Australia Visitor Visa guide for Indian citizens

Australia is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse wildlife. It's no surprise that millions of tourists visit this country every year. If you are an Indian citizen planning to travel to Australia, you must get an Australia Visitor Visa.

We’re here to explain everything you need to know about this Australian tourist visa and simplify the application process.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for an Australian Visitor Visa, the requirements to enter Australia, and more details about the visa fees and processing times.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Australia?

Indian travelers must get a valid Australian visa to enter the territory. You can complete most of the visa application steps online with us if you visit Australia for tourism or business purposes.

We’ll give you full guidance on how to apply and what to bring to the embassy! If you plan to work or live permanently in Australia, you must apply for a resident visa through the Australian Embassy.

Australian visa types for Indian citizens

Indian nationals have the following main visa options to enter Australia. Ensure you choose the correct one according to your travel purpose:

• Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): This tourist and business visa is available for most Indian nationals. It also allows you to study in the country for less than three months.

You submit the application form online and, usually, must attend an appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrical Collections Centre (ABCC). Sometimes, a phone interview is possible.

• Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500): Australia has many reputable universities! If accepted in one of them, you must apply for this visa to enjoy long-term studies in the country. In most cases, you can work but must follow the work-hour restrictions in your visa conditions.

• Australia Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417): This is a temporary work visa for 18 to 30 year old travelers. Indian passport holders with this visa category can have an extended holiday in Australia and work there to help fund their trip. Be aware that working holiday visas don’t allow travel with dependent children.

Am I eligible to get the Australian Visitor Visa in India?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for the Australian Visitor Visa. If you’re from a different country than India, use our Visa Checker Tool to find out which document you must apply for to travel to Australia.

We offer full assistance during the entire process. We'll help you submit an error-free form and guide you through the appointment and interview steps with a handy guide. With our help, getting an Australia Visitor Visa will be hassle-free!

What you can do with an Australia Visitor Visa

It's essential to know what activities are allowed and which are not to ensure a smooth stay in Australia with your Visitor Visa. Here's a breakdown:

Allowed activities with an Australia Visitor Visa:

• Travel to Australia for tourism and cruise travel.
• Visit friends and family (if sponsored by immediate family members residing in Australia).
• Engage in business activities, such as negotiating contracts and attending trade fairs or conferences.
• Enroll in a course or study for a maximum of three months.

Prohibited activities for Australia Visitor Visa holders:

• Work or sell goods.
• Participate in a trade fair or conference if the organizer is paying you.
• Study or enroll in a course for more than three months.
• Travel to Australia for medical treatment or health reasons.

Follow these guidelines, and you won’t have any problems while staying in Australia!

How long is the Australian Visitor Visa valid for Indian citizens?

Good news! The Australia Visitor Visa is a Multiple Entry visa valid for three years. That means you can visit Australia as many times as you'd like during that time.

Based on your background, the consular officers will decide how long you can stay in Australia. You could be permitted to stay for three, six, or 12 months.

Australia Visitor Visa application requirements in India

When applying for a visa, ensure you meet all the requirements. Our application process includes a comprehensive guide and a complete list of all necessary documents based on your situation.

However, here's an overview of the general Australia visa requirements for Indian nationals.

• A copy of your valid passport, including the photo page and immigration stamps.
• A copy of your ID (if applicable).
• Applicant photo - If you don’t have one, use our affordable and convenient digital passport photo service.

Additionally, the Australian government may require you to submit other documents, such as:

• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or financial assets.
• Documents showing ties to India, such as proof of employment or enrollment in a school.
• Travel itinerary or evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia.
• Letters of invitation from relatives or friends in Australia (if applicable).
• A police certificate.
• Family register and composition form (if applicable).

When you apply with us, we’ll provide you with a complete list of required documents and ensure your form matches all the document information. Note that if your documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated.

More about Australia Visitor Visa financial requirements

To prove your financial situation and ties to India, you can provide the following documents:

• Three months of bank statements stamped by your bank.
• Your pay slips or employment contract.
• Tax records, income tax returns documents, or credit card statements.
• Proof of owning a house or rental contract.
• Proof that you are studying at a school, college, or university in India.
• A letter from your employer.

More about Australia Visitor Visa passport requirements

Ensure your passport meets the following criteria:

• Be valid for at least three months after your arrival in Australia.
• Be in good condition.

Australia Visitor Visa requirements for children in India

If you're planning to travel to Australia with your child(ren), keep in mind that minors need an Australian Visa too. Here are the documents you must include in your child's application:

• Your child's birth certificate that includes both parents' names or a family book with both parents' names.
• ID cards of both parents or adoption papers with the ID of the guardians.
• If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent, you must include Form 1229 in the application. This form must be completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians and be accompanied by a copy of their driver's license or passport (or other identification with signature and photo).
• If your child travels without a parent or guardian and not staying with a relative or organized tour, you must also include Form 1257 - Undertaking Declaration. This form must be completed and signed by the person providing accommodation and responsible for your child during their stay in Australia. The parents or legal guardians must nominate this person.

