TRAVEL VISAS

VISITOR VISA (SUBCLASS 600) TO AUSTRALIA

If you are not eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority or E Visitor Visa, or have a declared criminal conviction, you should apply for a Visitor Visa instead.

A Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows travellers to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes. A visitor visa may be valid for different periods including up to three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months.

In some cases, the embassy may only allow a shorter stay period of one month and may also impose a restrictive condition, which may prevent the holder from applying for further visas from within Australia.

To qualify for a Visitor Visa, you must hold a valid passport. Applicants who are not eligible to apply for a Visitor Visa online are required to submit a paper application through their nearest Australian immigration office.

Average processing times can range between four to six weeks.

If the Government requests additional documentation, this can affect the processing period. In some cases, applicants may be required to undergo health checks.

Business VISITOR VISA (SUBCLASS 600) TO AUSTRALIA

An Australian Business Visitor visa is required for people who wish to visit the country for business purposes.

Business visitor activities include:

• making general business or employment enquiries
• investigating, negotiating, signing or reviewing a business contract
• activities carried out as part of an official government-to-government visit
• participating in conferences, trade fairs or seminars, provided you are not being paid by the organisers for your participation.

Business travelers from ETA eligible countries can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). An ETA is valid for 12 months. You can enter and stay in Australia for up to three months at a time.

Business travelers from EVV eligible countries can obtain an E Visitor Visa (EVV). You can stay in Australia for up to three months for each visit within the 12 months from the date your EVV is granted.

Business visitors from non-ETA eligible countries and non-EVV eligible countries are required to submit a paper-based visa application for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). The visa may be valid for different periods including up to three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months. In some cases, the embassy may only allow a shorter stay period of one month and may also impose a restrictive condition, which may prevent the holder from applying for further visas from within Australia.

Business owners, investors or executives who want to migrate to Australia should consider applying for one of the Australian Business Visas.