Australia Tourist Visa For Indian Passport Holders

One of the most important things that you need to travel to Australia is an Australian tourist visa. It is granted by the Government of Australia to an individual who is willing to travel to Australia for a short-term tourism purpose. This visa is applied by the tourists from the allowed countries to spend their holidays in the country, or sometimes even to meet their relatives or friends in Australia. An Australia tourist visa for Indians is of Subclass 600. The duration for which this visa can be issued is 3 months. However, the visa can also be extended up to 12 months under certain circumstances. You will be able to apply for the visa only if you are outside Australia.

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601): Not available for Indian citizens.
  
  
  
• eVisitor (subclass 651): Not available for Indian citizens.
  
  
  
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600): Recommended for Indian tourists. This visa allows visits for tourism, business, or to see family and friends, with stays of up to three, six, or twelve months.

When you apply for a tourist visa Australia, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility for the ones who can apply is given as follows:

• You must meet the health requirements :

The health requirements are different for different types of visas. They may not be required for a tourist visa. However, there are certain medical tests that are to be taken to get an Australian tourist visa for Indians. If you are above the age of 75, or if your stay is longer than 6 months, you will require a medical certificate.

• You must meet the character requirements :

You need to acquire a character certificate in order to submit it to the embassy. It can be submitted in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as well.

• You must have enough funds to support your stay in Australia :

You need to have enough balance in your savings bank account. If not, you at least need to have access to funds to be able to pay for your expenses.

• You must be a genuine visitor :

When you are applying for this tourist visa, you need to ensure that you are a genuine visitor and are visiting Australia only for tourism purposes. Meanwhile, you are also supposed to stay within the rules and regulations.

• You must possess health insurance :

Health insurance must be issued so that you can cover any kind of possible injury. The insurance may limit your financial liability.

There are particular documents that are required at the time of issuance of the visa. The Australia tourist visa documents are as follows:

• Original passport with a validity up to 6 months ahead of the date of journey
  
  
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
  
  
• Cover letter - Detailed
  
  
• Proof of change of name (if applicable)
  
  
• Proof of financial funds
   
  • Savings bank statement from the previous 6 months
  • Salary slip; or any other equivalent documents
    
    
    
• Invitation letter (if visiting a friend)
  
  
  • The letter must specify your relationship with the invitee
  • The purpose of the visit and the length of stay in the country
  • Specifying if they are staying with you
    
    
    
• Proof of you returning home
  
  
  • Letter from your employer
  • Letter from your school, college or the university
  • Proof that you have immediate family back home
  • Proof of your major assets at home
  • Return ticket
    
    
    
• Character documents - PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
  
  
  
• Income Tax Returns proof
  
  
  
• Proof of identification - PAN card, Adhaar card

4.1 Check Eligibility: Ensure You Meet the Basic Requirements

• Step: Verify your eligibility before starting the application process.

• How:

• Visit the Official Website: Australian Government’s Immigration and Citizenship website.

• Use the Visa Finder Tool (Optional): If unsure, utilize the "Visa Finder" to confirm the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is the correct choice for your visit.

• Review Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: No restrictions, but minors need additional documentation.

• Health and Character: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Intend to stay temporarily.

• Sufficient Funds: Evidence of financial support.

• English Language Proficiency: May be required in some cases.

• Previous Visa Refusals or Cancellations: Might affect eligibility.

• Outcome: Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding.

4.2 Gather Required Documents

• Step: Collect all necessary documents before applying.

• How:

• Refer to Section 5 (Detailed in the Original Response): For a comprehensive list of required documents, including:

• Passport

• Completed Form 1471E (submitted online)

• Recent Photos

• Proof of Funds

• Health Insurance (recommended)

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

• Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation

• Character and Police Certificates (if requested)

• Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)

• Additional Documents (for minors, students, etc.)

• Tips:

• Ensure Document Validity: Check expiration dates for passports and other time-sensitive documents.

• Translation Requirements: If documents are not in English, provide certified translations.

4.3 Apply Online

4.3.1 Visit the Australian Government’s Immigration and Citizenship Website

• Action: Navigate to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

• Outcome: Access to the online application portal.

4.3.2 Create an ImmiAccount (If You Don’t Have One)

• Step: Register for an ImmiAccount if you're a first-time user.

• How:

• Click on "Create an Account" on the top right corner of the homepage.

• Fill Out the Registration Form:

• Provide a valid email address.

• Choose a strong password.

• Enter your name as it appears on your passport.

• Verify Your Email Address:

• Check your inbox for a verification email from the Australian Government.

• Click on the verification link to activate your account.

• Outcome: A fully functional ImmiAccount for managing your visa applications.

4.3.3 Fill Out the Application Form (1471E)

• Step: Complete the online application form for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

• How:

• Log In to Your ImmiAccount.

• Start a New Application:

• Select "Visitor" as the visa type.

• Choose "Visitor Visa (subclass 600)".

• Fill Out the Form:

• Provide personal, travel, and background information.

• Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.

• Save and Continue:

• Regularly save your progress.

• Proceed through each section until completion.

• Outcome: A fully completed online application form.

4.3.4 Upload Required Documents

• Step: Attach the gathered documents to your online application.

• How:

• Access the "Attach Documents" Section within your application.

• Upload Each Required Document:

• Ensure file formats are compatible (usually PDF, JPEG, etc.).

• Stay within the specified file size limits.

• Verify Uploads:

• Confirm each document has uploaded successfully.

• Check for any errors or warnings.

