How to Apply for Australian Visa

Once you have identified your visa category, you should read all the details and information available for that category. This will help you understand the process, documents required, fees and charges, photo specifications and the time it takes to process it.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: Apply for an Australian Visa

To apply for an Australian visa, you need to follow certain procedures. You are first required to get an application form. After you fill out the form, you need to pay the service fees and charges. You can then submit the form along with the documents required. After this, you will have to wait for your visa to be processed. You will be able to track your visa application status. Once it is processed, you will be notified if your visa is approved or rejected.

Australian Visa Application Form

You can download the form online or you can visit the nearest Australian Visa Application Center to get a form. Applicants should read all instruction carefully before filling the form. The form is detailed and has important information about your entry into Australia. Once you have read and understood the information, you can begin to fill out the form. Enter all the details required.

Australian Visa Application Payment

After you have filled in your form, you need to make the payment for the application fees. You can pay online or at the center. If you are applying from Australia, credit card payments are preferred. You can also use money orders or bank cheques. If you are paying from outside Australia, you need to check with the Application Centre on the accepted payment methods and the accepted currencies, and to whom the payment should be made payable.

The following charges may apply:

• Base Application Charge
• Non-Internet Application Charge
• Additional Applicant Charge of 18 years and above (at the time of application)
• Additional Applicant Charge of under 18 years (at the time of application)
• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge

The following are the modes of payment accepted for the visa application fees.

1. Bank Cheque - payable to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
2. Money Order - payable to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
3. Credit Card - A surcharge may apply to credit card payments. If you are applying in Australia, credit card payment is preferred. The following credit cards are accepted.
   1. MasterCard
   2. Visa
   3. American Express
   4. JCB
   5. Diners Club

Australian Visa Documents Required

The documents you require will be mentioned on your application form. Documents vary between subtypes and between individuals. You need to keep all your documents ready. Also be educated on any other requirements the visa entails such a sponsorship, a letter of support, letter of invitation, health requirements and so on.

Submission:

You need to read the Security Regulations thoroughly before you visit an Australian Visa Application Center. You can then visit the nearest centre located in India, Nepal or Bhutan and lodge an application. You can also send in your application via post to the centres that accept postal applications.

Post Submission:

After you have submitted your application, the processing time can vary depending on your situation. Each subtype also takes different processing times. Please check your sub category to find out the processing time for your application. If you have provided false information or inaccurate information, then this could hamper the processing time and can even lead to a rejection. You are advised not to book your air tickets to Australia before your visa is approved. Any delay or rejection of your application will result in the loss of the tickets and the expense of that will have to be borne by you.

Where to Apply for a Visa to Australia

You can apply for an Australian visa using any of the three methods listed below:

1. Online - You can apply for a visa to Australia online. Fill up the relevant form on the Australian visa website and submit it.
2. Australian Visa Application Centres - Visit the nearest center and lodge an application.
3. Postal Service - You can send your application to the application centres via post.

Please refer to the table below to find the nearest application office and if postal services are available.

Tracking Australian Visa Application Status

You can track the status of your application online:

1. For applications made before 1st July 2013, you can enter your application reference number, passport number and the purpose of travel that is mentioned on the receipt. You will receive the application status.
2. For applications made after 1st July 2013, you only need to enter the VLN number and your date of birth as mentioned on the receipt.
3. VFS Global will also send you application status alerts via email and SMS to the contacts you provided in your application form.