Guide to an Australian Visa for Indians

An Australia tourist visa for Indians allows you to engage in various activities during your visit, including:

• Visiting family and friends.
• Exploring Australia and enjoying recreational activities like sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
• Enrolling in short courses lasting up to three months.
• Attending workshops or conferences.

However, the visa also comes with certain restrictions. As a tourist in Australia, you are not permitted to:

• Engage in paid work or employment.
• Enrol in full-time courses or studies longer than three months.
• Set up or manage a business.
• Seek treatment for long-term health conditions if it is your primary reason for travel.

To apply for an Australia tourist visa (Visitor Visa – subclass 600) as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Genuine Intention

You must demonstrate a genuine intent to visit Australia for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends without any plans to work or overstay beyond the approved travel period.

2. Valid Passport

You must possess a valid Indian passport with at least six months' validity from the travel date. This is required when submitting your passport during the visa application process.

3. Financial Capacity

You need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Australia. The amount required depends on the duration of your stay, planned activities, and the cost of living in the region you plan to visit.

4. Health and Character Checks

You must undergo health examinations to meet Australia's health standards. Additionally, you must pass a character test to prove you do not pose a security risk to the country.

5. No Record of Visa Violations

You must have no history of visa violations, overstays, or other immigration issues in Australia or elsewhere. A positive travel history, especially to countries with similar visa standards, can strengthen your application.

You will need the following documents to apply for an Australia visa from India:

• Visa application form.
• A copy of your valid passport, including the page displaying your photo as well as the pages with immigration stamps
• A national identity card such as a PAN
• Proof of change of name, like a marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Two passport-size photographs (35 x 45mm in size) that show 80% of your face and are taken against a white backdrop. You may also use a digital passport photo service if you don't have one.
• Documents proving that you can financially support yourself during your visit, such as bank statements, employment proof, pay slips, or financial assets
• Documents showing ties to India, such as proof of enrolment in school/college, employment, or immediate family members
• Letters of invitation from your friends or family in Australia (if applicable)
• A cover letter with your passport details, travel itinerary information, and sponsor family (if applicable); this letter should be addressed to the Australian consulate.
• A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) that certifies your good character and non-engagement in criminal activities.
• Income Tax Returns of the last three years
• Hotel bookings or accommodation covering the length of your stay.

If you are travelling with your child aged below 18 years, you will need their birth certificate. You may also provide alternative documents (in case you haven't yet received the birth certificate), like identification documents issued by the government, a family census register, or a family book with the names of both parents mentioned. In case of adoption, you can present the adoption papers.

If your child is travelling alone, you must submit form 1229 signed by both parents or legal guardians with a copy of their identification proof or statutory declaration. In addition to travelling alone, if your child is not staying with a legal guardian or relative, you must provide form 1257 or 'Understanding Declaration'. This form must be signed by the person you nominate to provide accommodation.

• Step 1: Visit the Australian immigration and citizenship portal to submit your visa application as a visitor.
• Step 2: Organise your health examinations to complete the health assessment quickly. You can appoint a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person to assist with your application at this stage.
• Step 3: Gather the required documents and ensure all information is in English. If not, get the documents translated before submission.
• Step 4: Log in or create an ImmiAccount as an individual or on behalf of family members.
• Step 5: Attach the supporting documents. If applying for family members, submit applications together and ensure accurate details.
• Step 6: Pay the application fee to process your visa registration.
• Step 7: After submitting the application, wait for the outcome from the Australian government. You can update or correct your details in your ImmiAccount and inform the authorities of any changes.
• Step 8: Once your application is processed, the Home Affairs department will send a written decision with your visa grant number, validity period, and conditions. Keep a copy of this decision for your trip. If your visa is denied, you will be informed of the reasons for refusal.

Processing an Australian visa for Indian applicants takes several days to a few weeks, depending on the workload at the Australian Embassy and the accuracy of the information in your application. You can find estimated processing times on the Australian Immigration and Citizenship website.

The basic application fee for an Australia visitor visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190. However, this fee may change with regulatory updates, so it's advisable to check the latest details on the immigration portal before applying.

If your tourist visa to Australia is approved, you can prepare for your trip without any worries. Upon departure from India, you must go through several airport checkpoints. The airport ground staff and crew members will check your passport and visa. Once you land in Australia, you must complete the immigration process. Consider these aspects to ensure a smooth entry:

• Have your passport copy with you.
• Carry a printed copy of your visa.
• Provide proof of your return flight and accommodations.
• Submit health and character declaration certificates, as applicable.
• Submit the Incoming Passenger Card (provided by the flight crew) before landing or obtain it upon landing near the customs desk.

As your travel date approaches and your Australia tourist visa is approved, carrying Australian Dollars for easy payments is important. A smart and efficient way to manage your funds is by using HDFC Bank Forex Cards. You can purchase foreign currency from the bank and load it directly onto the card, locking in the exchange rate at the time of purchase. This ensures you can pay your expenses smoothly and without hassle while in Australia.

Travel without the hassle of carrying cash with HDFC Bank Forex Cards!