Travel

Visa – Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for answers to your frequently asked questions about Australian visas? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need about Australian visas and the visa application process. Whether you’re wondering what type of visa to apply for or how to check the status of your application, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the answers you’re looking for.

Table of Contents

Before Applying

What type of visa should I apply for?

When it comes to choosing the right visa for your needs, the Visa Finder tool can be a valuable resource. It provides information about different visa options and helps you determine the most suitable one for you.

Read more  The Best Time to Visit Cairns, Australia

How can I apply for a visa?

For a convenient and efficient application process, we recommend lodging your visa application online through ImmiAccount. This method offers 24/7 accessibility, faster processing, electronic payment, and the ability to track the status of your application. If you’re unable to apply online, you can use the Assisted Online Form Filling service at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) operated by VFS Global in Thailand.

I am having technical difficulties lodging my application or adding attachments online

If you encounter any technical difficulties while applying online, visit ImmiAccount Technical Help for assistance.

My date of birth is unknown, what do I enter on my application form?

If your actual or probable date of birth is unknown, enter the information as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport.

Do I need to undergo a health assessment?

Whether or not you need to undergo a health assessment depends on your personal circumstances and the type of visa you’re applying for. Permanent visa applicants and certain temporary visa applicants are usually required to undergo health examinations. If you receive a request to undergo a health assessment, you must complete it within the specified timeframe and cover any associated costs. Make sure to consult an approved panel physician or clinic for the required assessment.

Do I need to provide biometrics?

All applicants in Thailand must provide biometrics (face photograph and fingerprint scan) for each application, regardless of their nationality. When you lodge your application online, you will receive an email requesting you to provide personal identifiers (biometrics). Make an appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) to provide your biometrics. If you’re using the Assisted Online Form Filling service at the AVAC, you can provide your biometrics during the same visit.

Read more  Your Ultimate Guide to Travelling on Spirit of Tasmania

Do I need to provide a police clearance?

In some cases, we may request you to obtain a police clearance. If required, the details and instructions on how to obtain the police clearance will be included in the correspondence we send you.

I am a sponsor for a partner visa, why do I need a police check?

As part of our commitment to ensure the safety and security of visa applicants, sponsors of Partner or Prospective Marriage visa applicants may be required to provide Australian and/or foreign police checks. Failure to provide these checks or consent to disclose relevant convictions may result in the refusal of the visa application.

After Applying

How do I check the status of my application?

Due to the high volume of applications and inquiries we receive, we are unable to provide individual updates on application statuses. For current processing times, please refer to our website. If you lodged your application online, you can check if it has been finalized through ImmiAccount. For paper applications, you can use the Tracking service provided by VFS Global.

I lodged online but haven’t received a request to provide personal identifiers (biometrics)

If you haven’t received the email requesting your personal identifiers (biometrics), please check your junk folder and add the homeaffairs.gov.au domain to your list of trusted and safe senders. You can also view any correspondence in your ImmiAccount.

I need more time to provide personal identifiers (biometrics)

If you require additional time to provide your personal identifiers, submit a request through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Please include supporting documentation or other relevant information to support your request.

Read more  The Physics of Sound: Exploring the Speed in Different Materials

I attended my biometrics appointment – do I need to advise the Department?

No, there’s no need to advise us once you have attended your biometrics appointment.

I attended my biometrics appointment but it is still showing as ‘required’ in ImmiAccount

Don’t worry if ImmiAccount still shows that your biometrics are required. The system will not update to reflect that your biometrics have been collected. There’s no further action required from you in this regard.

I need to travel urgently – what can I do?

If you have compelling or compassionate reasons for urgent travel, such as a family member’s sudden illness in Australia, you can submit a Compelling and compassionate request for travel through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Please ensure your request includes supporting documentation or other relevant information.

Can I have an extension to provide the information you have requested?

Extensions are not generally provided, but in certain circumstances, they may be granted. If you require an extension, submit a request through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Make sure to include supporting documentation or other relevant information with your request.

Have you received my documents?

Due to the high volume of correspondence we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of documents. If you applied or uploaded documents through ImmiAccount, you can check the current status of your application there. Please avoid sending documents by email or post unless requested to do so, as this may cause processing delays.

I wish to withdraw support for a Visitor visa applicant

If you wish to withdraw support for a Visitor visa applicant, contact us through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Your request will be considered, but please note that we cannot discuss the progress or outcome of the application.

