Everything You Need To Know About An Australia Visa From India

Down Under in Australia, you can experience all 4 seasons in the opposite order! When it's summer in the rest of the world, it's winter in Australia. Australia's pleasant springs, sunny summers, cool falls, and chilly winters, and flora and fauna make Australian travel the ultimate adventure! Whether you're on vacation, going to work, or to study at some of the world's finest universities, you will need to apply for an Australian Visa from India. Learn more about the Australia tourist visa, how to apply for it, and more in this article, mate! 

Australia Visa From India

An Australia visa allows you to visit Australia, whether you're travelling for tourism or business purposes. As an Indian citizen, you can apply for, and get, an Australia visa. On a tourist visa, you can usually stay for 3 months, and in some cases you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

You have to apply for an Australian Visabefore you travel to Australia. There are several types of Australian visas to choose from, including tourist visas and working holiday visas. To apply for an Australia visa, you can visit your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate, and apply with VFS mentioned in the "Australia Visa Application Centers in India" section below. 

Do not provide original versions of your documents unless the visa or passport authority requests for it. Submit scanned or coloured copies of your documents. The only documents that have to be originals are your police clearances.

Eligibility Criteria For Australian Visa

Ready to apply for your Australian Visa from India to travel to the Land Down Under? You'll need to see if you're eligible for the Australian Visa Requirements for Indians before you can get a visitor's visa.

1.Meet the Australian health requirements

You must meet the health requirements. Australia boasts the finest and most stringent health standards in the world. In order for Australia to maintain high health standards, they will require you as a visa applicant to meet minimum health standards before processing your visa. Expect to undergo health assessments as part of your Australian Visa from India application process. 

2. Meet the Australian character requirement

To apply for an Australian Visa for Indians, you have to have "good character" to visit Australia. "Good character" is defined by the following parameters and you have to pass the character test, and stay consistent in good character throughout your Australia holiday or business trip.

The character requirements are set out under Australia's section 501 of the Migration Act 1958, and you have to meet its character requirements if you are applying for:

• A visa

• Australian citizenship 

If you identify with any of the following negative character traits, you may be disqualified from applying, or receiving approval, for your visa:

• Substantial criminal record.

• Convicted of escaping from immigration detention, or convicted for an offense that you committed:

  • while you were in immigration detention

  • during an escape from immigration detention

  • after an escape, but before you were taken into immigration detention again

• You are or have been a member of a group or organisation, or had or have an association with a person, group or organisation that the Australian Minister reasonably suspects of being involved in criminal conduct.

• The Minister reasonably suspects that you have been involved in people smuggling, people trafficking, genocide, a war crime, a crime against humanity, a crime involving torture or slavery, or a crime that is of serious international concern, whether or not you have been convicted of such an offence.

• Your past and present criminal or general conduct shows that you are not of good character.

• There is a risk that while you are in Australia you would:

  • engage in criminal conduct

  • harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person

  • vilify a segment of the Australian community

  • incite discord in the Australian community or in a part of it

  • be a danger to the Australian community or a part of it

  • you have been convicted, found guilty or had a charge proven for, one or more sexually based offences involving a child

  • you are subject to an adverse security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

  • you are subject to an Interpol notice, from which it is reasonable to infer that you are a direct or indirect risk to the Australian community, or a segment of the Australian community

  • you are or have been convicted of a domestic violence offence, or have ever been subject to a domestic violence order

3. Pay your debts to the Australian government

If you owe the Australian government money, you must have paid it back, or have arranged to pay it back.

4. Have enough money

You must have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself while you are in Australia. When you apply for an Australian Visa from India, you have to include bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least $ 5,000 AUD per applicant. In addition, you will need to furnish payslips, audited accounts, taxation records, or credit card limits to prove you can fund your trip, stay, and return to India from Australia. 

5. Be a genuine visitor

To prove you have a genuine intention to visit Australia with an Australian Visa from India, with a visitor visa (subclass 600), you must meet the following requirements.

• Whether you have a history of Australian visa compliance

• Whether you intend to comply with the conditions of the visitor visa while in Australia 

• Any other relevant matters that the Australian visa authorities may require 

6. Best interests of minors

The Australian visa authorities may not grant minors an Australia tourist visa if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.

Types of Australian Visas Available For Indians

​​​This is a list of Australian visas. However, if you don't know which visa is right for you, you can use the Australia Visa Finder.

1. Visitor visas

2. Studying and training visas

3. Family and partner visas

4. Working and skilled visas

5. Refugee and humanitarian visas

6. Other visas

7. Repealed visas

1. Standard Visitor Visa 

If you're visiting Australia as an Indian tourist, you will need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority. With the Standard Visitor's visa, you can stay in Australia for up to 3 months on a single entry. Your Standard Visitor Visa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and can be used for multiple travels. 

