Required Documents
For Australia Visa
Online Applications
It is recommended to scan or photograph all documents, including both the original and translated versions, in color and with clarity. If a document has multiple pages, it should be saved as a single file.
Paper Applications
It is necessary to have all documents, including both the original and translated versions, certified by an individual who meets the following criteria:
- Is an Australian citizen
- Is not related to the applicant by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship
- Works in one of the occupations listed on the relevant authority’s website learn more.
Applicants from outside Australia
For applicants who are applying outside of Australia and do not have access to an Australian citizen, their documents can be certified by someone who meets the following criteria:
- A citizen of the country where the applicant is located.
- Not related to the applicant by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship.
- Works in one of the occupations listed on the relevant authority’s website.
- All certified copies of documents should be sent to the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Authority.
- If possible, documents should be included with the visa application.
The following documents are required for the application of an Australian visa:
Passport with validity of at least 6 months, or other travel documents
The page in the passport containing personal information, photo, date of issuance, and expiration date must be presented. Additionally, the applicant must provide a national identity card if available, and if there has been a name change, appropriate documentation must be provided as evidence.
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce certificate.
- Documentation showing name change from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the equivalent authority overseas.
- Documentation that applicant has used other names before.
Invitation from a friend or relative residing in Australia
- The letter of invitation must indicate the connection between the inviter and yourself, the objective of your trip, the duration of your stay, and whether the inviter will bear the expenses of your stay in Australia.
- The inviter should provide evidence of their identity, such as a passport or a residence permit, proof of their address, such as energy bills, and proof of funds if they are responsible for financing your visit to Australia
Proof of financial documents to support your stay in Australia
- Bank statements for at least a period of 3 months.
- Credit card statements.
- Fixed deposits.
Salary slip.
Tax records.
Reasons for going back to your home country
- A letter from the employer should be provided, indicating that the applicant intends to resume their job upon returning.
- Proof of study.
- Proof of assets owned.
- Documentation demonstrating that the applicant has the ability to return to their home country should be provided.
- Proof that immediate family members reside in the applicant’s home country.
If applicable, a record of military service or discharge from the military should be provided
Itinerary
Additional documents required for applicants below the age of 18
- Birth certificate showing the name of both parents.
- Instead of a birth certificate, you can submit the identification pages of the following documents:
The identification pages of a government-issued document, a court-issued document, a family book indicating the names of both parents, or a family census register can be submitted in place of a birth certificate.
Medical examinations, if applicable
Note: Individuals under the age of 18 who are under the guardianship of someone other than their parents, such as court-appointed legal guardians or adoptive parents, must furnish evidence of legal guardianship. This may include presenting adoption papers or a parental court order.
Australia Visa Application Steps
1. Paper Applications
- Gather all the required documents.
- Complete the application process, download the application form, which can be found at the following link here. Ensure that all fields in the form are filled out accurately and sign the document.
- Pay the application fee. visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and either create an account if you are a new user or log in if you are a returning user. Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Manage Payments’ section to complete the payment for the visa application. After payment is made, you will receive a receipt number which should be copied onto the application form.
Note that surcharges for online payment using cards may differ from one company to another. For those submitting applications from overseas, alternative payment options may be available at the intended visa office. - If submitting a paper application, ensure that certified copies of all supporting documents are included. The completed and signed application form, along with the certified copies of supplementary documents, should be sent by post or courier to the designated visa office.
2. Online Applications
- Collect all the required documentation.
- To fill out the application form, visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. If you are a returning user, log in with your credentials, or create a new account if you are a new user. Once logged in, select ‘New Application’, and answer all questions as instructed. Please ensure that all required documents are attached and that a passport photo is included as well.
- Submit the Australian visa application form, and note that all members must submit their applications together in family applications.
- To pay the application fee, you may choose from several options including BPAY, credit card, PayPal, or UnionPay. Once the payment is completed, please wait for the outcome of your visa application.Note that only one credit card can be used to pay the application fee, and the full amount must be paid in a single transaction.
Australia Visa Fees
The initial cost of a visa application is AUD145, but applicants may also be required to pay additional fees for other requirements, such as biometrics, police certificates, and health examinations. All fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.
Where to apply
Visa applications can be submitted either in paper format at the nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy, or online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. While most types of visas can be applied for online, some may require a paper application. It is important to carefully review the requirements for the specific visa being applied for to determine the appropriate application method.
Australia Visa Processing Time
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, the processing time for visa applications may be impacted. 75% of applications take 7 months, while 90% take 9 months.
For approved visa applications:
- Applicants will receive written notification regarding the approval of their visa, and will be provided with the following information:
- Visa grant number
- The start date of the visa
- Visa conditions
- Note: Keep a copy of the decision with your person at all times when in Australia.
For denied visa applications:
In the event that a visa application is denied, applicants will receive written notification that includes the reasons for the denial, as well as information on the right to request a review of the decision.