The Department of Home Affairs in the Australian High Commission Suva manages visa services for clients in:
American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Nauru, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Westrongly discourage clients engaging with agents who claim to be able to assist with lodgement or processing of these visas. If you are approached by an agent in relation to these visas, please advise the Australian High Commission here:Contact us
Travel restrictions
Please carefully check that you comply with the requirements relating to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. See: COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au)
You will also need to comply with any health requirements in the Australian states and territories you will travel to and transit. Testing and quarantine requirements and domestic transfer restrictions may differ by state and territory.
Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
The Australian Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme helps address workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia. Australian businesses are currently employing workers from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in low and semi-skilled roles.
To find out more about Pacific Labour Scheme visas, visit: Pacific Labour Scheme
Temporary changes to Student visas
To address workforce shortages, student visa work hours have been temporarily relaxed. This measure takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals, including secondary applicants. Students will be able to work before their course of study commences. They will also be able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy.
Students must ensure they are aware of any changes to visa conditions, including any decision to restrict student work hours.
For information on these changes visit: homeaffairs.gov.au
For information on vaccine requirements visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/COVID19
Quick guide to common questions
We will not respond to enquiries where your question has been answered by the information and links below.
Explore visa options
Explore visa optionsthat might suit your needs.
Submitting an application
You can lodge most applications online throughImmiAccount. This is the preferred and most efficient way to apply.
Please note that all applicants outside Australia applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) in anystreammust lodge their application online via ImmiAcccount.
There are many benefits to applying online, including:
- Faster processing times
- Apply online at any convenient time
- Use mobile devices to apply
- Attach documents online
- Check application status, correct mistakes or update details online.
Information and guidance onapplying onlineand ImmiAccount is available to assist applicants.
Technical help is available on our website:Technical help
We recommend that you do not book travel until your visa application has been finalised.
Transiting Australia
To transit Australia you must hold a valid visa or be from an eligible country toTransit Without a Visa (TWOV). Citizens of the following countries in the Pacific region are eligible to TWOV if they meet the requiredTWOV criteria:
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
If you are not eligible to TWOV you must apply for a visa to enter Australia. To transit Australia for up to 72 hours apply for aTransit visa (subclass 771).
If you need to stay longer, you are not transiting and you must apply for a different visa. Seeexplore your visa optionsandComing to Australia.
Visa processing times
We understand that your application is important to you. Current visa processing times can be found here:global visa processing times
Checking the status of an application
You can check the status of your application inImmiAccount. We will not respond to enquiries on the status of visa applications that are withinglobal visa processing times.
Priority processing
We receive a large number of requests from clients who wish to expedite their visa application.We will only expedite visa applications in cases that involve compelling and compassionate circumstances, such as travel to a funeral or an unexpected medical issue. Only requests for priority processing that state why you require priority processing will be considered.
Providing biometrics
You will need to provide your biometrics at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) if[KB1] you apply:
- for a visa that is part of the biometrics program
- from a country that is part of our biometrics program
Australian Biometrics Collection Centres are located as follows:
- Fiji - Lautoka and Suva.
- Tonga - Nuku’alofa.
- Samoa - Apia.
- New Zealand – Auckland, (pop ups in Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington)
- Vanuatu - Port Vila.
- Papua New Guinea - Port Moresby.
- Solomon Islands - Honiara.
SeeMeeting our biometrics requirementsfor more information.
Health and Medical examinations
We will tell you if you are required to undergo medical examinations. You must be examined by one of our approved panel physicians or clinics. SeeMeeting our health requirementsfor more information.
See how to contact a panel physician by finding theimmigration office nearest to you.
Check visa details and conditions
You can check your grant notification letter or use ourVisa Entitlement Verification Online(VEVO) system to check your visa details and conditions. Visitor visas do not have any work rights.
Update passport details
You can tell us aboutchanges to your passport details here. You can use VEVO to check if your passport has been updated. We do not respond once your passport has been updated.
Reviewing our decisions
The refusal notification sent to you provides details about the reasons your application was refused. The refusal notification will also give you details about whether your decision is reviewable with theAdministrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Providing feedback
The Global Feedback Unit (GFU) is the central point for receiving, tracking and facilitating a response to client feedback. Complaints and suggestions help us to refine and improve our policies, processes and systems. Similarly, compliments help us recognise when we are meeting or exceeding community standards for service and performance. You canprovide feedback here.
