What is the Process of Australia Visa Application?

 

Are you planning to move to Australia and worried about the application process? How to apply for an Australian visa application? What are the key requirements, and what documents are needed to apply for an Australian visa application? Questions like these are pounding your brain?

Hold on! I’ve got you covered in this blog post.

No doubt, the Australian visa application process is quite difficult and challenging, and many people get stuck along the way. On top of that, different visas demand different visa application processing, making it more difficult to navigate for applicants. Wondering why? Less knowledge and incomplete information about the visa application process for Australia leads to confusion and, ultimately, visa rejection. So, you must be aware of the basic steps before applying for an Australian visa.

Do you know: The percentage of refusal for student visas to Australia in 2023 is around fifty percent. This indicates that only half the number of applicants have received their student visas. Although the rejection rate may seem stressful, it’s important to comprehend the visa application process in order to prevent falling into the same pitfalls. Therefore, get ready to embark on a journey to explore the process of an Australian visa application.

 

Australia Visa Application Process

In 2015, Australia discontinued issuing passport visa labels. As a result, all visa data are currently accessible through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online program. You can apply online or through a paper visa application process; however, these days, the online visa application process offers a more streamlined and hassle-free experience. The evaluation process for Australian online visa applications is simple and straightforward. So, you can apply for an Australian visa through two different pathways; 

• Online Australian visa application process
• Australian paper visa application process

However, some nations or visa categories might not be accepted for the online application; in those situations, a paper application must be completed through an embassy. When applying for a visa, there are certain rules you must adhere to for each kind of application.

 

Steps for Online Australian Visa Application

To apply for an Australian visa, you need to follow these steps;

• Creation of an online account.
• Fill out the Australian visa application form.
• Attach the necessary documents.
• Pay the fee for the Australian visa application.
• Submit the visa application.

Let’s discuss each step separately for better understanding and smooth processing;

1. Create an ImmiAccount Online

The first step to lodge a visa application for Australia is to create an online account at the official website ImmiAccount. You can create an individual or organization account depending on your individual circumstances. Organization ImmiAccount is applicable to you if you are a registered migration agent or sponsoring from an authorized account. However, if you are an individual candidate, you can apply for an individual ImmiAccount. 

To create an individual ImmiAccount, 

• Enter your personal information and contact details.
• Set up an authentic password.
• Verify your ImmiAccount through an email.

As soon as you register, you can immediately submit an application to access the authorized organizations’ services.

2. Fill Australian Visa Application Form

There are different types of Australian visas, including student visas, work visas, and a tourist visa. You can choose any, depending on the intended purpose of your visit to the country. An application is required for each type of visa. You can proceed with the form’s completion after choosing the kind of visa. 

Remember, Each applicant needs to submit their own visa application form if you are applying with friends or relatives.

3. Attach Required Documents for Australian Visa Application

Australian visa regulations may occasionally be quite complex due to the vast array of possible visa options. Each type of visa has its own set of requirements, some of which could be mandatory for some and optional for others. It is much simpler to apply if you are aware of the list of necessary papers. Let’s have a look at the required documents to apply for an Australian visa;

1. Valid Passport

At the time of applying for an Australian visa, you must have a valid passport that is at least six months away from expiration.

2.  Visa Application Form

All applicants seeking an Australian visa must submit this application form. Choose the form that is appropriate for your visa since it varies depending on the type of visa. You can find the forms you need in your ImmiAccount if you’re applying for a visa online. 

3. Biometric Data Gathering

There are strict restrictions for the photo you submit with your Australian visa application. Your face must be visible, and the backdrop must be white. The visa photo may occasionally be required to be submitted with your biometric data.

Remember that the quantity of photos needed varies according to the type of visa you are requesting.

4. National Identity Card

You must provide a scanned copy of your national ID card. Make sure you verify with the appropriate Australian authorities closest to you, as sometimes this may not be necessary based on the kind of visa or your country of residency. In case you own various national cards (due to various citizenships or residency), present the national card of your current country of residence.

5. Character Certificate

Your application for a visa requires evidence of your moral character. This implies that you must be totally accurate about any illegal conduct you have committed and that you must provide a police certificate at some point throughout the application process (either before or after). 

6. Health Requirements

You must undergo a medical examination before applying for an Australian visa. The Department of Home Affairs applies stringent measures to ensure the safety of the Australian community. You need to complete a certain medical examination, chest x-ray, TB screening test, or any additional tests requested by the department.

You should also read Medical Examinations for an Australian Visa | You Must Know

Now, you are aware of the documents required for an Australian visa application process. Gather these documents and attach them to the online application.