• Outcome: Successfully attached all required documents to your application.

4.4 Pay the Application Fee

• Step: Complete the payment for your Visitor Visa application.

• How:

• Access the Payment Section:

• Within your ImmiAccount, navigate to the payment step.

• Select Payment Method:

• Credit/Debit Card (note the surcharge).

• Other accepted payment methods (if available).

• Enter Payment Details:

• Accurately input your card or payment information.

• Confirm Payment:

• Review the payment summary.

• Proceed with the payment.

• Outcome: Successful payment of the application fee.

4.5 Biometrics (If Required)

• Step: Attend a biometrics appointment if requested.

• How:

• Check Your Email:

• For instructions on whether biometrics are required.

• Book an Appointment:

• At an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in India.

• Use the appointment scheduling service provided in your email.

• Attend the Appointment:

• Bring your passport and any other specified documents.

• Cooperate with the biometrics collection process.

• Outcome: Successful collection of your biometric data (if required).

4.6 Wait for Processing

• Step: Monitor the status of your application.

• How:

• Check Your Email:

• For updates on your application status.

• Use Your ImmiAccount:

• Log in to track the current status of your application.

• Outcome: Awareness of your application’s progress.

4.7 Decision

• Outcome: Receive the decision on your Visitor Visa application.

• Scenarios:

• Approved:

• Receive your visa grant notice via email.

• Review the visa conditions and validity period.

• Rejected:

• May appeal the decision (refer to section 11 for appeal processes).

• Understand the reasons for rejection to improve future applications.

• Passport:
  

• Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Ensure it has at least two blank pages.
  
  

• Completed Form 1471E:
  
  

• Submitted online.
  
  
  

• Recent Photos:
  
  

• Two passport-sized photos, not older than six months.
• Follow the specified dimensions and background requirements.
  
  
  

• Proof of Funds:
  
  

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately AUD 1,000 per month).
• Proof of income or employment.
  
  
  

• Health Insurance:
  
  

• Recommended, though not mandatory for tourists.
  
  
  

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
  
  

• Booked or proposed flights to and from Australia.
• Detailed itinerary if staying with friends/family.
  
  

• Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation:
  
  

• Confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host.
  
  
  

• Character and Police Certificates:
  
  

• If requested by the Australian authorities.
  
  
  

• Proof of English Language Proficiency (If Required):
  
  

• IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English proficiency tests.
  
  
  

• Additional Documents (If Applicable):
  
  

• For minors: Parental consent letter, birth certificate, etc.
• For students: Leave letter from the educational institution.

• Base Application Charge for Visitor Visa (subclass 600): Check the latest fee on the official website.
  
  
• Credit/Debit Card Surcharge: Applies for online payments.
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Credit/Debit Cards (online).
• Bank cheques or money orders (for paper applications, if eligible).

• Processing Times: Vary; check the official website for current estimates.
  
  
• Tracking Your Application:
  
  
• Use your ImmiAccount.
• Receive email updates on the status.

• Visa Grant Notice: Received via email, specifying the visa grant number, validity period, and conditions.
  
  
• Common Conditions:
  
  
• Must not work in Australia.
• Must not study for more than three months.
• Must comply with all Australian laws.

When you have received your visa, you need to make sure of a few things. There are certain pointers that you need to take care of. Some of the pointers are mentioned as follows:

• Before you travel
  

  • You need to make sure that you have a valid visa before taking the flight to Australia.
  • You also must carry a valid passport and other travel documents as well.
     

• At the border
  

  • When you reach the airport, you need to make sure that you complete the formalities that are involved. You first need to fill in the Incoming Passenger Card.
  • You can use the Smart Gate. The Smart Gate uses facial recognition to confirm your identity and the credibility of your ePassport as well. You will be able to enter the country faster.
    
    

• When you enter the country

  • You must have an original and valid visa with you.
  • You must meet the visa conditions provided on the visa grant letter.
    
    

• What can you do on your visa

  • On your visa, you can go on a cruise or have a holiday.
  • You can visit your family and friends in the country, hence, also called Australia visitor visa.
  • You can study or obtain training for up to 3 months.
  • You are not allowed to be involved in any kind of employment but can do volunteer work.
    
    

• Single entry

You can enter the country once and if you leave, you will not be able to return to the country.

• Multiple entries

With multiple entry permit, you can enter Australia multiple times within the validity of the visa.

• Biometrics:
  
  

• Required for some applicants; check your email for instructions.
• Book an appointment at an AVAC in India.
  
  

• Health Requirements:
  
  

• May be required based on your length of stay, health, or activities in Australia.
• Follow instructions from the Australian authorities if a health examination is necessary.

• Apply Early: To account for any processing delays.
  
  
  
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check all uploaded documents.
  
  
  
• Be Prepared for Additional Requests: The Australian authorities might request more information.
  
  
  
• Stay Updated: Regularly check the official website for policy changes.

• Common Reasons for Rejection:
  
  

• Insufficient funds.
• Failure to meet the GTE requirement.
• Health or character concerns.
  
  
  

• Appeal Process:
  
  

• Review the Decision: Understand the reasons for rejection.
• Gather New Evidence: Addressing the concerns for rejection.
• Submit an Appeal: Through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or as instructed in your rejection notice.
• Wait for the Appeal Decision

Need more clarity on the Australia visa? Check out helpful resources below

Australia Visa Requirement
Australia Tourist Visa Requirement
Australia Business Visa Requirement
Australia Visit Visa Requirement
Australia Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection