Applying for an Australia Visa from Dubai? Here’s What You Need to Know

Australia is a very popular destination among travellers, students and as well as workers. You may be going to Australia on a holiday, for work or for education, you’ll need a visa to do so. The process of acquiring a visa to Australia from Dubai is quite straightforward, but it requires some careful preparing. This blog brings you important details you need to know about applying for an Australian Visa from Dubai.

Types of Australian Visas

It's very important that you understand the different types of visas available before you apply for an Australia visa from Dubai. Which type of visa you should apply for depends on why you need to visit Australia. Here are the more common types of visas issued by Australia:

Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa - Subclass 600): For those planning a short visit to Australia as tourists or to visit families.

Student Visa (Subclass 500): For those looking to travel to Australia to study.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): For the young, between 18 and 30 years old eager to travel and work in Australia.

Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457): For skilled workers visiting Australia on job offers.

Business Visa (Subclass 188): For those who have investment plans in Australia and are looking to do business there.

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): For those who have married or are in a de facto relationship with any Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Also Read:- Dubai Visit Visa Services: How To Get Your Visa Approved Hassle-Free

Visa Application Process

Apparently, the visa application process may seem overwhelming. That said, you won't find it too challenging if you understand the process and go through the following steps.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before you apply for a certain type of visa, you have to make sure that you are eligible for it. Check the eligibility requirements for each type of visa on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. Before you move forward, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Gather all the documents required to submit your visa application after you have made sure that you are eligible for the type of visa you have applied for. Some of the common documents required are:

• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of financial stability (bank statements, pay slips)
• Health insurance documents
• Proof of accommodation in Australia
• Travel itinerary
• Letter of offer (for student or work visas)

Please be aware that certain types of visas may need additional documents. For example, if you have applied for a student visa, you may need to furnish an enrollment letter from your Australian institution.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applying for an Australia Visa from Dubai online on the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website is possible. First of all, you are asked to create an account. Once you have done that, you shall simply need to enter the necessary details and upload all the supporting documents asked for. Ensure that every information you enter is correct since any discrepancies found may not only delay your application, it may cause an outright rejection. You can submit your application through the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Dubai if you can't apply online.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

For every Australian Visa you apply for, you shall have to pay a fee. How much visa fee you need to pay depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, while for a tourist visa you shall have to pay no more than AUD 145, for a student visa, you’ll need to pay AUD 620. Please note that even if your visa application is rejected, your visa fees shall not be refunded.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you have submitted your application and paid the necessary visa fee, all you need to do is wait for a decision regarding the approval of your visa application. The time needed to process a visa depends on the type of the visa and the individual circumstances of the applicant. It can take, on an average, anything from just a couple of weeks to a couple of months to process a visa application. The Australian authorities may contact you asking you to appear for an interview or asking you for additional documents.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

You’ll receive a notification on your email once your visa application is approved. You won't need to have a visa sticker pasted on your passport since the visa will be electronically linked to the passport. Before you travel, make sure to check how long your visa is valid to avoid over staying.

Since it’s a lengthy process, you may seek help from professional visa agents offering international visit visa services.

Also Read:- 30-Day Dubai Visit Visa: How to Plan Your Extended Stay in the UAE

Required Fees for Applying for an Australia Visa

Depending on the type of visa you have applied for, the visa fees shall vary. The general costs of some are given below:

• Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa): Around AUD 145
• Working Holiday Visa: Around AUD 485
• Business Visa: Around AUD 4,000 (this may vary depending on the type of business visa)
• Temporary Work Visa: Around AUD 1,200
• Student Visa: Around AUD 620
• Partner Visa: Around AUD 7,000

Please note the fees mentioned above are only indicative and they are subject to change. It's best that you check the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ website for the current fee structure.

Visa Processing Time

There are several factors like the type of visa applied for and the complexity of the concerned application which decide how much time shall be needed to process a visa. It may take only a few days to several months. Here's a rough estimate of the time needed to process certain kinds of visas:

• Visitor Visa: Around 15 to 30 days
• Student Visa: Around 20 to 40 days
• Working Holiday Visa: Around 2 weeks
• Business Visa: Around 2 to 3 months
• Partner Visa: 12 to 18 months

You may pay an additional fee for priority processing of your visa if you need it urgently.

Also Read:- Australia Tourist Visa Requirements for Dubai Residents

Visa Refusal and What to Do Next

Applicants who have had their visa applications rejected may file an appeal through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) so they can reapply. The applicant shall only have to address the issues mentioned in the letter of refusal and reapply. Consulting a migration agent in some cases may help. When reapplying, additional documents may be needed in some cases.

Conclusion

Careful planning and preparation are the need of the hour when you apply for a visa to Australia. Raise your chances of success by applying following the correct procedure mentioned here. Don’t hesitate to contact a leading travel agency in Dubai if you need any help. After you have submitted the required documents and paid the fees, you shall receive the visa provided there are no discrepancies in your application. Here’s wishing you good luck!