Visa scams
Please be aware of visa scams. Visitor visas, including business visitor visas, do not have any work rights.Visa scams and how to report them
Applying for Australian citizenship
You will find general information about applying for Australian citizenship, including citizenship by descent for your child if they were born overseas, here:Become an Australian citizen. If you wish to obtain evidence of your Australian citizenship then you will find information here:Evidence of citizenship and certificates
Polio vaccination certificates
Papua New Guinea is no longer listed on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative website as a polio outbreak country. As such, evidence of polio vaccination for clients who have resided in Papua New Guinea is no longer required.
Movement records
To get the specific dates for your movements in and out of Australia, request your international movement records by completingForm 1359 Request for international movement records (195KB PDF).
Departing Australia Superannuation Payment
Find out how to have your superannuation paid to you after you depart Australia here:
Leaving Australia - accessing your superannuation
Applying for a minor under 18 years old
Additional documents are required when applying for a minor under 18 years old.
Include proof of custody/legal guardianship:
- A birth certificate showing the names of both parents, and
- Both parent’s photo identification and signatures.
If the parents named on the birth certificate are not the legal guardians, then custody papers (including sole parental rights), adoption papers, court orders and/or parent’s death certificates will be required, including:
- Photo identification of the legal guardian/s.
If anyone with custody/legal guardianship or anyone with a legal right to decide where an applicant under 18 lives is not visiting Australia, they must complete:
- Include a document with the signature and photo of the person/s who completed the form or declaration, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Welfare:
- If the applicant is not staying with their parents or legal guardians, please provide form 1257. The person they are staying with must sign the form.
Form 1257 - Undertaking declaration (201KB PDF).
Contact Us
If you have read this information and still need more information or help, you can contact the Visa Office at the Australian High Commission in Suva here:Contact us
FAQs
What are the chances of student visa rejection Australia? ›
The Government of Australia granted visas to 263,737 international students for the 2021-22 intake. Australia student visa success rate 2022 is 13.3% higher than 2020-21 program year.
How long does it take from further assessment to Finalised partner visa? ›The processing time for a permanent Partner visa starts from the date of eligibility. This is 2 years after you applied for the combined temporary and permanent partner visas.
Who should fill Form 1229 Australia? ›Where children under 18 years of age intend to travel to Australia, their non-accompanying parent(s) or person(s) with parental responsibility (anyone who can lawfully determine where the child/children is/are to live) may be required to sign a consent form to give permission for the child/children to be granted an ...
Can you apply for 2 visas at the same time Australia? ›Generally, if you are able to apply for a substantive visa (substantive visas are visas other than a bridging visa), there is nothing to stop you from applying for 2 visas at the same time. If you are applying for 2 visas at the same time, the Department will grant you 2 bridging visas.
How can we avoid visa rejection in Australia? ›- Hire a Registered Agent. It is very important to get your application prepared and filed through a registered agent. ...
- Choose a Relevant Course. ...
- Do Your Homework. ...
- Write a Great Statement of Purpose. ...
- English Language Proficiency.
You may need to provide a police clearance from your country and your other countries of residence to us. You will not pass the character test if you hold a substantial criminal record. If you don't pass the character test, you will not get a visa to enter Australia.
How can I speed up my Australian visa? ›You may be able to request priority processing for some types of visas if you can demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances. Priority processing can be requested by: Calling the Home Affairs' Service Centre on 131 881, or • Contacting the relevant processing offices.
How can I speed up my partner visa application? ›A Partner or Child visa application might be prioritised where you can demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances. You will need to make a request for priority processing with the visa office where your application is being processed and provide evidence to support your claims.
Why does Australian partner visa take so long? ›Evidently, the demand exceeds the available places for partner visas in the annual migration program. Australian partner visa processing times are increased as demand exceeds the visa allocations.
How do I prove family ties for Australian visa? ›- ongoing employment.
- the presence of close family members in their home country – that is, does the applicant have more close family members living in their home country than in Australia.
- property, or other significant assets, owned in their home country.
Who checks GTE in Australia? ›
Your personal circumstances are considered when the Department of Home Affairs assesses if you're a genuine temporary entrant. As an applicant, it's recommended that you give a personal written statement in English addressing the GTE requirement.
Can both parents get Guardian visa Australia? ›Can one student have two or more guardians who hold Student Guardian visas? No, only one parent can hold a student guardian visa at a time to provide welfare for one or more children.
Does Australian Embassy verify bank statements? ›The Australian and Canadian Embassies require only the bank statement. The Chinese, Korean, and most Schengen embassies ask for BOTH certificate AND statement.
How do I know if my Australian visa is approved? ›...
