Australia – Nexus Visa International

General Information

Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to travel to Australia. You can apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600), which is issued for short-term tourism, business, or family visits.

Here is what the Australia e-visa or the visitor (subclass 600) visa looks like:

No, Australia now issues visas that are electronically linked to the passport number. When your visa is approved, you will receive an e-visa PDF via mail. Australia has now moved away from traditional visa stamps; hence, you will not receive a physical visa stamp or label in your passport.

No, Australia does not offer Indians a visa upon arrival. They must obtain a visa before travelling to the country. A visitor visa (subclass 600) is the most suitable option for short-term visits related to tourism or business purposes.

A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter Australia more than once (multiple times) within the visa's validity period.

For example, you have a multiple-entry Australia visa with 12 months' validity (January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024), which allows a stay of 3 months per visit (but not more than 6 months in total within those 12 months). This means you can visit Australia:

For the first time on January 1, 2024, and stay until March 31, 2024 (3 months).   For the second time on July 1, 2024, and stay until September 30, 2024 (3 months). 

All you need to make sure is that (within the time frame of your visa's validity period) you do not stay for more than 3 months during each visit.

Although there are many types of Australian visas available for foreign nationals, here are the common ones:

Visitor visa (subclass 600): Issued for short-term visits for tourism or business purposes and generally allows a stay of 3 months.

Transit visa (subclass 771): This is issued for transit purposes and allows you to have a layover of up to 72 hours.

Student visa (subclass 500): This allows foreign nationals to study and work (conditions apply) in Australia. It is valid for a maximum of five years and allows you to travel in and out of the country multiple times during this period.

Parent visa (subclass 103): Allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.

Temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482): This visa enables an employer to sponsor a qualified worker with the necessary skills to fill a position. The work visa can be valid for 2 - 4 years, depending on the stream you apply for.

Partner visa (subclass 820/801): The partner visa allows eligible citizens or residents to live in Australia. This visa is initially temporary (subclass 820), but after 2 years, you can submit your application for permanent residency (subclass 801).

Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible for an Australian tourist visa, Indian citizens must

Have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Australia, giving assurance to the authorities that you will not be a financial burden on the visiting country.

Prove that you are visiting Australia for a temporary stay and that you will adhere to all visa conditions during your stay.

Ensure that you are free from any disease or condition that can threaten public health or result in significant healthcare and community service costs to Australia.

Be free of a significant criminal record and not have been convicted of escaping immigration detention or committing other serious offences.

Ensure that you have settled any outstanding financial obligations to the Australian government, like paying fines for overstaying on your previous visa.

Here are the Australia visa requirements for Indians:

Official documents: These include your passport (all passports, old and new) and Aadhar Card.

Provide copies of all pages of the new and old passports. Please ensure that your current passport is valid for at least 6 months

Photograph: A recently taken photograph on a plain white background. It should align with Australia visa photo requirements.

Proof of funds: The Australian government checks your proof of funds for two reasons: to prove that you can financially sustain your stay in Australia and have legitimate reasons to return to your home country. As such, attach all your funds (bank statements, payslips, company bank statements (for business owners), etc

Proof of employment: To prove substantial ties to your home country and ownership of your funds, provide an employment contract and leave letter from your employer. Business owners should include documents on the company letterhead.

If sponsored: Sponsor's documents, such as a passport and financial documents, along with the sponsorship letters. Note that only blood relations or spouses can sponsor your trip.

If invited: An invitation letter along with the invitee's documents (passport/visa/residence permit) is required. 

Note: Depending on special circumstances in the visa application, additional documents will be required.

The minimum bank balance required for an Australian tourist visa is AUD 5,000 (recommended: AUD 8,200).

The minimum financial requirement to apply for an Australian visa varies depending on the type of visa, length of stay, and purpose of visit. If you have fewer funds, provide an account of other financial proof, such as PPF, fixed deposit, and shares.

No, health examinations are not mandatory for a short-term Australia tourist visa.

However, it might be required only in special cases, depending on the information you provide under the “Health Declarations” section of the visa application form. If your answer is ‘no’ to all the questions asked, you will not need to undertake any health examination. If you have answered ‘yes’ to any question, then the health examination request will depend on the gravity of your situation, which is at the authorities' discretion.

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining an Australian visa. However, when applying, you must make sure that you truthfully answer the questions regarding your criminal conduct and provide all requested information. Not disclosing the truth can lead to visa refusal.

Additionally, authorities might ask you to provide supporting documents, such as a police or military certificate or a letter of good conduct from your employer. Ensure that, if requested, you can provide the valid documents on time.

To apply for an Australian visa for minors, the following documents are required:

Birth certificate (showing the names of both parents).    Adoption papers/parental court orders or proof of legal guardianship if you can’t provide a birth certificate

Form 1229 (consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years) or a Statutory Declaration as the guardian’s consent for the child to visit Australia on the visa. This is applicable only when your parent or legal guardian is not travelling to Australia with you.    In addition to consent information, if you are not staying with a relative or legal guardian, provide

Form 1257 (an Undertaking Declaration that needs to be signed by the person you're staying with). 

