Australian Visa Types, Eligibility, Supporting Documents and How to Apply

Planning to visit, study, undertake training, receive medical treatment or perform temporary work in Australia? The visa you need depends on your passport, purpose of travel, intended activities, length of stay and individual circumstances.

Visitor and Business Visitor Visas

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) covers several visitor purposes, including tourism, visiting family and approved business visitor activities. A visitor must meet the requirements of the relevant stream, including being a genuine visitor and having adequate funds for the stay and departure. Depending on nationality and circumstances, an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) may instead be available.

Official information: Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Transit Visa - Subclass 771

The Transit visa (subclass 771) permits eligible travellers to transit Australia for no longer than 72 hours. Some travellers may be able to transit without a visa if they satisfy the applicable Transit Without a Visa requirements, while holders of another suitable Australian visa may not need a separate Transit visa.

Official information: Transit visa (subclass 771)

Medical Treatment Visa - Subclass 602

The Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602) is a temporary visa for eligible people travelling to or remaining in Australia for medical treatment or consultation, organ donation, or to support a person receiving treatment in qualifying circumstances. Work is generally not permitted except in limited circumstances.

Official information: Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)

Temporary Work - Short Stay Specialist Visa

The current Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) is intended for short-term, highly specialised work where the applicant has specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia. It is not a general long-term employment visa. Home Affairs may grant a stay of up to six months depending on the circumstances, with a strong business case generally required for stays longer than three months.

Official information: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)

Student Visa - Subclass 500

The Student visa (subclass 500) is the principal visa for eligible international students undertaking a course of study in Australia. Applicants generally need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment and must satisfy the current Genuine Student requirement, as well as applicable financial, English-language, health, character and insurance requirements. Work rights and other conditions depend on the visa conditions in force.

Official information: Student visa (subclass 500)

Training Visa - Subclass 407

The Training visa (subclass 407) is for eligible workplace-based occupational training or professional development. It is not intended for ongoing ordinary employment. Applicants generally require sponsorship and nomination, subject to the rules applying to their circumstances.

Official information: Training visa (subclass 407)

Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa - Subclass 403

The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) covers specific streams connected with Australia's international relations. These include, depending on current rules, government agreements, foreign government agency arrangements, privileges and immunities, the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). Each stream has separate eligibility requirements.

Official information: Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)

Common Supporting Documents for an Australian Visa

The exact documents depend on the visa subclass, stream, nationality and personal circumstances. The document checklist generated for the application and the relevant Home Affairs visa page should always be followed.

• Valid passport and requested identity documents.
• Recent photographs or identity evidence where requested.
• Evidence explaining the purpose of travel.
• Financial evidence showing the ability to support the stay where required.
• Travel itinerary, onward travel details or accommodation information where relevant.
• Employment, business, study, training, sponsorship or nomination evidence relevant to the visa.
• Confirmation of Enrolment and other education documents for Student visa applicants.
• Medical or treatment documentation for Medical Treatment visa applicants.
• Health examinations, biometrics, police certificates or other character evidence if requested.
• Certified translations for documents not in English where required.

How to Apply for an Australian Visa

1. Identify the correct visa. Use the official Home Affairs visa finder and read the relevant subclass and stream requirements.
2. Check eligibility before applying. Confirm passport, location, purpose of travel, sponsorship or nomination requirements and any conditions affecting where an application can be made.
3. Create or access ImmiAccount. Most Australian visa applications are lodged and managed online.
4. Prepare and attach documents. Follow the personalised checklist for the relevant visa.
5. Pay the applicable visa application charge. Fees vary and may change; use official Home Affairs information at the time of lodgement.
6. Complete biometrics or health examinations if requested.
7. Monitor ImmiAccount. Respond promptly to requests for information and check application messages.
8. Wait for the visa decision before relying on travel plans. A visa should not be assumed to be granted merely because an application has been lodged.

Australian Visa Categories at a Glance

This page provides general information only. Visa eligibility and document requirements are determined under Australian migration law and current Department of Home Affairs policy and procedures applicable to the individual application.