Read more  Bali Visa for Australians - Your Essential Guide

I wish to withdraw my sponsorship for a Partner visa applicant

If you wish to withdraw sponsorship for a Partner visa applicant, contact us through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Your sponsorship withdrawal will be recorded, and please be aware that privacy laws prevent us from providing further information regarding the visa application.

I want to withdraw my application

For information on withdrawing an application that has not yet been decided, refer to our website. If you lodged your application through ImmiAccount, attach the completed Form 1446 to your application. For paper applications, submit the completed Form 1446 through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.

Can I travel to Australia while my Partner visa is being processed?

If you want to visit Australia while your Partner visa is being processed, you can apply for a Visitor visa. Please meet all the criteria, including demonstrating that you have an incentive to depart Australia at the end of your intended stay.

After Decision

My application was refused – what can I do?

If your visa application has been refused, there’s no further action that can be taken by the Department. However, you may have the option to lodge a new application if you believe there is new information or your circumstances have changed. Please consider the reasons for refusal carefully before deciding to reapply.

How do I get a copy of my visa grant notification?

If you lodged your visa application online, the grant notification was sent to your authorized email address or postal address. You can also view notifications in your ImmiAccount. Please note that a copy of your grant notification is not required for entry or exit to Australia as the visa information is linked to your passport.

Read more  The Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A Month-by-Month Guide

I want to check my visa conditions, entitlements, or length of stay

You can check your visa status, conditions, and entitlements through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). Alternatively, you can download the myVEVO app for quick and convenient access to your visa details and conditions.

I hold a Visitor (subclass 600) (Business stream) visa, can I visit Australia as a tourist?

If you hold a Visitor (subclass 600) (Business stream) visa or an APEC Business Travel Card, you can travel to Australia for non-business purposes, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or having a holiday.

I want to request a refund

Refunds can only be paid in limited circumstances. Review the information on our website to determine if you may be eligible for a refund. If you believe you are eligible, complete Form 1424 – Refund Request and submit it, along with supporting documents, through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.

My visa was cancelled – where can I find information?

If your visa has been cancelled, information regarding the decision, including the reasons for cancellation, has been sent to you. You have the opportunity to comment on the cancellation decision by following the instructions in the notification letter. Please note that there is no right of merits review for visa cancellations made while outside Australia.

Other Information

How can I update my personal and/or passport details?

If your passport or contact information changes during the application process or while holding a visa, it is essential to update us as soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause issues with your visa usage or prevent you from receiving important updates. Update your information through ImmiAccount if you lodged online or submit a Form 929 through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form if you lodged a paper application.

Read more  Travel Smart: Avoid These 8 Money Traps in Bali

I submitted a Form 929 but have not received a response. Can I travel?

If you already hold a visa and have submitted a Form 929, there’s no need to take further action. Avoid sending follow-up inquiries for previously submitted forms as it may further delay the processing of your request.

I hold an APEC Business Travel Card – where can I find information?

If you hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), refer to the APEC Business Travel Card and Home Affairs websites for information. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to queries regarding ABTCs.

Can I claim a superannuation refund / cancel my Work and Holiday visa?

For information on canceling your Work and Holiday visa to claim superannuation, refer to our Leaving Australia webpage. Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) is coordinated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and you can find further information on their website.

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for a visa by mail?
A: No, the recommended method for visa application is online through ImmiAccount for a faster and more efficient process.

Q: How can I check the processing times for visa applications?
A: You can find the most up-to-date processing times on our website.

Q: Is it possible to request an expedited visa application processing due to urgent travel?
A: Urgent requests for travel due to business meetings or soon-departing flights are not considered genuine emergencies. However, if you have compelling or compassionate reasons, you can submit a request through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form.

Q: What should I do if I need more time to provide the requested information or documents?
A: Extensions are generally not provided, but in certain circumstances, they may be granted. If you need more time, submit a request through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form, including supporting documentation or relevant information.

Q: Can I travel to Australia while my visa application is being processed?
A: If you wish to visit Australia while your visa application is being processed, you can apply for a Visitor visa, meeting all the criteria for temporary travel.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with the answers you were looking for regarding Australian visas and the visa application process. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us through the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form. Traveling to Australia is an exciting experience, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Safe travels!

Related Articles

Back to top button