Know all About Australia Visa Before Applying

For people who wish to explore abroad, Australia is the most desirable country. The country offers plenty of options to people who want to study, work, or settle. If you want to come to Australia, you must first obtain an Australian Visa, which permits you to lawfully enter the nation. Individuals who obtain an Australian Visa are able to reside in Australia and enjoy the same privileges as an Australian. Holders of an Australian Visa are also entitled to seek citizenship when a set period of time has passed. But the real question is how to apply for this Visa. Here’s a complete guide on Australian Visa for Indians with the requirements, fees, processing time, application process and more! 

What is an Australian Visa?

An Australian Visa is a permit that authorises you to visit the country for a specific duration. Unlike most other countries, Australia does not stamp or label your passport with Visa stamps or labels. Instead, your Visa rights are stored digitally on an internet database, and an immigration department will verify the database to see if you have a Visa when you arrive in Australia.

Study in Australia Visa Requirements

Here are the Australian Visa requirements for Indians:

• Australian Visa for students falls under subclass 500
• You must be registered with a full-time course of study
• The course you wish to pursue from the university; must be registered with the Australian government and Commonwealth Register for Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). 
• Certificate of Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
• Four passport-size photographs
• Statement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to ensure you are only here for study purposes and not to settle down
• Scores of English proficiency tests
• Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) approved by the Australian government
• Proof of civil status if required
• Proof of monetary
• Financial requirements 
• Character certificate
• Proof of Visa fee payment 

Work in Australia Visa Requirements for Indians

According to Australia’s Point system, the applicant for a profession is classified or prioritised based on their attributes. To get bonus points, you should meet the majority of the following standards. The following are the conditions for Indian citizens seeking a Work Visa:

• Age Requirements: Candidates between 25 and 32 score the most points, while those above 45 do not gain any points. 
• IELTS score: Candidates with scores of the IELTS test with a minimum of 8 bands (20 Points) 
• Australian Study Permit: Must meet the Australian study requirements (5 Points) 
• Professional Year: Completion of a professional year in the country (5 Points) 
• Regional Study: Living and studying in regional Australia (5 Points)
• Community Language Skills: Interpreter/translator skills in one of the country’s community languages (5 Points)

Also Read: Canada vs Australia: Where Should You Study

Australia Visa Fees for Indians

Australian Visa for Indians costs vary from time to time. The price depends on the date the Australian government receives your application. Following are the types of Work Permit Visas and fees in AUD and USD. 

Work Visa Category	Visa Application Fee (AUD)	Visa Application Fee (INR)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa	AUD 1,265	₹70,580
Employer Nomination Scheme	AUD 4,045	₹2,25,692
Skilled Independent Visa	AUD 4,045	₹2,25,692
Temporary Work (Short Stay)	AUD 280	₹15,623
Global Talent Visa	AUD 4,110	₹22,9318

Australian Visa Processing Time 

The VFS processing time depends on the type of Visa. The Australian Visa for Indians processing also keeps on changing but before that here’s the current schedule of Australian Visa processing time. 

Category of Visa	As per 2024
Skilled (Permanent)	16 ​Months
Partner (First Stage)	12 Months
Skilled (Temporary)	33 Days
​Student	50 Days
Visitor	Less than 1 Day
Working Holiday Maker	Less than 1 ​Day

Medical Test for Australian Visa in India

When an applicant is filing the visa application they might need to have a medical test for an Australian Visa in India completed. The medical examinations depend on: 

• The Visa you are applying for
• How long you will stay in Australia
• What are your plans to travel to Australia
• Any special circumstances that might apply to your Australian Visa
• Whether you have any necessary medical conditions

How to Apply for an Australian Visa in India?

Follow the following steps to apply for an Australian visa in India:

Step 1: Choose the relevant Visa subclass for your purpose of travel to Australia and download the appropriate Visa application form.

Step 2: Supporting documentation may be required for your Visa application. Check the checklists given under Visa Types for a list of required supporting papers for your Visa. For your application, gather all relevant supporting documentation. All supporting material should be submitted at the time of application to avoid delays.

Step 3: Pay the Visa application fees via credit card or debit card.

Step 4: After your approval of the Australia Visa application you will receive the Australia Visa by email. If you select an urgent delivery, you may get your Visa within 2 – 3 months. 

Permanent Resident Visa

Immigrants can apply for a permanent residency Visa in Australia. The Visa has a five-year validity period. With a PR Visa, you and your family can move to the country. After three years in Australia on a PR Visa, you can seek citizenship.

