How to Apply for an Australia Visa: Easy Guide for Travelers

Australia is one of the top travel destinations for Indonesians. In fact, many Indonesians apply for an Australian visa not only for holidays but also to work in the country. Are you one of the thousands of people interested in visiting Australia? Here’s a complete guide to obtaining an Australian visa:

Types of Australian Visas

Australia offers a wide range of visa types to suit different travel purposes. Here are some of the most common Australian visas:

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This visa is suitable for tourism, visiting family and friends, attending short business events, or other non-work-related purposes. The validity of this visa varies, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months.

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

This visa is designed for young people aged 18–30 who wish to work and travel in Australia for up to one year. Holders of this visa can work in various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

This visa is required for those who want to pursue further education in Australia. The validity of the visa depends on the duration of your study program.

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

This visa is intended for businesspeople who want to carry out business activities in Australia, such as attending conferences, meeting clients, or conducting business negotiations.

Family Visa (Subclass 100)

This visa allows you to live in Australia with your partner, child, or parent who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

This visa is required for travelers who are transiting through Australia en route to another country.

Requirements for Obtaining an Australian Visa

The requirements and conditions for obtaining an Australian visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, the general requirements typically include:

Source: indonesia.embassy.gov.au

How to Apply for an Australian Visa

(Source: online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login)

There are two ways to apply for an Australian visa: offline and online. If you choose the offline method, here’s how to do it:

Offline Application

You can visit the Australia Visa Application Center (AVAC) located in Bali or Jakarta. Once you arrive at AVAC, follow these steps:

1. Fill in the visa application form manually
   Make sure to complete all required fields accurately and truthfully.
2. Attach the required documents
   Bring all necessary documents, such as your passport, photo, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and flight and accommodation details.
3. Pay the visa fee
   The visa fee depends on the type of visa you are applying for. You can pay in cash or by credit card.
4. Attend an interview (if required)
   If requested, you must attend an interview at AVAC. The interview is conducted to ensure that you meet all visa requirements.
   

After submitting your documents, the next step is payment. Here are the approximate visa fees:

• Tourist visa: AUD 105 (around Rp 1,000,000)
• Business visitor visa: AUD 150 (around Rp 1,500,000)
  

If you're applying online, the visa fee can be paid via PayPal or UnionPay.

Online Application

You can also apply for an Australian visa online by following these steps:

1. Create an ImmiAccount
   Visit the official ImmiAccount website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) and create a new account.
2. Select your visa type
   Choose the visa category that matches the purpose of your visit to Australia.
3. Fill out the application form
   Complete the visa application form online accurately and thoroughly.
4. Upload documents
   Attach all required documents, such as your passport, photo, proof of financial means, travel insurance, flight tickets, and accommodation details.
5. Pay the visa fee
   Pay the visa fee online via the ImmiAccount system or at the AVAC if required.
6. Attend an interview (if required)
   If requested, attend an interview at the Australian Embassy or Consulate General.
7. Wait for a decision
   The Australian Department of Home Affairs will process your application and inform you of the outcome.
   

Once approved, you will receive an e-Visa (electronic visa) via the email used to create your ImmiAccount. The processing time is typically 1–2 working days, but it may take longer during peak periods.

Your e-Visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. You may stay in Australia for up to 3 months per visit.

With an e-Visa, there’s no need for manual checks at the airport, as your visa status is automatically detected by the system. However, it's a good idea to save a soft copy on your device or print it out just in case.

How Long Does the Offline Australian Visa Application Take?

Applying for an Australian visa offline typically takes longer than applying online. This is due to the manual process of document verification and background checks.

The estimated processing time for offline applications can vary depending on the visa type, seasonal demand, and completeness of documents. Here’s an average time frame for each visa type:

• Tourist Visa: 1–4 weeks
• Family Visit Visa: 2–6 weeks
• Student Visa: 3–7 months
• Child Visa: 12–24 months
• Business Visa: 2–4 weeks
  

Do Travelers Under 17 Need a Visa for Australia?

Yes, children under the age of 17 generally do require a visa to enter Australia. The visa requirements for minors are largely the same as for adults, but there are a few additional conditions that must be met:

• Parental or legal guardian consent:
  Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for the child to travel to Australia.
• Proof of family relationship:
  If the child is visiting a family member in Australia, documents such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate must be provided to prove the relationship.
• Proof of financial support:
  Parents or guardians must show evidence that they have sufficient funds to support the child during their stay.
• Travel health insurance:
  The child must have adequate travel health insurance for the entire duration of the trip.
  

Minimum Savings Requirement for an Australian Visa

One of the key requirements when applying for a Tourist Visa to Australia (Subclass 600) is to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. This is proven by showing bank statements with a minimum balance maintained over the past 3 consecutive months.

The minimum savings amount required depends on the length of your stay in Australia:

• Stay up to 3 months: Minimum Rp 10 million per person
• Stay for 4–6 months: Minimum Rp 20 million per person
• Stay more than 6 months: Minimum Rp 30 million per person
  

How Long Is an Australian Visa Valid?

Each type of Australian visa has a different validity period, depending on its purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the validity for some commonly applied visa types:

Reasons Why an Australian Visa May Be Rejected

Applying for an Australian visa doesn't always guarantee approval. Here are some common reasons why visa applications may be refused:

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

• Incomplete application form: Every section must be properly filled out with accurate information.
• Missing supporting documents: Required documents such as financial proof, accommodation bookings, and health insurance must be submitted.
• Incorrect or inconsistent information: Any errors or false details may lead to automatic rejection.
  

2. Failure to Meet Visa Requirements

• Incorrect visa type: Applying for a visa that doesn’t match the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourist vs. business).
• Age restrictions not met: Some visas, like Working Holiday, have strict age limits.
• Insufficient financial proof: Applicants must show they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay.
• No health insurance: Travel or student health insurance is mandatory for many visa types.
• Criminal record: A history of criminal activity may result in a denied application.
  

3. Other Possible Reasons

• Security and character concerns: Visa officers may deny applications if they believe the applicant poses a risk.
• Health risks: Certain medical conditions may require further checks or cause rejection.
• Previous immigration violations: Past overstays, visa breaches, or deportations from Australia or other countries can affect current applications.
  

How to Calculate Australian Visa Fees

How to Calculate Australian Visa Fees

Australian visa fees can vary depending on individual circumstances, including your nationality, the type of visa, and specific application requirements. To get a more accurate estimate of the visa cost, you can use the Visa Pricing Estimator provided on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

However, keep in mind the following:

• The fee calculator may not include second application charges for certain visa types.
• Visa fees must be paid after submitting the application and before approval.
• Some visa applications may also incur additional service fees (such as biometrics or health checks).
  

⚠️ Important Note:
The Department of Home Affairs does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the visa fee calculator. For the most reliable and up-to-date visa fee information, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of the Australian Embassy or Consulate in Indonesia.

(Source: Visa Pricing Estimator – Official Website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs)

Tips to Avoid Australian Visa Rejection

To reduce the risk of your Australian visa being rejected, follow these important tips:

• Carefully read all visa requirements before applying, and make sure you understand the conditions for your specific visa type.
• Fill out the visa application form completely and clearly, ensuring that all information is accurate and consistent.
• Include all required supporting documents, such as financial statements, insurance, travel plans, and identity proofs.
• Apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow enough time for processing and possible follow-ups.
• Use a registered and experienced visa agent if you're unsure about the process—they can help you avoid common mistakes.

Your Gateway to Australia Starts Here!

That wraps up this complete guide to getting an Australian visa. Once your visa is approved, you’re all set to explore the Land Down Under! 🌏✈️

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