stay in the country. The decision regarding the duration of the visa is decided by the immigration officials.
Any Australian visa is categorized into three categories, such as single entry, double entry, and multiple entry visas.

The cost of an Australian visa for Indians differs from one category to another. Tourist, Business or Student visas include service and other charges to be given to the Australian High Commission and the visa provider.

The estimated Australian tourist visa fee is given below –

Subclass 600, tourist visa for Australia from India costs INR 7600 for three, six, or twelve months of stay duration (Validity – 1 year)

Please visit here for visa pricing of other categories.

If your visa application gets rejected, the embassy will write to you personally. They will inform you of the reasons why the visa was refused and if you have a right to review the decision of the embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions – Australian visa for Indians

1. How to find out what kind of visa to apply for to visit Australia?

A: The category of visa depends on the purpose of visit to Australia. You can use the Find Visa facility on the website of the Department of Home Affairs. This will assist you in determining the visa category and the requirements for the same.

2. When to apply for the Australian visa?

A: The visa applications must be lodged as early as possible keeping in mind the processing duration and the intended travel dates.

3. Is it advisable to purchase airline tickets before traveling?

A: Non-refundable airline tickets or accommodation must not be purchased prior to the grant of the visa. The embassy recommends to finalize all travel arrangements after visa issue.

4. What is required for a valid visa application?

A: Applicants must submit the correct visa application form with relevant documents and pay the correct fees as per the chosen visa category.

5. Do original documents have to be submitted for the Australian visa?

A: Original documents need to be submitted only on request of the Australian High Commission. The Commission’s website needs to be consulted in order to check for the documents required as per the visa categories.