When applying for an Australian visa, you will need to fill out a form that is designed for the type of visa you need for your specific travel purpose. You can obtain all forms from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (see Resources). When filling out visa application forms, travelers are required to provide specific personal and contact information. Details include address, passport information, address in Australia, expected activities and contact information. To be sure that your visa processes efficiently, fill out the form completely.
When in Australia, a visa is proof of your legal status in the country. A student, for example, holds a different visa than a business traveler, and is therefore legally allowed to hold different positions while in country. When you apply for a visa for Australia, be sure to apply for the correct type for your activities in the country.
For most tourists or business travelers to Australia, the Short Validity Business Visa or the Visitor Visa will be sufficient. Both visas allow travelers to stay in Australia for up to three months, and are both valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Australia also sponsors the unique Working Holiday Visa for short term workers to the country; the program was designed to encourage interaction between cultures, and lets young people live and work in the country on a temporary basis. In addition, there are many other types of visas, including visas for students, professionals, doctors and nurses, special activities, migrants and sea crews.
As you plan a trip to Australia, be aware that the standard visa must be obtained before you enter the country; you cannot apply for one upon arrival. Generally, a standard visa application will take about two to four weeks to process. You might consider applying for a visa through an agency such as Visas Australia (see Resources), which takes care of all visa application forms and processes. For a fee, the company will deal with the government and process all forms.
Australian visas allow the bearer to enter Australia and travel freely between cities. Travelers need visas only if they will be in the country for more than eight hours; for shorter stops, a visa is not requires.
