Every visitor needs a visa. Find out which Australian visa applies to you, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply safely — without getting scammed.
Australia has no visa-free access for any nationality (except New Zealand). Every visitor needs one of the following. Most tourist applications are electronic and take minutes to days.
The most popular way for eligible visitors to enter Australia. Applied for exclusively through the official Australian ETA app (not a website). Linked electronically to your passport — no stamp or label. Allows multiple visits over 12 months, up to 3 months each stay.
Eligible: USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Taiwan, and 20+ others. Apply via the free Australian ETA app — never a third-party website.
The free equivalent of the ETA, exclusively for passport holders from 36 European countries. Applied for online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — not via the ETA app. Allows multiple visits over 12 months. Processing is usually a few days (may be longer than ETA).
Eligible: UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, and 20+ more EU/European nations.
For visitors from countries not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, or those needing longer stays or with previous refusals. Also covers business visitors and family-sponsored visits. Can be granted for up to 12 months.
Live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. Extend to a second or third year by completing specified regional work (farming, construction, care). Available to eligible passport holders aged 18–35 (some nationalities up to 30).
For full-time study at a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. Permits up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term (unlimited during holidays). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory.
Points-tested pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect first. Candidates are ranked by age, English ability, qualifications, and work experience. Invitations sent to the highest scorers.
Short-term work, business activities, or employer-sponsored skilled positions. The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (482) requires an approved employer sponsor and allows up to 4 years. For conferences and business meetings, the 400 or 600 Business Stream applies.
Join your Australian citizen or permanent resident partner. The temporary partner visa (820 onshore / 309 offshore) leads to permanent residency (801 / 100) after approximately two years, provided the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Answer a few questions to get a suggested visa type. General guidance only — always confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Fill in the form and click Find My Visa to see a personalised visa suggestion based on your answers.
Most Australian visas are applied for online. Here's what to expect from the general application process.
Use the eligibility checker above, or the Department of Home Affairs visa finder at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Confirm you meet all requirements before starting an application.
For ETAs: download the free Australian ETA app (Apple/Google Play). For all other visas: create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Never use unofficial third-party websites.
Collect all required documents (see list opposite). Ensure everything is certified and translated into English where required. Incomplete applications cause significant delays.
Complete the online form, upload documents, and pay the visa application charge. You'll receive a TRN (Transaction Reference Number) — keep this safe. ETAs are usually confirmed by email almost immediately.
Australian visas are 100% electronic — there is no stamp or label in your passport. Check your visa conditions at any time using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) at border.gov.au/VEVO. Always check before travel.
Commonly Required Documents
Current approximate processing times. Apply well before your travel date — times fluctuate. Check the Department of Home Affairs for live estimates.
Fees are set by the Australian Government and subject to change annually. All amounts in AUD. Always verify current fees at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Base Fee (AUD) | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisitor | 651 | FREE | 1–7 days | 36 European passport holders only. Apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Electronic Travel Authority | 601 | AUD $20 | Minutes–24hrs | Service fee only. Via Australian ETA app — not any website. |
| Visitor Visa (Tourist) | 600 | AUD $190 | 1 day–6 weeks | Multiple streams: tourist, business, sponsored family |
| Working Holiday Visa | 417 / 462 | AUD $635 | 1–4 weeks | Age 18–35; 46+ eligible countries; regional work for Year 2/3 |
| Student Visa | 500 | AUD $710 | 4–8 weeks | Plus mandatory OSHC health cover on top; CoE from CRICOS institution required |
| Temp Skill Shortage | 482 | AUD $3,115 | Several months | Approved employer sponsor required first. Nomination charge also applies. |
| Skilled Independent | 189 | AUD $4,640 | 6–24+ months | Permanent. Includes secondary applicants. EOI via SkillSelect required first. |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | AUD $4,640 | 6–18+ months | State/territory nomination required. 5 points bonus for having a nomination. |
| Partner Visa (both stages) | 820+801 | AUD $8,850 | 12–36+ months | Fee covers both temporary and permanent stages. Onshore application. |
* Fees are subject to annual indexation. Verify at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying. Secondary applicant fees apply for accompanying family members.
Answers to the most common questions about Australian visas and immigration.