The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is a temporary visa provided by the Australian government for individuals from eligible countries, including British Dependent Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Citizens Vatican City, British Overseas Citizens, and others. It allows visitors to travel to Australia for tourism, business activities, visiting family and friends, or engaging in official government visits.
The eVisitor visa is distinct from other types of visas, such as student visas or temporary work visas. It is specifically designed for individuals who genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily and abide by Australian laws and regulations.
eVisitor-Eligible Passports
eVisitor-eligible passports are citizen passports issued by the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Republic of San Marino
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom – British Citizen
- Vatican City.
If you hold only a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or British Subject passport, you are not eligible to apply for the eVisitor visa.
eVisitor visa Eligibilty Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) are as follows:
- You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country. This includes being a citizen of the United Kingdom, including British Dependent Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Citizens Vatican City, and British Overseas Citizens.
- The eVisitor visa is intended for individuals who genuinely intend to visit Australia for tourism, business visitor activities, or visiting family and friends. It is not suitable for individuals seeking to work or study in Australia.
- You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This includes providing relevant medical documentation and police clearance certificates if requested.
- You must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor to Australia and intend to return to your home country at the end of your visit. This can be shown through sufficient ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property ownership.
- You must have adequate financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Australia. This ensures that you can cover your accommodation, transportation, and other expenses without relying on public funds.
- You are required to obey all Australian laws and regulations during your stay. This includes respecting the conditions of your visa and not engaging in any unlawful activities.
It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the grant of the eVisitor visa. The final decision rests with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, and they assess each application on an individual basis.
Before applying, it is advisable to review the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the Australian government to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. If you have any questions or uncertainties, it is recommended to consult the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional advice for accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your situation.
What Can I Do on an eVisitor Visa?
With the eVisitor visa subclass 651, individuals from eligible countries, including British Dependent Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Citizens Vatican City, British Overseas Citizens, and others, can enjoy various activities during their visit to Australia. Here’s a list of things you can do with the eVisitor visa:
- Explore the breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities of Australia as a genuine visitor. Experience the diverse culture, wildlife, and natural wonders the country has to offer.
- Engage in official business activities, attend meetings, conferences, or negotiate business contracts. However, remember that the eVisitor visa does not grant work rights, so any activities must align with business visitor guidelines.
- Reunite with your loved ones residing in Australia, spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.
- If you are representing your government on an official visit to Australia, the eVisitor visa allows you to conduct government-related activities and engagements.
- While the eVisitor visa does not permit employment, you can utilize your stay to investigate potential employment opportunities or inquire about temporary work visas that align with your skills and qualifications.
- Undertake short-term study or training courses for personal or professional development. However, if you plan to pursue long-term studies, you should consider applying for a student visa.
- The eVisitor visa allows multiple entry into Australia during its validity period. This means you can leave and re-enter the country as many times as you wish within the visa’s duration.
- If you have planned a round trip cruise that includes stops in Australian ports, the eVisitor visa permits you to disembark and explore those destinations.
Remember, while enjoying these activities, it is essential to obey Australian laws and abide by the conditions outlined in your eVisitor visa grant letter. Ensure you have a valid passport and maintain appropriate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
For specific inquiries or further assistance regarding the eVisitor visa, you can refer to the official guidelines provided by the Department of Home Affairs or consult professional visa services, bearing in mind any associated service fees.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
When applying for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), you will typically need the following documents:
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. The passport should have a remaining validity that covers the duration of your intended stay in Australia.
- Personal Information: You will be required to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
- Proof of Citizenship: You may need to provide documentation to prove your citizenship, such as a copy of your passport biodata page or birth certificate.
- Travel Itinerary: It is helpful to provide a proposed travel itinerary that outlines your intended activities and destinations during your stay in Australia.
- Proof of Financial Capacity: You may be asked to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit. This can include bank statements, pay slips, or other evidence of financial resources.
- Health Insurance: It is recommended to have health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Australia. Providing proof of health insurance can strengthen your application.
- Character Documents: In some cases, you might be required to provide police clearance certificates or other documents to demonstrate your good character.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your visit, you may need to provide additional supporting documents. For example, if you are visiting family or attending a business meeting, you might need to provide invitation letters or business-related documentation.
It is important to note that the specific document requirements can vary depending on your country of citizenship and individual circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional advice to ensure you gather all the necessary documents for a successful visa application.
How to Apply for an eVisitor Visa?
To apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), follow these steps:
- Check if you hold a passport from an eligible country, such as the United Kingdom (including British Dependent Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Citizens Vatican City, and British Overseas Citizens).
- Collect all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, personal information, proof of financial capacity, travel itinerary, health insurance, and any additional supporting documents relevant to your visit.
- Visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website and access the online application platform. Create an Immi Account if you don’t have one already.
- Fill in the required information accurately and provide details about your intended visit to Australia. Upload the supporting documents as specified.
- Pay the applicable visa application fee, if required. The eVisitor visa itself does not have a fee, but there may be service fees associated with certain visa services or assistance.
- Review all the information you have entered and ensure it is correct. Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents.
- The processing time for the eVisitor visa can vary. You can check the estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website. Be patient and avoid making any travel arrangements until you receive a decision on your visa application.
- Visa Grant Letter: If your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant letter via email. The letter will include your visa grant number and the conditions of your subclass 651 visa. Make sure to carefully read and understand the conditions.
- Travel to Australia: Once you have been granted the eVisitor visa, you can travel to Australia within the validity period of the visa. Ensure you have a valid passport and any other necessary travel documents.
It is important to note that the application process and requirements may be subject to change. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and instructions on how to apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651).
eVisitor Visa Extension
It is possible to extend the eVisitor visa while you are in Australia, but you must do so before it expires. The extension requires you to submit a valid application, along with supporting documents, including your passport.
Extensions can be granted for up to three months at a time, and you may be able to extend your visa multiple times. However, the total visa period cannot exceed 12 months.
eVisitor Visa Conditions
The visa conditions associated with the eVisitor include the following:
- You must abide by Australian law
- You must not work in Australia
- You must not stay longer than three months at a time
- You must maintain health insurance or be able to demonstrate that you have adequate funds to pay for any medical expenses that may arise
- You must not bring any medical conditions that could potentially cause harm to other people in Australia
Conclusion
In conclusion, the eVisitor visa subclass 651 provides an opportunity for eligible individuals, including British Dependent Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Citizens Vatican City, and British Overseas Citizens, to visit Australia as genuine visitors for various purposes. This temporary visa allows individuals to explore the country’s diverse attractions, engage in business visitor activities, visit family and friends, or participate in a round trip cruise that includes Australian ports.
By obtaining the eVisitor subclass 651 visa, individuals can enjoy the benefits of multiple entry during the visa’s validity period, provided they obey Australian laws and adhere to the conditions specified in their visa grant letter. While the eVisitor visa does not grant work rights, individuals can utilize their stay to investigate employment opportunities or inquire about temporary work visas that suit their qualifications.
It is essential to have a valid passport and maintain appropriate health insurance coverage throughout the visit. The application process involves gathering the necessary documents, completing the online application, paying any applicable fees, and awaiting a decision from the Department of Home Affairs.
For detailed and up-to-date information on the eVisitor visa subclass 651, including specific requirements and guidelines, individuals should refer to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website. It is important to stay informed about any changes in visa policies and procedures to ensure a smooth application process and a successful visit to Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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