If you'd like to stay in Australia for a longer time, you can apply for a long stay visa, valid for up to 6 months. The applications for visitor visas are usually processed within 24 hours. 

2. Business Visa

Going to Australia on a work trip? Business trips include conferences, negotiations, site inspections, or exploratory visits. You can apply for the Business (Short Stay) visa. With this visa, you can  travel to Australia for up to 3 months. The validity of this visa can be extended up to 5 years. 

3. Student Visa

If you're a student, you can apply with a student visa. You can also work to supplement your income while you study. As a student, you can work 20 hours per week. 

What to Know Before Applying For an Australian Travel Visa

When you apply for an Australia visa from India, you have to submit your fingerprints at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC). Certain situations may warrant needing to waive the photo requirement and/or biometrics. To waive the requirement, you should contact the Immigration office to see how to apply for a waiver request, and you must have a valid reason for the waiver request. 

How to Apply for Australia Visa from India

Wondering how to apply for an Australia Visa from India? You can apply at visa application centres known as VACs. As COVID-19 travel restrictions are relaxed or removed, many VACs have resumed operations with regular hours and services.

Before applying for your Australia visa at the VAC, familiarise yourself with the VAC's:

• Operating hours 

• Health and safety measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Knowing if you're eligible to enter Australia

• Any new changes or updates to the application process 

Applying Online 

You can apply for the Australia Visa online in a straightforward and simple process. If you’re applying online for the visa, then you can find the selection of forms in your ‘ImmiAccount’. For an online application, you must submit scanned identity pictures, and you must be mindful of the file size, and whether your pictures were scanned properly, following these additional rules:

• The photo size should be up to 500Kb.

• It’s preferable to submit the photos in jpg format.

• Compressed or encrypted files will not be accepted.

• The photo shouldn’t be placed on top of a piece of paper before scanning.

Applying on Paper 

If you're going to apply for your Australia visa on paper, manually, then you have to download the correct form and fill it in. When you submit a paper application for an Australia visa, your family certificates, including birth certificates, marriage licences, or adoption papers have to be verified copies of the originals. 

Documents Required for Australia Visafrom India

Here are the Australia visa documents you'll need to submit when you apply for a Australia tourist visa:

• Passport, with at least 6 months validity before the expiration date

• Passport photos, taken in the past six months

  • It must have a white background, and your entire face must be fully visible.

  • In some cases, you may also need to submit your biometric information along with the visa photo

  • The photo size has to be 35 mm to 40 mm wide and 45 mm to 50 mm high.

  • Your face has to be centred and looking straight at the camera.

  • Your head shouldn’t be tilted in any way.

  • Your hair has to be off your face.

  • Keep your eyes open, and mouth closed.

  • Hold a neutral expression without smiling, laughing, or frowning.

  • Face jewellery is not allowed (piercings)

  • Don’t wear a hat

  • Don’t wear a uniform, unless it’s a religious outfit

  • Sunglasses are not allowed

  • Head covering for religious purposes is allowed but the entire face has to be visible

  • No editing is allowed including removing a mole, scar, or background irregularities

  • Images have to be clear and focused, with no red eyes

  • The lighting should be uniform with no shadows and reflections

  • Prescription glasses are allowed as long as these conditions are met:

    • You have a doctor’s report stating you must wear glasses.

    • The frames don’t block your eyes.

    • The lenses don’t reflect in the picture.

• Australian Visa Form

• Paid Visa Fee

• One Identity Picture

• National Identity Card

• Police Certificate

• Family Certificates

• Evidence of Financial Means

• Health Insurance 

• Authorised Recipient Form

• Evidence of Temporary Stay

• Detailed Itinerary

• Accommodation Reservations

• Employer Permission Letter

• Invitation Letter

Australia Visa Fees from India

Your visa application will not be reviewed until payment has been verified. You are required to pay through an ImmiAccount, but, if you can’t submit the payment through the online service then you have to contact the Australian embassy in your country and see if you can submit the payment through their office. 

Visa fees depend on the type of Australian visa you're applying for. If you're going to work, study, or holiday in Australia, the fees will differ according to the purpose of travel. 

Australian Visa Processing Time for Indians

Most Australian visa applications are processed  within a few weeks, or less. On average, the Australia visa processing time is around 30 days. However, your Australia visa processing time depends on your specific case, the visa application office you submit your application to, and the decision that the Australia visa application authority takes. Usually, most visa applications are approved quickly. 

Processing times depend on individual visa offices, and if you need to complete further steps, or submit extra documents. The visa application services centre will return your passport and other original documents to you after they process your application.

The processing time starts the day the embassy or consulate receives your application and ends when your visa is accepted or rejected. If you apply by mail, the time starts when your application arrives in the mailroom.