See my visa conditions on VEVO
- Access VEVO. ...
- Get your number. ...
- Select 'Check your own visa details with VEVO' ...
- Select the type of travel document. ...
- Use your number.
An Australian tourist visa generally takes 20 days approximately from the date of applying for it.
Why Australian visa gets rejected? ›The big reason for refusing a visa is insufficient funds in the applicant's bank account or lacking the necessary amount of funds to study and live in Australia. You must have sufficient funds to live and study in Australia when applying for a study visa Australia.
In what cases visa gets rejected? ›Reasons for Visa Refusal
Your visa may be rejected, if you have provided wrong information in your visa application form. If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice.
Re-apply in the Same Country
You must identify and rectify the reasons which may have caused the rejection. If you had a visa interview, you can ask the visa officer the reason for rejection.
Employer-Sponsored Visa
If you are fortunate to find a company or employer who has offered you a job, then it can be the first and easiest way to set foot in Australia.
Australian authorities will be able to access this information and reject visa applications on the basis of past misconduct. So, if you've got any shady immigration history or failed applications owing to ingenuine entrance attempts, watch out. Your visa is likely to be rejected.
Can I go to Australia without ielts? ›
To answer this question straight, it is a big yes but, with conditions. Students looking for admission to the top universities in Australia can apply without IELTS scores only if they have studied in those countries where certificates awarded are recognized by the Australian Education System.
Is Australian visa difficult to get? ›The Australian Department of Home Affairs is very strict in regards to eligibility criteria for Australian visas. And it is a fact that the Australian tourist visa is one of the most popular visas applied for every year.
Why is it so hard to get a visa for Australia? ›The application for any visa in Australia requires a substantial number of supporting documents and applicants often mistakenly provide insufficient information in their application. This is the leading reason why visa applications get rejected. Each visa application requires different types of supporting documents.
Is Australia giving visitor visa now? ›From early 2022 (phase 2), all applicants in Australia applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the Tourist stream must lodge their application online via ImmiAccount.
What is the fastest way to get spouse visa for Australia? ›- Make your application decision-ready. Immigration case officers have targets and KPIs like any other employee. ...
- Don't inundate them with useless information. ...
- Time your application. ...
- Prepare for your application.
Increased number of non-genuine applications and Australia student visas issued to non-genuine applicants. According to the DHA's scrutiny report, incorrect information provision and fraudulent documentation are one of the most common reasons for student visa refusals.
How long are Australian partner visas taking? ›If you are a new partner visa application, that may get finalised within six months. But applications that were lodged prior to that change are taking three years plus.
How will you respond when your visa is approved? ›I am thankful to you and your team and looking ahead for further processing of my petition. To be very true with you now i am not at all worried as I know I have you. Thank you once again , God bless you.
Which state is easy to get PR in Australia? ›Talking about which state is easy to get PR in Australia, Tasmania is on the top. However, you can also consider New South Wales and South Australia for PR. New South Wales is the best option to pursue higher studies and work in Australia.
Can I sponsor my girlfriend to Australia? ›Allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. You apply for the temporary and the permanent partner visas together.
Can I bring my sister to Australia permanently? ›
Brothers, sisters, dependent relatives, carers may also immigrate to Australia initially on temporary visa later changeable to permanent type. These family visas in Australia are sponsored by: i) Australian citizens; ii) a permanent resident of this country; and iii) Eligible New Zealand citizens.
How do you prove strong family ties? ›- Official documents. In order to prove the relationship with your family members, a number of documents must be enclosed with your application. ...
- Other types of proof. As a general rule official documents must be provided, but other subsidiary types of proof exist. ...
- Interview with the authorities. ...
- DNA tests.
It requires sponsorship of the visa applicant by an eligible parent or step-parent, sibling or step-sibling, or an eligible partner of their relative. The visa applicant or their partner must also not have a near relative who usually resides outside Australia.
How do I pass my GTE interview? ›Tips for a successful GTE interview
The structure of your course, including the units you will study. Why you have chosen this course and how it will help you find a job when you return to your country. The employment conditions and expected salary in your home country.
Your genuine temporary entrant will be processed alongside your entire visa application. The processing time for a student visa application is approximately 4 months.
What is GTE rejection? ›One of the most common reasons for a student visa is refused is because insufficient evidence has been provided to meet the "Genuine Temporary Entrant" or GTE requirement.
Which visa is best bring parents to Australia? ›This permanent visa lets an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia.
Can my brother in Australia sponsor me? ›Are you thinking of bringing your siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, or other relatives to Australia? As an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.
