Last Updated on September 6, 2018 by
Table of Contents
Australia Tourist Visa Requirements and Fees For Indians
I was invited to visit Australia by Canberra Tourism in 2017. I was nervous when I was told that I had to fill the Australian visa form myself. I really was. It was my first trip to Australia and it was my first solo trip to a foreign country. No, Nepal is not counted! However, once I had finished all the Visa formalities, I realized I was worried for nothing. The visa process for Indians was fairly simple, albeit a bit elaborate.
I was wondering how easy or difficult it is for the nationals of other countries applying for Australian Tourist Visa. A quick Google search gave me interesting results. I found out that eVisitor 651 visa Australia for UK residents is quite easy and much of the information and forms are available online. I was impressed to see that it takes only 5 minutes to finish the formalities. The Visa process takes anything from a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 5 days only. Quite efficient! The process for Indians is easy as well, though bit cumbersome. However, being an Indian it takes me lesser time to reach Australia and during my trip, I was treated with business class in Singapore Airlines. So, who’s complaining! That said, if you are a UK resident, do check out e-visums.co.uk for more details.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA FOR AUSTRALIA FOR INDIANS:
Australia Business Visa Requirements:
- Original Passport which should be valid for at least six months
- 2 Recent passport size formal color photographs with white background.
- Hotel Confirmation
- Air ticket
- Personal Bank statements for the last 6 months (till date)
- Xerox copy of passport first and last and all pages duly Notries.
- Covering letter from the applicant stating his name, designation, purpose and duration of visit on company letterhead
- Invitation letter from invitee company in Australian on letterhead
- 956 form. (I was required to fill and sign the form)
- 1415 visa form. (I was required to fill and sign the form)
- Personal Income tax returns for the last 3 years.
- Salary slips for last 06 months
- Proof of financial solvency – Copies of property papers, fixed deposits or investments (if any).
- Company registration certificate
Much of the above was easy albeit time consuming. The forms were available online but were also shared to me by the PR from the tourism board. All I had to do was take a print of the copies, fill it and submit to the agent in Barakhamba Road, New Delhi along-with passport and other documents.
Regarding the bank statement, I visited the nearest branch of my bank. They asked me to fill a form and show my ID card, upon the completion of which they printed the bank statement and stamped and signed on each page. It was easier than I had thought!
For notary, I approached one of the authorized persons at walking distance from my home. It was done within few minutes and for a throw away price. How to locate an authorized person for notary near your home? Just Google or call Just Dial.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEES FOR TOURIST VISA OF
AUSTRALIA FOR INDIANS?
The application fees for tourist visa for Indians is around INR 7,100. You may also end up paying agent separately and also expect to pay around INR 1,000 more for work like printouts, photo copies, notary, commute etc.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR VISA OF AUSTRALIA FOR INDIANS:
I had planned to extend my trip to Australia. The responsibility of Canberra Tourism board and Singapore Airlines was over once my media trip to Canberra culminated. I had to bear the cost of my stay, travel and food in Melbourne and Sydney which followed. This meant that I had to also submit the proofs of my stay in Sydney and Melbourne. I was also required to give proofs of my bus booking from Canberra to Melbourne and the train ticket from Melbourne to Sydney.
In a jiffy, I contacted Purnendu Tyagi who was my friend from college (Institute Of Hotel Management, Lucknow) and now lived in Melbourne. I wrote a covering letter and mailed to him. The letter stated that Purnendu will take care of my stay in Melbourne and Sydney. It also stated his postal address and his digital signature. Purnendu signed the document I had sent him and mailed me the PDF version of the same, which I printed and attached with the documents. It was easy. I was worried for no reason.
I also booked my train and bus tickets online and attached the copies of the same along with other documents. I was running late for submitting the visa. I was at tenterhooks. Luckily it was accepted just few days before my flight was scheduled. All was well with my world again! Phew!
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING TOURIST VISA FOR
AUSTRALIA FOR INDIANS:
My Australian Visa was processed through agent. I would suggest you to go for the same. It makes sense to let the agent do the visa processing for you. Also, make sure that the passport size photo is readily available and is as per specification. Mine was not and I had to run from pillar to post to get the same done at the last minute. It’s a simple thing but factors like time of the day, rush at the studio, closed studios or unavailability of studio near your home can be stressful. So, it is always better to be ready with it. The various forms are self explanatory and are easy to fill. However, be warned about the excessive paperwork, photocopies and printouts. Stapling and compartmentalizing the documents is really helpful for quick retrieval and reference. Do let me know if you have any other queries in the comment section below and I will address the same.
Also Read:
Top 10 reasons to visit Canberra – Capital of Australia
Migrant Indians of Sydney Australia
Spread the love, share this blog
Got any question/comments, ask in the comment section below so that it can benefit other readers.
Email me for collaboration: [email protected]
Be a part of my journey on social media. The travel content I create there is different from this blog.
Pls subscribe/follow/like:
WARNING : COPYRIGHT TO ALL THE TEXT SHARED HERE REMAINS WITH ME. YOU CAN NOT JUST LIFT THE CONTENT AND USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. STRICT LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF CONTENT IS STOLEN. YES, I AM SERIOUS.
