Australia Visa Application: Experts Complete Visa Guide 2025

Written by

Dr. Himanshi Sharma

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Mar 31,2025

Australia Visa Application: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners- TerraTern

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Dreaming of exploring the sun-soaked beaches of Australia or pursuing career opportunities Down Under? Your journey begins with a crucial step: the Australia Visa Application process. With a diverse culture, vast landscapes and ample job opportunities, Australia attracts millions of people every year. 

 Australia Visa Application- TerraTern

This Terratern Guide will walk you through everything you'll need to know, from online Applications to country-specific requirements. 

 

Understanding the Australian Visa Application Process 

The Australian visa application process can seem daunting since the country has strict rules about it. But with the right information and guidance, a slow and smooth sail awaits your travel! 

This section provides an overview of the Australia Visa Application, including steps and types - 

Steps of the Australia Visa Application Process:

  • Determine Visa Type 

  • Check Eligibility 

  • Documents collection

  • Filling application 

  • Paying Visa fee 

  • Biometrics and Health checkups

  • Submit the application 

  • Track application 

  • Receive decision

Also Read: Expression of Interest Australia: Expert Guide & Tips 

Types of Australian Visas for Indians in 2025

Australia offers various Visa types catering to different purposes of visit, such as tourism, work, study and permanent residence. Understanding all the options available and choosing the best one that caters to your needs is very important. 

Here is a summarised version of all Visa types Australia has to offer for international travellers - 

Type of Visa 

Purpose 

Duration of Visa 

Eligibility 

Key features 

Visitor visa Subclass 600

Tourism, visiting family and friends

Upto 12 months 

Valid Passport and sufficient funds 

Single or multiple entry may require biometrics 

ETA Subclass 601 

Short-term tourism or business travel 

Upto 3 months per visit 

Eligible passport holder

Online Application, multiple entries 

eVisit Subclass 651 

Tourism or business visits 

Upto 3 months per visit 

Citizens of eligible European countries

Free application, multiple entries 

Student Visa Subclass 500

Study in Australia 

Course duration + 2 months 

Enrolled in an Australian institution,  financial proof 

Work to 48 hours per fortnight, allowing only family 

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

Work post-study in Australia 

18 months to 4 years 

Recently graduated from the Australian Institute 

No employer sponsorship is needed

Skilled Work Visa Subclass 189 and 190

Permanent work in Australia 

Permanent 

Skill assessment point-based system 

189 - independent and 190 - state-sponsored 

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

Employer-sponsored work visa 

Up to 4 years 

Job offer from an Australian employer

Employer sponsorship required 

Partner Visa Subclass 820/801, 309/100

Stay with Australian spouse/partner

Temporary to Permanent 

Relationship proof with an Australian citizen or PR

The two-stage process leading to PR 

Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 and 462 

Work and travel for young adults 

12 months ( extendable )

18 to 35 years, and for certain nations, only 

Limited work rights allow the study 

Business Innovation and Investment Visa Subclass 188/888

Start or invest in an Australian business 

Temporary to Permanent 

Business experience, investment funds 

Leads to PR through 888 Subclass 

Australia Visa Application Online: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

The online Australia Visa Application process has made it easier for applicants worldwide to submit their requests. With everything being available online, navigating through all information has become a smooth process. 

This section will provide you with a detailed walkthrough of the online application for Australia Visa -  

  • Choose the Visa Type - Use the Visa Finder on the Home Affairs page to choose the right visa for your purpose.

  • Create an ImmiAccount - Register on ImmiAccount and verify your email.

  • Gather Documents - Scan and prepare required documents like passports, photos, financial proof, etc. 

  • Fill out the Application - Log in to ImmiAccount and fill out your form accurately, upload documents, and review. 

  • Pay Fee - Submit the Visa fee online via ImmiAccount. It's a one-time payment. 

  • Biometrics Appointment - If required,  book a biometrics appointment and visit VFS Global Center for Biometrics. 

  • Track Application - Monitor progress on ImmiAccount and check for updates.

  • Receive Decision - Get notified via mail about your Australia visa application. 

So now you know how to process your Online Application for Australia Visa. 