Here’s how to attach papers to the online application:

• Click on the “attach a document” option on ImmiAccount.
• Decide to whom you want to attach the file.
• Mention the purpose for which you are attaching this file.
• Choose the document type.
• Give the file a name.

Important: The documents you submit are saved by ImmiAccount for 30 days. In case your application is not submitted within this time range, the files will be removed. To submit your application, you will have to attach the papers once more.

4. Pay Visa Application Fee

The final step in the ImmiAccount application process is payment. There are several methods you might use for your visa application, depending upon different circumstances. The Department will not accept your application until your money has been received. Paying online is the simplest method, and you will be charged in Australian dollars. Your account statement will display online payments in Australian dollars (AUD). You can use PayPal, a credit card, UnionPay, or BPAY to pay the application fee online.

Keep in mind: Avoid paying for online applications using ‘Manage Payments’. It can only be used to settle an invoice or a paper application.

5. Submit the Application

Following the completion of these procedures, you may submit your application. If anything has changed, you can use the ImmiAccount to connect with the Australian authorities again. Suppose your address changes; notify the Department of Foreign Affairs through your online registered account.

Once you submit the Application

After application submission, you can use ImmiAccount to

• Upgrade your information.
• Inquire about the status of your application.
• Check any important messages from the Department. 
• Verify the information you have provided.
• Alert the Department through the ImmiAccount support team about any errors in your application.

 

Common Payment Issues of Online Visa Application

When you pay online for your visa application, there is a chance of getting error messages. Let’s discuss what these issues are and how to fix them.

So, there you have it, all about the online Australian visa application process. Now, let’s discuss the process for paper application.

 

What is the process of Australian Visa Paper Application?

If the online application is not possible, you have the option to submit a paper application. The processes for submitting a paper application for an Australia visa are as follows:

• Locate the closest Australian Embassy.
• Check the necessary paperwork.
• Complete the application.
• Submit visa application.

1. Find the Nearest Australian Embassy

Find the Australian Embassy that is closest to you before starting the application procedure. They will help you determine the best kind of visa for you and the paperwork you need to bring with you when you apply. 

2. Verify the Required Documents

The first thing you should do after completing your paperwork is to verify them. There is a list of required papers (such as a passport, family certificates, insurance, and a visa application form) that you must gather in order to attach them to your paper application. 

Important: On a one-page document, the document verifier must state that they acknowledge these copies of your original papers. The statement should appear on the opening page of the papers, and each page should have the author’s initials.

3. Complete the Application

Next, confirm that you have completed and signed the right Australian visa application form. After completing the application, combine it with the other supporting documentation and submit it all at once. You can use ImmiAccount to pay the visa application fee. 

4. Submit the Visa Application

Submit your application at the local Embassy when your payment has been confirmed. Each applicant’s processing period for a visa application varies; however, be aware that paper applications take longer to complete than online ones.

 

Processing Time for Australian Visas

Processing time for different visa applications depending on the type of visa you are applying for. In some cases, it may take longer to process certain applications. The median processing times for major visa categories are displayed in the information below. This is the most accurate method of illustrating how long it takes for the majority of visa applications to be processed.

 

Visa Program	Visa Category	November 2023
Permanent	Skilled (Permanent)	11 Months
Permanent	Partner (First Stage)**	7 Months
Temporary	Skilled (Temporary)	16 Days
	Student	16 Days
	Visitor	Less than 1 Day
	Working Holiday Maker	Less than 1 Day

 

Final Thoughts

So, that’s the complete picture of the Australia visa application process. What’s next? Definitely, it’s the practical step towards your visa application. How to do it? I would recommend professional help since the visa application process is quite challenging and troublesome. Many candidates get tangled in the confusion during this process, leading to visa rejection by the Australian Government.

Therefore, it is better to take advantage of professional, experienced people. The Migration is a registered company that offers its clients authentic and cost-effective consultancy services. Book a consultation now and have a wonderful experience ahead.

 

FAQs

What are the requirements for students to study in Australia?

To apply for a student visa, you need to submit the following documents for your visa application

• Submit your confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• You must submit a health insurance certificate.
• You need to fulfill the Genuine temporary entrant requirement. 
• It is mandatory to submit school enrollment for dependent candidates.

What is the pro tip to avoid visa rejection for Australia?

It’s critical to provide correct information during the application filling. The visa officer may refuse to grant a visa or place you in immigration detention if there are any inconsistencies or fraudulent information. Therefore, to avoid these mistakes, double-check your Australian visa application and make sure all the necessary paperwork is included.

 

Can I apply to Australia after my visa is rejected?

Yes, you can reapply if you are outside of Australia. However, you need to address the reason they rejected your application. Moreover, if you are living in Australia, you can request to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal within a time period of 28 days of the decision.