Apply for an Australian Visa Online (2026 Guide)

Australian Immigration-Travel Guides-Visa & Immigration

October 29, 2025

Updated on 17 October 2026

Australian visa applications are made online, so you do not need a visa office near you. Whether you live in London, Mumbai, Lagos or a smaller city such as Enugu (which has no Australian visa office), the process starts in an online account. This guide explains how it works, which visa to choose, the main fees, and the mistakes to avoid.

Which visitor visa does your passport use?

Passport	Usual visitor option	Notes
US, Canada	Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)	Up to 3 months per visit while valid
UK (British citizen)	ETA (601) or eVisitor (651)	Up to 3 months per visit. BN(O) passports can use the ETA only
India	Visitor visa (subclass 600)	Granted for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on circumstances
Nigeria	Visitor visa (subclass 600)	Granted for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on circumstances

Check the Department of Home Affairs site to confirm your eligibility, because lists and rules change. The rest of this guide covers the main online process for the standard visas.

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A worked example

This is an illustration, not a real case. Two cousins plan a four-week visit to Sydney. One holds a Canadian passport and applies for an ETA on her phone, with no documents to upload. The other holds a Nigerian passport, so he opens an online account, selects the visitor visa, uploads his passport, bank statements, employer letter and itinerary, pays the fee and waits for a decision. He starts about two months before the trip, because his file takes longer and may involve extra steps such as a health check.

Do I need to travel to apply?

Not for the application itself. You create an account online, fill in the form and upload your documents from home. The department may later ask you for biometrics or a medical examination. If that happens, the request letter names the centre or clinic you must use. Wait for that letter before booking any travel, and do not rely on addresses quoted in older articles.

Pick the right visa

Visa	For	Base fee (from 1 July 2025)	Guide
Visitor (subclass 600)	Tourism and family visits	AUD 200	Visitor visa guide
Student (subclass 500)	Full-time study	AUD 2,000	Student visa and work rights
Skilled independent and nominated (189 and 190)	Points-tested skilled migration	AUD 4,910 for the main applicant	Check the Home Affairs site for the current points test
Family and partner visas	Joining a partner, parent or child	Varies by visa	Family visa guide

Fees rise every year, usually on 1 July. Confirm the amount for your visa on the Department of Home Affairs fee page before you pay.

Step by step

Create an ImmiAccount. This is where you apply, upload documents, pay and track your case.
Choose the visa subclass and complete the form. Use the same details as in your passport.
Upload your documents as clear scans. Typical items are your passport, a photo, bank statements, proof of ties to your home country, and papers for your purpose such as an offer letter or an invitation.
Pay the fee online by card. Your bank may add exchange-rate charges.
Complete health and biometrics steps if requested.
Track and receive your decision in your ImmiAccount. There is no visa sticker, as the grant is linked electronically to your passport.

How long it takes

Processing times change throughout the year and differ by visa. The department publishes the current times for each visa on its website. Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date you need the visa, and longer for study or skilled visas.