Avoid Common Mistakes in Australia Visa Application Online 

Avoiding mistakes during Australia Visa Application Filling through an online portal can save you a lot of trouble and time. If this seems hectic, we at Terratern can do the heavy work while you pack your bags for Down Under. 

  • Incorrect Name or Passport Details - Ensure your name, passport number and expiry dates are all valid and match exactly with the passport while filling out the form.

  • Uploading Aadhar Card instead of Required Documents - AADHAR is not a valid document, so use bank statements, ITR receipts, or employer letters instead. 

  • Insufficient Financial Proof - Ensure Bank balance and income tax returns show enough funds for your stay and timely return. 

  • Mistaking Travel Insurance for Health Insurance - Some visas require Overseas Health Coverage, not just travel insurance. Please check carefully. 

Creating an ImmiAccount 

An ImmiAccount is essential for applying online for Australia Visa Application. 

This subsection guides you step by step on the process of creating and managing ImmiAccount - 

  • Registration - Visit the ImmiAccount login page and select “Create an account”.

  • Provide details - Enter your personal information, including full name and verification email address.

  • Verification - Confirm your account through verification via mail. 

For extra safety of your ImmiAccount, these useful tips can be handy - 

  • Use a strong password. 

  • Enable two-factor authorisation 

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for login. 

Creating an ImmiAccount- TerraTern

Online Application for Australia Visa Process in 2025

While you follow the steps for an online Australia Visa Application, the government is working on their end to make it a smooth process. 

A new digital visa system is set to be implemented by the end of 2025, promising faster processing times. 

Here's how Home Affairs is working parallel to each step you follow for your Australia Visa Application -

Step 

Process

Details 

Application Submission 

Visa application received

Submitted via ImmiAccount 

Initial screening 

Checking for completeness of application 

System scans for missing documents or errors 

Payment verification 

Visa fee confirmation 

Ensuring payment is processed before further steps

Identity and security checks 

Background verification 

Cross-checks with database for security clearance

Health and character assessments

Medical and police clearance 

Health checks ( if required ) and criminal records verification 

Document verification 

Authenticity check 

Employers, banks or institutions might be contacted

Biometrics and interview 

Additional verification 

Fingerprints, photograph verification, or an interview, if necessary 

Decision making 

Visa approval/Rejection  

The case officer analyses all details before finalising 

Final notification 

Visa outcome shared 

Email notification if approved, the visa is linked to your passport 

Also Read: New Laws Protecting Immigrants Implemented in Australia

Visa Application for Australia from India: Special Considerations 2025 

For Indian citizens, there are specific requirements and processes to be aware of while applying for Australia visa application. This section will focus on the unique aspects of applying from India. 

Visa Application for Australia from India: Special Considerations- TerraTern

Biometrics and Health Check Requirements 

For most of the countries, this requirement is not necessary. However, in the case of Indian citizens, an additional biometrics and health check is required to process their Australia visa application. 

All Indian applicants may need to provide biometric information and undergo health checks as a part of their visa process. 

This is a summarised insight into what you might incur with - 

Authorised Biometrics Collection Centers in India 

  • They are managed by VFS Global. The list of official centres can be found at  VFS Global itself. 

Approved Panel Physicians for Health Checks in India 

  • Applicants have to undergo a medical examination conducted by physicians and approved by the Australian Government. 

  • A Comprehensive list of approved physicians is available from the Department of Home Affairs by the Government of Australia. 

Estimated Processing times for these Additional Requirements:

Requirements 

Details 

Estimated Processing Time 

Biometrics Collection 

Required for most visa applicants, conducted by AVAC or ABCC, which are managed by VFS Global 

Appointment to processing total requires 2 weeks approximately 

Approved Panel Physicians 

A health examination must be conducted by Australian government-authorized physicians 

Appointment to processing - total requires approximately 3 weeks.

Expert Tips for a Successful Australia Visa Application 2025

Increase your chances of visa approval with these expert tips and best practices for preparing and submitting your application. 

Now, the Australia visa application process has become an easier and more efficient journey for all! 

General Requirements - 

  • Valid Passport 

  • Completed visa application form 

  • Recent passport-sized photograph 

  • Proof of financial support 

  • Health and character document 

  • Travel itinerary 

  • Employment details 

  • Invitation letter 

Top Expert Tips for Successful Australia Visa Application:

  • Provide complete and accurate information through all required documents. 

