There are several temporary visitor visa options or ‘streams’ and the correct one for you will depend on your citizenship, the purpose of your travel and any long-term migration goals you might have. You cannot work in Australia on a Visitor Visa. For citizens of countries where there is significant socio-economic disadvantage or political unrest, it is important to understand that your application carries a higher risk of refusal because the Australian government may take the view that you have insufficient motivation to return to your home country when your Australian visa expires. For travellers considering further travel to Australia in the future, it is essential to select your visitor visa with care and to ensure that it will not cause any conflicts with other visa applications you have already made or are considering to make in future. It is never helpful to have a past visa refused, which is why it is important to engage an expert who can guide you through the options and help mitigate any risks.
Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa is for people travelling to Australia as a tourist, to see family or for business purposes. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, the visa may be issued for up to three, six or 12 months for either single or multiple entries.
Tourist stream visas are generally for a period of three to six months, and the longer you wish to stay, the more evidence you will need to provide of your itinerary and ability to support yourself financially. Twelve-month visas are generally only granted to people who can prove they have a significant reason to remain in the country as a tourist for such an extended period, for example retired parents wishing to spend an extended visit with their children and grandchildren.
The sponsored family stream can be a good option for people wanting to visit family in Australia and who are from countries with higher risk of refusal due to significant socio-economic disadvantage or civil conflict. The Australian family member may pay a bond of approximately five to fifteen thousand dollars to the Australian government. This is refunded if you comply with the terms and conditions of the visa and return to your home country before it expires. This can help mitigate any high risk of refusal.
Business stream visitors are limited to three months on each visit. You can visit briefly to attend client meetings and conferences for example, but you can’t be paid by an Australian business for the activities you undertake in Australia, and you cannot sell services or goods within Australia. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
The Frequent Traveller stream is for citizens of China who often travel to Australia for business or personal reasons. You may be granted a visa for up to 10 years. Within this period, you can travel to Australia and stay for up to 3 months each visit. You cannot spend more than twelve months in Australia in any two-year period. You must be in China when you apply and outside Australia when the visa is decided.