Australian Visa Validity for Indians

The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances.

Australia Visa Application Centers in India

In most cases, you will need to provide your fingerprints and biometric photo at the VAC after you apply for the Australia visa. You need to book an appointment to provide your biometrics.

These are the Australian VACs approved by the Australian government:

1. Ahmedabad

   • 1800 266 8858

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No 1 and 2, Bhikubhai Chambers, Near Bharat petroleum Ashram Road, Paldi Ahmedabad 380007

2. Bangalore

   • 022 6786 6002

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd., 8th Floor, Sobha Pearl, Commissariat Road, Near Mayo Hall (next to Bangalore Central Mall, Ashok Nagar) Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

3. Chandigarh

   • 022 6786 6002

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. C-313, B-3rd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, 160002

4. Chennai

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 5th Floor, Fagun Mansion, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai - 600008

5. Hyderabad

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Zonah Crescent, 3rd Floor, Banjara Hills Road No 12, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

6. Jalandhar

   • 022 6786 6035

   • Aman Plaza, 1st Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk (Opposite to Lovely Autos) Jalandhar-144001

7. Kolkata

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, (Near Gitanjali Stadium) Kolkata, 700107

8. Mumbai

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, Urmi Axis Building, (Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E Moses Road) Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai – 400011

9. New Delhi

   • 022 6786 6035

   • VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi-110001

10. Pune

    • 022 6786 6035

    • 93 Avenue (Mall Name), 4th Floor, Kalubai Chowk (Near Fatima Nagar Junction) Wanowarie, Pune - 411022

All of the Australian VACs in India are open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 until 17:00.

Australia Visa and Travel Insurance

Unlike many other country's visa requirements for travel insurance, Australia's travel insurance requirement is more lax. Even though having travel insurance isn't mandatory, the Australian government encourages you to purchase private travel insurance before travelling.

Some visa types have specific health insurance guidelines. Additionally, visitors may be required to submit recent health exams or tests, but this will depend on several factors and Australian officials will let you know beforehand.

When you plan on going to Australia you have to provide evidence that you can finance your trip on your own, you can include:

• Bank statements

• Pay slips

• Audited accounts

• Taxation records

• Credit card limit

• Evidence of support from family members (student visa and family visa)

If you are invited by someone and they are sponsoring your trip you must provide evidence that your sponsor has enough financial means.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Is an Australian visa easy to get?

Yes, it is easy to get an Australian tourist visa. But you have to meet the necessary requirements. What is the validity of the Australia tourist visa? The validity of the Australia tourist visa is one year (maximum).

How much bank balance is required for an Australian tourist visa?

To apply for an Australia Visitor Visa, you need to prove that you can fund your travel to and from Australia, along with accommodation. Generally, you will need to include bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least $5,000 AUD per applicant. In addition, you'll have to provide payslips, audited accounts, taxation records, or credit card limits.

What are the benefits of applying for an Australian Visa?

With an Australian tourist visa, you can enjoy a fulfilling stay in the country. You get access to travel across the entirety of Australia. What's more, you can travel multiple times for periods of up to 3 months per visit! Enjoy exploring tourist locations in different provinces/states, or business meetings, or catching up with loved ones. 

Can I apply for an Australian visa online?

Yes, you can apply for the Australia Visa online in a straightforward and simple process! If you’re applying online for the visa, then you can find the selection of forms in your ImmiAccount. 

For an online application, you must submit scanned identity pictures, and you must be mindful of the file size, and whether your pictures were scanned properly, following these additional rules:

• The photo size should be up to 500Kb.

• It’s preferable to submit the photos in jpg format.

• Compressed or encrypted files will not be accepted.

• The photo shouldn’t be placed on top of a piece of paper before scanning.

Who can apply for an Australian visa?

As an Indian citizen, you can apply for, and get, an Australia visa. On a tourist visa, you can usually stay for 3 months, and in some cases you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

You have to apply for an Australia visa before you travel to Australia. There are several types of Australian visa to choose from, including tourist visas and working holiday visas. To apply for an Australia visa, you can visit your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate, and apply with VFS mentioned in the "Australia Visa Application Centers in India" section above. 

Can a minor apply for an Australian visa?

Yes, minors can apply for an Australian visa. If persons under the age of 18 are applying for any type of Australian visa, there is a set of specific documents that have to be a part of the application:

• Letter of consent from parents/legal guardians.

• Filled in and signed permission form.

• Statutory declaration.

• Undertaking declaration (in cases when the minor applicant will be staying with an adult family member/friend in Australia).

When you take a picture of the child, the photos must follow these specifications:

• For children under three years old with an open mouth, the photo is acceptable.

• No other person should be visible.

• The child has to be looking straight at the camera.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any visa related decisions.

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