Australia Visitor Visa photo requirements

Your photo must meet these requirements before submitting your Australian Visitor Visa application:

• The photo must be in color and within the last six months.
• The photo’s background must be plain white or light-colored and free from shadows or reflections.
• You must face the camera directly with your head centered in the frame.
• Your facial expression must be neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed.
• Head coverings aren't allowed unless worn for medical or religious reasons.
• The lenses should be free from any reflections if you wear glasses.
• The photo size should be 45mm high x 35mm wide (passport-size).

Don't worry about the hassle of getting a compliant photo. You can use our digital passport photo service for a 100% government-compliant photo.

Australia Visitor Visa application: How to apply in India

We focus on the paperwork while you can take care of your travel arrangements! That’s why we guide you throughout the process and simplify it as much as possible.

To get your Australia Visitor Visa quickly and easily, you only need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Complete our simplified visa application form on the website or iVisa app. Provide your personal and travel details.

• Step 2: Verify all the information to avoid mistakes. Then, pay the visa fees using PayPal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, or a credit or debit card.

• Step 3: Upload the necessary documents and click ‘Submit.’ Attend the biometric appointment at the Australian Visa Application Centre and undergo the medical examination.

After that, you must wait for the government’s answer. Once approved, get ready to travel to Australia!

Making an appointment at the Australian Visa Application Centre

Getting a visitor visa for Australia involves providing biometric information at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrical Collections Centre (ABCC) and undergoing a medical exam. Don’t worry; we’ll help you schedule the appointment and provide all the instructions.

You’ll receive an email from us detailing the documents you must bring to the appointment, which must be placed in a manila or transparent plastic folder.

How to prepare for the Australian Visitor Visa interview in India

The Australian government may sometimes require a visa interview. If so, they’ll call you unannounced for a 5-minute phone call just to verify your travel purpose. If serious concerns about your situation arise, a formal interview may occur.

Here is some advice to help you prepare for your interview, whether it's a phone call or in person. You’ll also receive a handbook with tips on how to prepare if you apply through us:

• Have all your documents ready and organized in your folder.
• During the interview, be an active listener, and don’t give short answers. Use this opportunity to tell the authorities the context you couldn’t write on the form and convince the visa officer of your travel intentions.
• Be clear that you have enough reasons to return to your country so that the visa officer will understand that you don’t have motives to stay permanently in Australia.
• If you’re unsure or don’t understand a question, don’t guess. Instead, ask the officer to clarify the question and then answer it.
• If you miss the call, the embassy will call you again unexpectedly, so always be ready.

Remember, we're here to help you through every step of the process, so don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Tips for an error-free Australia Visitor Visa application

We know that the application process can be confusing and complicated. Applying with us, you have full support during the process and an iVisa expert to help you avoid errors. However, here are some valuable tips for a successful visa application:

• Apply early: We recommend applying for your Australia Visitor Visa at least two months before your intended travel date to ensure that you have sufficient processing time.

• Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), such as having a valid passport, no criminal convictions, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.

• Include a cover letter: A cover letter can explain your purpose for visiting Australia and provide additional details that may not be clear from the application.

• Provide evidence of ties to your home country: It's crucial to show that you have strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property ownership, to prove that you intend to return home after your visit.

• Be honest: Provide truthful and accurate details, as giving false information can result in a rejected application and may affect your ability to apply for a visa in the future.

• Get professional assistance: Our iVisa experts can guide you throughout the visa process and review all the information for an error-free application.

Australia Visitor Visa fee: Cost of the visa for Indian citizens

The Australia Visitor Visa cost may differ according to the applicant’s nationality. This Australian visa for citizens of India costs USD $312.66 (including the government visa fee).

What is the Australian Visitor Visa processing time?

You'll go through two stages with our service. The first is our application processing, where we help you complete the visa application, review all the information, and schedule an appointment to provide your biometric information at a VAC.

Here are the processing times you can expect as an Indian citizen:

• iVisa processing time for Indian citizens: 30 days.

After you have provided your biometric information, passed the medical examination, and submitted all required documents, the Australian government will process your visa request.

• Australia government processing time: On average, the government takes 28 days (90% of applications) to process your visa request. Please note that this timeframe may vary based on the Embassy's workload.

My Australian Visitor Visa in India was denied. What should I do?

If your Australian Visitor Visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply for a visa. However, you will need to declare that your previous application was denied. Remember that your previous denied visa will almost always affect your eligibility for future visas.

Contact us for more information about the Australia Visitor Visa

If you have any questions or concerns about the Australia Visa for citizens of India, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team via chat or email us at [email protected]. We are always available to assist you and ensure your trip to Australia goes smoothly.