Obtaining a visa has never been this easy. If you are an applicant from the European Union, chances are that you may be able to apply for the Australian eVisitor visa online entirely. Read on to obtain more insights about the requirements and criteria of this specific visa.
What is the Australian eVisitor Visa?
The Australian eVisitor visa, similar to a visa, is a travel authorisation that allows you to visit Australia. By securing this visa, you can visit Australia as often as you want in 12 months and reside in Australia for up to 3 months each time you visit Australia.
You can visit family or friends, take a cruise or holiday, undertake business activities as a business visitor, and, in certain cases, study or train for up to 3 months at a time.
The application procedure is entirely online, and your confirmation will be delivered via email. After that, your confirmed visa is saved on an online database, which can be accessed through your passport.
This way, the Australian immigration department understands that you have been granted a visa.
What are the eligibility criteria for this visa?
Given below are the eligibility criteria for the Australian eVisitor Visa:
1. Have an eligible passport : To apply for this visa, you must be a citizen as well as hold a valid passport from either of the following countries:
- Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia
- Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Latvia
- Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco
- The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Romania
- Republic of San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
- Switzerland, the United Kingdom, British citizens, and the Vatican City.
2. Meeting health and character requirements: You and your family members who are applying for this visa must meet their minimum health standards.
Furthermore, you and your accompanying family members above the age of 16 must meet the character requirements. Some of the character requirements include not having a substantial criminal record or any criminal convictions.
In case you do have any criminal conviction in any country, you can apply for a visitor visa (Subclass 600) instead, as you may be denied entry if you enter Australia with an eVisitor.
3. Pay any debts owed to the Australian Government: In case you or your family members applying for this visa owe the Australian government money, then you should ensure that it is either paid back or make arrangements to pay it back.
4. Be genuine about your intentions: You must be a genuine visitor and must do what your passport allows, that is, stay temporarily in Australia and obey the conditions as well as the stay period stipulated on your visa.
5. Have sufficient funds: You should have enough money in your bank account to support your stay while you are residing in Australia and leave Australia at the end of your stay.
6. Best Interests of Minors: If you are travelling with an applicant under the age of 18 and if it is not in the best interests of the applicant, the visa might not be granted.
You will need the following when you are applying for the eVisitor visa:
1. A valid passport that doesn’t expire for the next six months.
2. a valid email address.
3. A valid form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, is required to pay the fee.
4. You will require electronic copies of the following documents:
5. The bio page of your passport includes your name and picture.
6. A copy of the ID card (front and back)
7. The reason behind your planned visit to Australia and the relevant proof.
8. An itinerary of your travels.
9. Proof of your accommodation plans in Australia, such as a hotel booking or a letter from a friend or relative who has agreed to host you.
10. Valid proof that your trip is indeed temporary. Valid proof of returns can be the following: a letter from your employer or school, or any valid documentation that states the date of your expected return. Additionally, it can also be proof of your family obligations and dependent family members residing back home.
11. Bank statements for the last three months.
12. A list of people who will be travelling with you.
Once your visa application receives approval, you will automatically receive a confirmation via email. You should ensure that you save this email.
Additionally, you can also choose to print it out and keep it with you when you are travelling. Once you arrive at the Australian borders, the immigration officer at the entry gate will check your passport and eVisitor on the online database before allowing you in.
How do I check the validity of my visa?
You can easily check the validity of your eVisitor through Visa Entitlement Verification Online. You will have to provide your birth date, passport number, and nationality while signing up for a VEVO account. You can use either of the following to check your visa validity:
- Your immigration card or your ImmiCard.
- Your transaction reference number that you receive the moment you start the online visa application.
- Your Visa Grant Number that you receive once your eVisitor visa application is successful.
What happens if you want to extend your stay or overstay your My eVisitor visa?
1. Visa Extension
If you would like to extend your stay and are in Australia with an eVisitor visa, You can visit the nearest immigration or visa office and apply for a new eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa. However, please be advised that you will have to request the visa at least two weeks before your visa expires.
Alternatively, if you are about to cross your 3-month stay period, you can simply leave Australia and re-enter the country in a few days. That will give you another three months, considering your eVisitor is still valid.
2. Overstaying your eVisitor Visa
It is extremely important that you keep track of your visa’s validity and how long you have been inside the borders of Australia.
If you stay over your stipulated allowed time in Australia without strong grounds, even by just a few days, there might be issues the next time you are planning to get another eVisitor in the future.
If you stay past your visa expiration date by more than 4 weeks, you will be stopped by immigration during your departure from the country and interviewed. In some instances, you might even receive a three-year travel ban.
If you have strong grounds for having overstayed in Australia, such as an illness or accident, then you can notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately and follow their guidelines on how to proceed.
In case you require more assistance with your visa application, you can always choose to consult one of our consultants to carry out your visa application procedure smoothly.
FAQs
1. What will I receive from the Australian authorities once a decision has been made about my application?
Once your application is accepted, you will receive, in writing, the decision and the following details:
- The grant number of your visa.
- The date of the day your visa starts.
- The condition of your visa.
You will require a copy of the decision once you arrive in Australia.
If your visa is refused, you will be informed in writing, and the reason behind the refusal will also be mentioned. In case you have the right to review the decision, it will also be mentioned.
2.Can I work in Australia with an eVisitor visa?
The eVisitor visa doesn’t permit you to take any sort of paid employment while you are residing in Australia. You might be able to engage in business activities such as attending meetings, holding or attending seminars or presentations, and signing contracts.
3.What happens if I accidentally enter the wrong information?
In case you accidentally enter the wrong information during your application, you may be able to update your information before the Department of Home Affairs starts assessing your application.
You can do that by logging back into your ImmiAccount. You will have to do the following:
- Click on the “Update details” option on the portal.
- Choose “Notification of incorrect answer(s)”.
- Replace the incorrect information with the correct information.
- Select “Confirm”
4.How much does an Australian eVisitor visa cost?
The eVisitor visa application is free of charge or a service fee.
5.What is the difference between an eVisitor Visa and a visitor visa for Australia?
| eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) | Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 3 months | Up to 12 months |
| Cost | Free | AUD 190 |
| Allows you to |
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6.What are the benefits of applying for an e-Visitor visa?
- It is easier to apply as there are fewer requirements for eligibility.
- You do not have to pay to apply for this visa. It is free of cost.
- This visa is granted for 12 months. You can enter Australia any time on the validity period of the visa and stay for up to 3 months at a time.
- You get multiple entries on this visa.
- You can travel outside of Australia and return as many times as you want based on the validity period of this visa.