The following information is provided to assist you with visa arrangements to attend an event in Australia.
We recommend that applicants applying for a paper-based visa lodge their application at least 6-8 weeks before their intended travel date to Australia.
Please note, the implementation of the new Biometrics Program for visa applicants lodging a paper-based application in the following countries; France, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/biometrics/offshore/countries.htm
Visa applications
Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival). For more information, see the fact sheet: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm
There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa option will depend, amongst other things, on the person's purpose for visiting Australia.
For the purposes of attending this event, the participants may wish to consider applying for one of the following visas, based on their role at the event.
1. Business Visa - is the most appropriate option for delegates fulfilling an official role such as speaking/presenting at the event, or if the delegate is employed and is travelling to Australia to be involved in an activity that is related to their profession.
For additional background relating to:
- visas
for people to come to Australia for a business-related visit, please see: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/business-visit-visa-options.htm
Health and character requirements
All visa applicants will be required to meet certain character and health requirements as part of their visa application process. These requirements exist to uphold the safety and security of the Australian community. The following links provide further information on these requirements, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/ and http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/
