Frquently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Australia on Tourist Visa?
You are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 3 months at a time. It is possible to leave the country and re-enter for a further 3 months within the life time of the visa (12 months).
What can I do to minimise the time taken to process my visa application?
The time taken to process visa applications depends on the size of Migration program and this cannot be changed but there are still some things you can do to make sure the application is processed as quickly as possible. You can assist by:
providing all the documents specified in the checklist for the particular visa category
providing additional document as soon as possible after your case officer request for it
advising your case officer of any change in circumstances, especially if your address or contact details change.
Can I extend my stay?
If there is a ‘Further Stay Restricted’ condition on your visa, you generally are not able to apply for a new visa while you are in Australia. You must leave Australia no later than the date on which your visa ends.
If your visa has ended, you need to contact DIBP immediately. You might be barred from returning to Australia for three years if you do not tell DIBP within 28 days of your visa ending.
You might be able to extend your stay in Australia for further study, work, your graduation or a holiday. You can apply for the appropriate visa for your circumstances, for example, a new student visa if you want to extend your studies or a visitor visa to attend your graduation ceremony or have a holiday.
What is the points test?
If you apply for a visa to work in Australia, you might have to pass the points test. The points test is used to help Australia select people who have the skills and attributes it needs. The number of points you need to pass the points test depends on the visa you apply for. You can be given points for a number of reasons, including your:
Skills
Age
English language ability
Occupation
Australian work experience and Australian qualifications.
Can a visa be cancelled for involvement in paying for visa sponsorship conduct?
Yes. A new discretionary power will be introduced to allow cancellation of a temporary or permanent visa to be considered where the visa holder has engaged in 'paying for visa sponsorship' conduct. Read More Here.
How much will my visa cost?
The cost will depend on the visa you apply for.
The fee is usually not refundable, even if your visa application is refused or if you withdraw your application.
How do I apply for a police clearance if I am in Australia?
There are two ways to apply for a police clearance in Australia:
you can apply online using the National Police Check Online Application Form.
you can download the application form so you can fill it out on your computer or you can print it out and complete it by hand and submit via post. Emailed applications are not accepted. Read More
I am a permanent resident. What documents do I need to come back into Australia?
If you are a permanent resident, and you want to travel outside Australia, you must make sure you can return.
Normally, as a permanent resident, your visa will let you leave and come back into Australia for up to five years from the date it was granted. After five years, if you want to leave and return to Australia as a permanent resident, you must hold a Five Year Resident Return visa.
Why is there a character requirement?
The character requirement is used to protect the safety and welfare of the Australian community.
Why has my visa application been refused?
Your visa application could be refused for a number of reasons, such as:
you have not met the conditions of a previous visa
you did not provide enough information to prove the claims you made in your application
you do not meet Australia’s health or character requirements
you gave the wrong information, or made a false claim in your application
Please see below for links to some of the more frequently used information.