Australian Visa Types As Per The Requirement

Australia is a popular destination for many people worldwide, and if you want to visit and stay in Australia, you need a visa. There are various Australian visa types, and the visa that you will apply for will depend on the reason for your visit.

It can be for tourism, business, study, work, or visiting a family member. In the following guide, you will know everything regarding an Australian visa, including the types, reasons for refusal, how to apply, and many more.

What is an Australian Visa?

An Australian visa is a permit that can allow you to travel to Australia for a set period of time. Unlike other countries, Australia does not issue visa stamps or labels on your passport.

Instead, your visa privileges are recorded online, and when you travel to Australia, an immigration officer will check the online database or website to know if you have a visa.

Do You Need a Visa for Australia?

Other than New Zealanders, other people need to apply for a visa or an authorization before they arrive in Australia. If you are visiting Australia for a short time, you can acquire an eVisitor, an ETA, or a visitor visa, depending on where you live.

But if you want to stay in Australia for long-term purposes, every other individual other than a New Zealander needs to apply for a relevant visa. There are multiple types of Australian visas that can suit your needs.

How Can You Get an Australian Visa?

You can receive an Australian visa online or from an Australian consulate/embassy, depending on your country:

Apply for a Visitor or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) through the online service ETA portal of the Department of Home Affairs.

Do You Need to Submit the Original Documents?

No, you do not need to submit your original Documents required for an Australian visa. But if you are applying online, you need to scan your documents and attach them as electronic files.

If you are applying for the visa offline, then you need to submit certified copies. This indicates that you need to make copies of your document and send them to experts who can certify it for you.

But not everyone can certify your documents. It is either to be an Australian or a non-Australian who works in professions such as judges, clerks, doctors, bank officers, or even police officers.

Why Should You Apply for a Visa?

The time when you should apply for an Australian visa depends on what type of visa you are applying for:

• If you are applying for a tourist visa, you need to apply at least a month before you plan to travel to Australia. You can also think of giving it more time, and though some applications are resolved in a few weeks, some applications can take months.
• If you are an E-visitor or ETA type of Australian visa, you need to apply a week before you visit the country.
• If applying for a long-term visa like a work visa, you need to start the visa process as soon as you can. This is because it can take months to a year for the process to complete.

Who Issues Australian Visas?

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is the authority that evaluates all the visa applications.

Types of Australian Visas

Australian visas are divided into the following categories:

• Visitor Visas –

This category of visa is for short-term travelers who are not going to settle in Australia.

Some of the visas under this are:

1. Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
2. eVisitor (Subclass 651)
3. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
4. Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)

• Study and training visas-

This category of visa is for the international students, trainees, and parents/guardians of underage international students.

Some of the visas under this are:

1. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
2. Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
3. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• Parent visas-

Under this category of Australian visas, parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens can be allowed to live in Australia.

Some of the visas under this category are:

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) – Temporary
2. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
3. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
4. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
5. Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and subclass 864)

• Family visas-

This kind of Australian visa is issued to the minor or adult dependent relatives or carers of permanent residents and Australian citizens.

The visas under this are:

1. New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass 461) – Temporary
2. Orphan Relative Visas (Subclass 117 and subclass 837)
3. Remaining Relative Visas (Subclass 115 and subclass 835)
4. Adoption Visa (Subclass 102)
5. Aged Dependent Relative Visas (Subclass 114 and subclass 838)
6. Carer Visas (Subclass 836 and subclass 116)
7. Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)

• Humanitarian visas-

Such types of visas are issued to refugees who fulfill the protection obligations of Australia. Some of the visas under this category are:

1. Global Special Humanitarian (Subclass 202)
2. Protection Visa (Subclass 866)
3. Refugee Visa (Subclasses 200, 201, 203, and 204)
4. Temporary Protection Visa (Subclass 785)
5. Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790)

• Partner visas-

This type of Australian visa is issued to the de facto partners, spouses, or prospective spouses of permanent residents, Australian citizens, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Some of the visas under this are:

1. Partner Visa (Subclass 100) – Migrant
2. Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – Temporary
3. Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Permanent
4. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
5. Partner Visa (Subclass 309) – Provisional

• Bridging visas-

This type of visa can allow a visa holder to stay in Australia while their immigration application is processed. Some of the visas that depend on the circumstances are:

1. Bridging visa A – BV (Subclass 010)
2. Bridging visa B – BVB (Subclass 020)
3. Bridging visa C – BVC (Subclass 030)
4. Bridging visa E – BVE (Subclass 050 and 051)

• Business and investment visas-

Under such Australian visa types, business owners who want to operate an existing or a new business in Australia are granted a Business Visa.

As per the situation, the visas are:

1. Business Owner (Subclass 890)
2. Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132) – Permanent
3. Investor visa (Subclass 891)
4. State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892)
5. State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893)
6. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888) – Permanent
7. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) – Provisional

• Work visas-

Under this type of visa, the holder is allowed to work in Australia, and depending on the work legally, the visas are divided into:

1. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Provisional
2. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
3. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
4. Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 403) – International Relations
5. Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) – Short Stay Specialist
6. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
7. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
8. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
9. Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191) – Skilled Regional
10. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
11. Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Provisional
12. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
13. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
14. Skilled Recognised-Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
15. Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)

• Work and Holiday visas-

Such types of Australian visas are offered to citizens of specific countries who have a work and holiday agreement with Australia.

The two visas under this category are:

1. Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

Can a Visa Refusal be Appealed?

If your Australian visa is rejected, then you can make an appeal to review the decision under the AAT (Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal). You need to ensure that you appeal as soon as possible after receiving the rejection letter.

You will have around 7 to 28 days to make an appeal for different Australian types of visas. Your visa rejection letter will inform you whether you are eligible for an appeal or not.

How Long is the Processing Time of an Australian Visa?

The processing time for an Australian visa depends on the type of visa. Most of the tourist stream applications are processed within some weeks to around four months.
It can also take days to ensure that everything is in order. For long-term visa applications, it can take a number of months or even up to a year, depending on the type of visa.

Do You Need to Provide Biometrics for Your Visa Application?

Yes, you need to submit your biometrics if:

• You apply for an Australian visa where biometrics are needed.
• You apply from a certain country where biometrics are necessary.

How Long Can You Stay in Australia under a Valid Visa?

If you visit the country of Australia as a tourist or for short-term reasons, you can stay at least three times each time.

• An ETA or eVisitor is valid for around a year from the date of issue.
• A tourist stream can be issued for three, six or twelve months.
• For other long-term visas, the visas can be issued from a few months to even years, depending on circumstances.

Associate with Immigration Lawyers Perth

If you want to stay in Australia for any length of time or for any purpose, you will require a visa. There are various types of Australian visas, and if you do not know which one to apply for, a migration agent can help you.

You can contact Immigration Lawyers Perth; under their efficient services, you can receive assistance while applying for an Australian visa. You will know what type of visa you need to apply for based on your circumstances, and they can also fill up your application forms.