Visa options
For additional information regarding visa enquires, please go to the Immigration website.
Attendees
Attendees and speakers that will not be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the congress may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:
- Subclass 600 Business Visitor – For business visitors staying up to 3 months
- Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Approved visitors from the following countries can apply for a subclass 601 and have no visa fees (small admin charge may apply) – Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.
- Subclass 651 eVisitor – Approved visitors from the following countries can apply for a subclass 601 and have no visa fees (small admin charge may apply) – Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Republic of San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
All international delegates applying for a visa will require a confirmation of attendance, this will be emailed to delegates after the conference.
Speakers
Attendees and speakers that will be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the congress may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:
- Temporary Activity (subclass 408)(Invited Participant) visa (where there is an inviting Australian organisation)
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- Applicants must be invited by an Australian organisation to participate in an event , and must provide a letter of support from an Australian organisation
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- Temporary Work (subclass 400)(Short Stay Specialist) visa (where there is no inviting Australian organisation)
- Applicants must have a contract or other proof of their engagement
Exhibitors
For some specialised conferences that are not open to the general public, international exhibitors may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:
- Visitor (subclass 600)(Business stream) visa
- Applicants must have a supporting letter from an International Society/Association or conference organisers providing the reasons for the visit
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)
- e Visitor (subclass 651)(Tourist Stream) visa
- Applicants must have a supporting letter from an International Society/Association or conference organisers providing the reasons for the visit
Accompanying Family Members and persons under 18 years of age
Accompanying family members of delegate
Accompanying family members of delegates may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:
- Visitor (subclass 600)(Tourist stream) visa
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)
- e Visitor (subclass 651)(Tourist Stream) visa
Persons under 18 years of age
The Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied when assessing visa applications for minors (applicants under the age of 18 at time of visa application) of parental consent from all responsible parent(s) or guardian(s) to the grant of an Australian visa. Form 1229 – Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years, will be required to be submitted as part of the application for a visa as evidence of this consent. Form 1257 – Undertaking declaration, will also be required for a person nominated as a person responsible for the support and general welfare of a person under 18 years of age.
Minors who are travelling without their parent and/or guardian may need to provide additional documentation with their visa application, even if they are travelling with other family members.
Visa Application Process and Processing Times
Processing times may be impacted by changes in application volumes, seasonal peaks, complex cases, and incomplete applications.
Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
- how promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
- when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account
Visa applications should be lodged at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to an event participant’s intended date of travel to Australia.
Scholarships
Visa applications may require records of financial statements or funds to return to the country of origin for applicants. We can provide a letter of support with information regarding the support provided, scholarship criteria and rational for the individuals receiving the scholarships.
For additional information regarding visa enquires, please go to the Immigration website.