  • Meet Health and character clearance through official centres well in advance to avoid last-minute problems.

  • Demonstrate strong ties to India by showing proof of employment property ownership to establish intent to return after the visa period. 

Top Mistakes to Avoid for a Successful Australia Visa Application:

  • Ignoring visa-specific requirements as each visa Subclass has its own unique requirements. For example, GTE statement for Student Visa. Missing these would lead to rejection or delays. 

  • Uploading blurry or incorrectly named documents should be totally avoided because unclear scans delay the whole process. Use high-quality PDFs and exact naming format.

  • Not checking email regularly for requests from Immigration can cause communication issues between you and result in delays. 

Top Mistakes to Avoid for a Successful Australia Visa Application -  TerraTern

Preparing Support Documents 

Proper documentation is important for visa application for Australia from India. This subsection will guide you on how to prepare and present supporting documents effectively.

  • GTE Statement (Subclass 500 – Student Visa) – It justifies study choice and intent to return.

  • Skills Assessment Report (Subclass 482 – TSS Visa)  It verifies qualifications for skilled work. 

  • Relationship Evidence (Subclass 309/100 – Partner Visa) – Proof of joint finances, photos, and cohabitation are a must. 

  • Business Invitation Letter (Subclass 600 – Business Visa) – To Confirm meetings, purpose, and sponsorship.

  • OSHC Insurance (Subclass 500 – Student Visa) – This is required as proof of health coverage for the duration of the study.

  • Police Clearance Certificate (Most Visas) – It confirms good character and criminal record status.

  • Proof of Financial Support (Multiple Visas) – A very necessary requirement via Bank statements, ITRs, or sponsorship letters.

These are a few specific documents that come under support documents for a Successful Australia Visa Application. Check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest and more specific requirements.

Tracking Your Australia Visa Application Status in 2025

Regularly updating and checking your Australia visa application is a very important step for a successful visa grant. 

Step-by-step guide to check your application status by Home Affairs

Step 1. Log in to ImmiAccount and sign in using your credentials. 

Step 2. Go to “My Applications” and locate the visa application you submitted. 

Step 3. Check your application status and view real-time updates such as “received”, “processing”, or “finalized.” 

Step 4. Look for requests for more documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 5. Track via VIVO for the approved visa to check further details. 

Step 6. Monitor your registered email for official updates from Home Affairs.

Step 7. Contact Home Affairs in case of discrepancies such as exceeded delay in processing times. 

Read More: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses: Updated

Common Challenges in the Australia Visa Application Process 2025

Anything you start will always have its own set of challenges and benefits. Here, we are discussing a few challenges commonly faced by applicants in the processing of Australia Visa application.  

  • Complex documentation requirements often lead to the submission of incomplete or inaccurate documents, further causing delays or rejection. 

  • Some visas experience extended wait times due to their high demand. Such as a Holiday work Visa. 

  • Financial proof issues due to lack of proper documentation can lead to rejections or delays. 

  • Meeting the strict health and character check requirement can slow down the process as it involves medical exams and police clearance. 

  • Errors in technical issues, such as failure of payment processing or Application Submission errors, can cause significant delays. 

 

Conclusion

Australia Visa Application is a tedious yet important task if you want to settle, work or travel there. With strict rules and extensive documentation, it is important to have a trustworthy and customised solution through consultancies for a smooth journey. 

We at Terratern provide you with the best solutions, guiding you on each step and working hand in hand to make this a happy experience for you. Book a free appointment with us today to learn more about Australia visa application.

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process an Australian visa application?

Processing times vary by visa type. A tourist visa (Subclass 600) takes about 20–45 days, while skilled visas may take several months.

Can I apply for an Australian visa without using an agent?

Yes, you can apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website without an agent.

What are the financial requirements for an Australian tourist visa?

You typically need to show funds covering your stay, usually around AUD 5,000–10,000, plus return flight costs.

Is it possible to extend my Australian visa after arrival?

Some visas allow extensions, but many require applying for a new visa instead. Eligibility depends on your current visa type.

How can I check if my skills are in demand for an Australian work visa?

Check the Australian Skilled Occupation List on the official immigration website to see if your profession qualifies.