Australia Visitor Visa - Jas Overseas

A Guide to Australian Visitor Visas for Indian Citizens

1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This is the primary visa for Indian citizens wishing to visit Australia for tourism, to see family and friends, or for short-term business activities. This visa has several streams tailored to the purpose of your visit.

Tourist Stream (Apply outside Australia): This is the most popular option for leisure and travel.
- Purpose: Holidays, recreation, visiting family or friends, or going on a cruise.
- Stay: You can be granted a stay for up to 3, 6, or 12 months. The length of stay and whether you get a single or multiple entry visa is decided on a case-by-case basis.
- Key Requirement: You must prove you are a “genuine visitor” with sufficient funds to support your stay and a strong intention to return to India.

Business Visitor Stream: This stream is for those travelling for professional reasons.
- Purpose: To attend conferences, negotiations, or business meetings. It is important to note that this visa does not permit you to work or sell goods and services in Australia.
- Stay: Typically granted for a short stay of up to 3 months.

Sponsored Family Stream: This option is for individuals who have an eligible family member in Australia to sponsor their visit.
- Purpose: To visit family in Australia.
- Key Feature: The sponsor, who must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, may be required to pay a security bond to guarantee that you will comply with your visa conditions.

2. Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

This is a special visa category available to a limited number of young Indian citizens each year.

Purpose: Allows young people (typically aged 18 to 30) to have an extended holiday in Australia for up to 12 months, with the added benefit of being able to work to support their travels.
Eligibility: This visa has specific eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications and English language ability. It is a competitive program with a limited number of places.

3. Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

This visa is for travellers who need to pass through Australia on their way to another country.

Purpose: To transit through Australia for 72 hours or less.
Requirement: You will need this visa if you plan to leave the airport transit lounge, even for a short period, before your connecting flight. You must hold a confirmed booking for your onward travel.

Visas NOT Applicable to Indian Citizens

It is important to be aware of two common electronic visas that are not currently available to Indian passport holders to avoid confusion:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601): This is a streamlined electronic visa for citizens of certain countries (like the USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, etc.).
eVisitor (Subclass 651): This is a similar electronic visa for passport holders from the

Total Cost for an Australian Visitor Visa

Part 1: Mandatory Costs

1. Visa Application Charge (VAC) This is the fee paid directly to the Australian Government for processing your application.

Fee: AUD 190 per applicant
Approximate INR: ₹10,500 to ₹11,500

2. Biometrics Collection Fee

Approximate INR: ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per applicant

Part 2: Potentially Required Costs

3. Health Examination

Approximate INR: ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per applicant

Part 3: Optional and Other Potential Costs

4. Travel and Health Insurance While not always mandatory for the visa application itself, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.

Approximate INR: ₹10,000 onwards, depending on the duration of your stay, your age, and the coverage level.

5. Visa Agent or Consultant Fees

Approximate INR: ₹3,000 to ₹8,000, varying widely based on the agent and the scope of their services.

Estimated Total Cost Summary (Per Person)

Minimum Mandatory Cost:
- Visa Fee: ~₹11,000
- Biometrics Fee: ~₹2,200
- Total Minimum Cost: Approximately ₹13,200

Cost if a Health Examination is Required:
- Minimum Cost: ~₹13,200
- Health Exam: ~₹5,000
- Total Cost: Approximately ₹18,200

Document Requires

Here is a detailed checklist to guide you through the process.

I. Core Identity and Application Documents

These are the fundamental documents required for every application.

Completed Online Application Form: The application must be filled out accurately via the official Australian Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.
Passport: A clear, colour copy of all pages of your current, valid passport. This includes the bio-data page (with your photo and personal details), pages with visa stamps, and any amendment pages. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended travel date.
Recent Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent, high-quality colour photographs (45mm x 35mm) with a white background that meet Australia’s specific photo requirements. Your name should be printed on the back of each photo.
National Identity Card: A copy of your Aadhar card.

II. Financial Capacity Documents

Bank Statements: Personal bank statements for the last six months showing a consistent savings history and sufficient closing balance.
Income Tax Returns (ITR): Your ITRs for the last three years to show a history of your income.
Payslips: If you are employed, provide salary slips for the last three to six months.
Proof of Other Assets (Optional but Recommended): Documents showing fixed deposits, property ownership, shares, or other significant assets can strengthen your application.
Sponsorship Documents (If Applicable): If your trip is sponsored by someone in India or Australia, you must provide:
- A statutory declaration or letter from your sponsor confirming their financial support.
- Proof of the sponsor’s financial capacity (their bank statements, payslips, ITR).
- A copy of the sponsor’s passport and visa/residency status in Australia.

III. Genuine Visitor and Ties to India Documents

Personal Cover Letter: A signed letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your detailed travel itinerary, planned travel dates, who you are travelling with, and who is funding the trip. This is your opportunity to personally address the visa officer.
Leave Approval Letter from Employer (for Salaried Individuals): An official letter on company letterhead stating your position, salary, length of employment, and confirming that your leave for the duration of the trip has been approved. It should also state that you are expected to return to your job.
Business Documents (for Self-Employed Individuals):
- Valid business registration license or certificate.
- Company bank statements for the last six months.
- Evidence of recent business transactions (invoices, contracts).
Proof of Enrolment (for Students)
Proof of Property Ownership

IV. Travel and Accommodation Details

Travel Itinerary: A day-by-day plan of your activities in Australia, including cities you will visit and attractions you plan to see.
Flight Reservations: You do not need to purchase confirmed tickets. A flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates is sufficient.
Proof of Accommodation:

- Hotel bookings for your entire stay.
- If staying with friends or family, a formal Invitation Letter from them. This should be accompanied by a copy of their passport, visa status, and evidence of their address in Australia (e.g., a utility bill).

V. Health and Character Documents

Health Examination: You may be required to undergo a medical examination with a panel physician approved by the Australian government. The immigration department will notify you if this is necessary.
Police Clearance Certificate: You may be asked to provide a police certificate depending on your circumstances.