Can I bring my parents to Australia permanently after getting PR? ›The Australia Parent Migration Visa allows Australian citizens, Permanent Residents or eligible New Zealand Citizens to sponsor their parents to relocate permanently to Australia.
How much bank balance is required for Australia? ›These financial requirements for Visitor Visa Australia generally include bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least $ 5,000 AUD per applicant, payslips, audited accounts, taxation records, or credit card limits.
How much money do you need in your bank account to go to Australia? ›
You should have copies of your bank account showing you have adequate funds to support yourself (usually the equivalent of AUD $5000), as well as a return air ticket or extra funds to be able to pay for your journey home.
How much money do you need to show for Australian visa? ›Fund Requirement:
Student or guardian: AUD 21,041. Partner or spouse: AUD 7,362. Child: AUD 3,152. Travel Cost: Approximately: AUD 2,000 per person.
If your visa has been approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.
How long does visa approval take? ›The entire visa application processing takes somewhere between two weeks and four months, depending on the type of visa.
How do I know if my visa is in process? ›- Visit the official visa website of the country of visit.
- Find the option of tracking the visa application status.
- Enter the acknowledgement number or passport number and the date of birth.
- Following that, enter the captcha code and click 'submit'.
This visa stream lets people who are sponsored, usually by a family member, come to Australia to visit their family members. You may be eligible for a waiver of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) if you have been impacted by COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
How long after visa interview will I get my visa? ›If you are found eligible to receive a visa on the day of the interview you should allow approximately 10-15 working days for your application to be processed.
Does Australian student visa get rejected? ›If you've ever tried to enter a country in the past without any real plans to attend a university, your misdeeds will be on record. Australian authorities will be able to access this information and reject visa applications on the basis of past misconduct.
Is Australian student visa difficult to get? ›Australia Student visa: Compared to other countries, it is easier to get a student visa for Australia. Students wanting to study in Australia must meet certain requirements to qualify for a visa. Once you are enrolled in a full-time study course you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.
What are the chances of student visa rejection? ›Pending applications
As per this report, in 2021, the total number of Study Permit Applications refused and processed from India were 91,439 and 225,402 respectively. The refusal rate was nearly 41%.
Can I get Australian student visa after refusal? ›
Can I apply for a student visa again in Australia upon rejection? Yes, applicants can re-sumbit an application for visa in Australia but they must consider filing for an appeal with AAT first. Application for visa can be submitted wthin 21 days of visa application rejection.
Does Australia student visa have interview? ›All Australian student visa applicants are referred to a case officer, who conducts a GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) assessment. On the basis of performance in this assessment, the applicant is issued a visa. The assessment is conducted in the form of an interview, with sample questions and answers listed below.
How much bank balance is required for Australia student visa? ›Minimum Bank Balance for Australia Student Visa
As per above calculation the minimum bank balance required for Australian student visa application for single applicant will be; A$59,000 for a university course; and A$40,000 for vocational course.
Increased number of non-genuine applications and Australia student visas issued to non-genuine applicants. According to the DHA's scrutiny report, incorrect information provision and fraudulent documentation are one of the most common reasons for student visa refusals.
Which country is hardest for student visa? ›- China.
- Russia.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Bhutan.
- Pakistan.
- Nigeria.
- Turkmenistan.
- Iran.
Singapore is beautiful Asian country and also a famous study abroad destination as it is home to many of world's renowned education institutes. In the survey of 2013, 67% students said Singapore to be an easy country for student visa and in the same survey of 2012, 66% students observed it to be an easy visa.
How do I convince my visa officer for a student visa? ›You would have to write a very clear statement of purpose about why you want to make this change in your life, after all the studies that you have undertaken in a totally different field. Visa officers read those statements of purpose, so they can understand who you are.
Can visa be rejected without a reason? ›Reasons for Visa Refusal
Your visa may be rejected, if you have provided wrong information in your visa application form. If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice.
Re-apply in the Same Country
If your visa application was rejected the first time, you have the option of re-applying. Many students are granted a Student Visa the second time around whose visa applications were denied the first time. You must identify and rectify the reasons which may have caused the rejection.
Australian Student Visa Processing Time 2022
Usually the student visa Australia is processed within a month, however, the maximum time it could take is 3 months. Since the SSVF process has streamlined, the standard time taken is anywhere between 4 – 6 weeks.
How long after visa rejection can you reapply? ›
You have one year from the date you were refused a visa to submit the additional information. Otherwise, if you do not provide the required additional information within one year, you must reapply for the visa and pay another application fee.