With a Permanent Resident Visa in Australia, you can travel anywhere in the country, pursue higher studies, become eligible for social security benefits, apply for government jobs, and sponsor the PR of your relatives. 

How to Get PR in Australia with a Student Visa

On how to get PR in Australia with a Student Visa, below are the eligibility criteria you should possess: 

• Minimum of 2 years of study at postgraduate level in Western Australian universities. 
• Proof of work experience
• English proficiency test scores
• A full-time offer on 12 months contract
• Proof of sufficient funds
• An occupation listed in the graduate occupation list

Also Read: Permanent Residency Courses in Australia

PR Visa Process

A PR Visa for Australia is based on a point system. As a result, the process includes a mix of offline and online operations. You can follow the below steps: 

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Subclass
As a former student, you may be eligible for several Permanent Resident (PR) visa subclasses. Common options include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Ideal for skilled graduates who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): For skilled graduates nominated by an Australian state or territory, this visa allows you to live and work in that state or territory.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): For graduates willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia, this visa is a pathway to permanent residency.

Step 2: Complete a Skills Assessment

Before applying for a PR visa, you need to have your skills and qualifications assessed by a relevant assessing authority. This step verifies that your educational background and work experience meet Australian standards.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. This online platform allows you to provide information about your qualifications, work experience, and other factors. Your EOI will be ranked based on a points system, and if you meet the criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for a PR visa.

Step 4: Apply for the Visa

Once you receive an invitation, complete your PR visa application. Prepare and submit all necessary documents, including:

• Proof of Identity: Passport, birth certificate, and other identification documents.
• Skills Assessment Results: Confirmation of your skills and qualifications.
• Health Check Results: Medical examination reports from approved providers.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Background checks from your home country and any other countries you have lived in.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Visa processing times can vary depending on the visa subclass and your personal circumstances. Be prepared for possible requests for additional information or documentation from the Department of Home Affairs. Respond promptly to any such requests to avoid delays.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Be aware of your visa conditions and ensure you comply with them to maintain your PR status.

Dependent Visa Australia

If immigrants enter Australia on a worker Visa, your dependent family Visas are allowed to join you on a dependent Visa for Australia from India.

• Student Dependent Visa (Subclass 500): This visa allows the dependents (spouse, partner, or children) of an international student to live in Australia while the student is studying. Dependents can include:

• Partner: Spouse or de facto partner.

• Children: Biological or adopted children under 18 years of age

Also Read: Australia Work Visa: Types, Requirements, Cost

Spouse Visa Requirements for Indians

Australian Spouse Visa is also known as Subclass 309 Visa. This is Visa enables an Australian citizen or permanent resident to temporarily stay in Australia. To fulfil Australian Spouse Visa requirements, check the following: 

Requirement 1: Permanent Living Arrangement

The applicant and their spouse must maintain a permanent living arrangement, meaning they must reside together continuously. This requirement ensures that the couple is in a committed, ongoing relationship and sharing a home as partners.

Temporary separations due to work or other necessary reasons may be considered, but the overall expectation is that they live together on a permanent basis.

Requirement 2: Minimum Relationship Duration

At the time of submitting the application, the relationship between the applicant and their spouse must have existed for a minimum of 12 months. This means the couple should have been married or in a recognized de facto relationship for at least one year before the application is lodged.

Evidence may be required to confirm the length and genuineness of the relationship, such as joint financial accounts, shared bills, or statements from friends and family.

Requirement 3: Health Criteria

Both the applicant and their spouse must pass specific health checks to ensure they meet the required health standards.

This typically involves medical examinations to verify that neither person has a medical condition that could be a risk to public health or lead to significant costs for the healthcare system. Documentation from approved health professionals is usually needed as part of the application process.

Requirement 4: Character Criteria

The applicant and their spouse are also required to satisfy character standards, which involve providing proof of good conduct. This can include police certificates from countries where they have lived for a certain period, showing that they have no serious criminal record.

The goal is to demonstrate that both individuals are of good character and do not pose any risks to public safety or security.

Spouse Visa Processing Time for Indians

Consider the following information to know the Spouse Visa Australia Processing Time in 2024: 

Type of Visa	Processing time of 50% applications	Processing time of 90% of applications
Provisional Visa (309)	9 months	15 months
Permanent Visa (100)	13 months	32 months

Also Read: What is the Student Visa Australia Age Limit

FAQS

We hope you now understand how to apply for various types of Australian Visas! Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey!