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It is important to understand that there is no particular list of countries that are eligible for visa-free entry to Australia. Particular conditions will depend on the type of visa one might wish to apply for. In the following paragraphs some of the examples will be mentioned, but to make sure about one’s eligibility for entering Australia visa-free, it is best to research information on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or contact the closest diplomatic mission (e.g. consulate or embassy).
Any traveler going to Australia, except the ones on the list of countries that are exempt from obtaining one, will be required a valid visa to enter the country. The Visa policy of Australia is quite elaborate and contains many categories and subcategories of visas, which is why it is important to understand the exact travel purpose before applying for a visa. In their system there exist more than 100 different options, depending on the traveler profile, intentions as well as length of the potential stay. Nonetheless, there are major categories that will provide an overall impression, here they are.
They are mostly intended for people willing to spend a relatively short time in Australia and stay there for temporary reasons. For example, perform touristic activities, visit friends and family, or do business activities. It is possible to carry out some training and studying activities of up to 3 months on these visa types, but if it is the main travel purpose, it is better to choose one of the study visas. It is important to keep in mind that a very limited number of nationals are eligible for Australia ETA and eVisitor options. If one’s country is not named on the list for either, then they might apply for other Visitor visas.
Under this stream there are the following visa types:
The main goal for anyone willing to obtain this type of visa should be studying or training in Australia. Alternatively, one type of visas in this category allows obtaining a visa to the legal guardian of a student. The allowed duration of stay might differ depending on the study program and the age of the student, but the visa might be granted for up to 5 years.
Under this stream there are the following visa types:
The aim of this visa stream is to allow families to live together in Australia. This is why the most important requirement to obtain a visa of this category is having either a sponsor (either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealand citizen) or a family member living in Australia. Most of these visas grant the right to stay permanently.
Under this stream there are the following visa types:
This is the stream of visas that will allow entry into the country to perform various labor and business-related activities, for short or long-term duration. It is good to keep in mind that there is no such term as an Australia work visa because they are more detailed according to the type of work that will be done and existing qualifications one possesses. If one has a substantial amount of skill, knowledge, or accumulated financial means then it is worth considering a visa type that is granted for these particular reasons.
Under this stream there are the following visa types:
This is a particular type of visa that allows entering the country for performing medical procedures. For example, undergoing surgery or receiving other types of medical care, or donating an organ, etc. It is usually obtained for the duration of time until the medical condition is treated, and is only available to applicants who do not possess a medical issue that is of threat to other inhabitants of Australia.
There are a few basic ways to apply for Australia visa. Depending on your country of application, the necessary type of visa, and other technical details, one might apply online, in a diplomatic mission (consulate, embassy, etc.), or through the postal service.
After specifying which visa type and application place one might want to choose, usually a list of documents will need to be collected and provided either in printed form or submitted online. If the requirements are filled, one will fill the visa application form and pay Australia visa fees.
In case it is required by the officer, it is likely that some applicants will need to schedule an in-person interview to assess their application and eligibility for a visa. In that case, a row of Australia visa questions might be asked to prove the legitimacy of the submitted information or overall suitability for entering the country. The next step in this process is waiting for the answer from the authorities, and it might take anywhere from 2 calendar days to 18 months, depending on the type of visa one has applied to.
As it was mentioned before, there is a large variety of visa options to enter Australia, and so are the requirements for them. Anyone willing to apply for a particular type will need to specify the individually applicable list of requirements and necessary documents to ensure a successful application. Among many other technical requirements, most applicants will need to prove they are of good health and prove no threat to the public health of Australian society. Additionally, proof of good character is often required, too.