While not mandatory, travel insurance is recommended when visiting Australia. This ensures that you are protected against any unforeseen travel or medical expenses in a foreign country.

Application Process

Once your Australia visa application is approved, you can access the visa from the Nexus Visa International my profile dashboard. Here's what you should do:

Print a copy: Having a physical copy is always safe, as it helps against any digital failures.

Save a digital version: Keep a digital copy on your smartphone or tablet for easy access.

Tip: Before you travel, double-check all the details on your visa, such as your name and travel dates, to ensure everything is correct.

Yes, when applying through Nexus Visa International, you can conveniently include your family members in a single application. However, please note that supporting documents and fees must be submitted separately for each individual.

No, you do not need to submit biometric data to get an Australian tourist visa from India.

Biometric information is only required for a visa that is part of the biometrics program, and if you are applying from a country that is part of Australia’s biometrics program. You can check further details on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Follow these steps to ensure a stronger visa application and prevent possible rejection of your Australia visa:

Provide correct information and double-check: Thoroughly review all the information and match it with the supporting documents. If you have enabled autocorrect, double-check that it has not altered any detail you provided. Additionally, do not hide any information, especially health and criminal records. The government might do background checks, and hiding sensitive information will only lead to difficulties in getting visas in the future.

Submit strong financial proof: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This might involve providing bank statements and pay slips. If you do not have sufficient funds, consider having a sponsor to increase your chances of visa approval.

Strongly demonstrate the intent to return: To establish that you plan to return to your home country after your visit, include documents that reflect your ties to your home country. In addition to providing an accurately filled Form 54, you can include a letter from your employer confirming your leave of absence, a certificate of enrollment in educational programs or courses in your home country, and birth certificates of your children, if applicable. 

No, you cannot apply for an Australian visa directly at an embassy. The Australian immigration authorities only accept visa applications online.

Here's a quick overview of how to apply for an Australian tourist visa online for Indians:

Start application: Start your Australia visa application on Nexus Visa International.

Upload personal identification documents: Take a selfie for the photo or upload the photograph and passport copy.

Upload Financial document: Upload documents such as bank statements, payslips, etc.

Review the details: Review the personal details and documents submitted. Make sure the name and passport details are correct.

If travelling with others: Add co-travellers in the application.

Finalise and pay: Review your visa application and checkout, and pay applicable fees.

Await your visa approval: We’ll submit your application, and the processing time will start. You can track your visa status on the Nexus Visa International app during this period.

Receive your visa: Upon approval, Nexus Visa International will email you your visa with an attachment. Remember to print the e-visa to carry while entering the country.

Here are the reasons to choose Nexus Visa International:

Easy visa applications: Our platform is user-friendly, making it accessible even for first-time users. With just a few clicks, you can get the visa from the comfort of your home.

Add co-traveller: With our advanced application process, we have made it easier to apply for multiple people at one time. When applying for a visa, you can easily add a co-traveller(s).

Great support: We understand the uncertainty and anxiety that follow submitting a visa application. Hence, we offer real-time updates on your visa status and expert help if you have any questions.

Secure: Your personal information is kept safe and encrypted. We do not sell your data to third parties.

Wide coverage: Apart from Australia, we also serve visas to 120+ countries for Indians. Such wide coverage allows you to apply for visas to numerous countries worldwide.

Status Tracking

The processing time for an Australian tourist visa varies, often taking three weeks to a month, depending on specific circumstances. The processing usually gets extended during peak travel season or when the government requests additional documents.

To avoid such unforeseen delays, consider applying through authorised channels that are familiar with the complications of visa processes. These experts can ensure that you provide all the required documentation, eliminating the need for further clarification requests from the consular.

Refunds, Rejections & Reapplications

If rejected, carefully review the reasons for rejection provided by the consular officer via mail. Once you have addressed the reason and you believe that the circumstances of your visa application have changed, reapply.

Please note that in the same visa rejection mail, the consular will also let you know if you can request a review of the rejection decision.

Entry & Exit Regulations

No, you cannot work on an Australian tourist visa. The primary purpose of a tourist visa or visitor visa is short-term visits for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending non-business-related activities. Engaging in any kind of paid work is prohibited.

If you wish to work in Australia, you must apply for appropriate work-related visas, such as a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, Skilled Independent visa, or Employer Nomination Scheme (EMS) visa. The Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information about the available options.

Can I extend the tourist visa when in Australia?

No, the Australian visitor visa (subclass 600) is non-extendable. If your visa is expiring soon and you wish to stay longer, you have three options:

Apply for a new visa: You can apply for a new visa in Australia, provided your current visa does not have a condition that prevents further stay (such as condition 8503—No Further Stay). Only in special cases can you apply for a new visa with condition 8503; you can check the options available on the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) website.

Apply for a different visa: Depending on your eligibility, you might be able to apply for a different visa type, such as a student or work visa. Check this on the DOHA website before your current visa expires.

Exit the country: If you do not qualify for both the above-mentioned options, you must exit the country before your visa expires and apply for a new visa to re-enter.

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