The Department of Home Affairs in the Australian High Commission Suva manages visa services for clients in:
American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Nauru, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna Islands.
Westrongly discourage clients engaging with agents who claim to be able to assist with lodgement or processing of these visas. If you are approached by an agent in relation to these visas, please advise the Australian High Commission here:Contact us
Travel restrictions
Please carefully check that you comply with the requirements relating to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. See: COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au)
You will also need to comply with any health requirements in the Australian states and territories you will travel to and transit. Testing and quarantine requirements and domestic transfer restrictions may differ by state and territory.
Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
The Australian Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme helps address workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia. Australian businesses are currently employing workers from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in low and semi-skilled roles.
To find out more about Pacific Labour Scheme visas, visit: Pacific Labour Scheme
Temporary changes to Student visas
To address workforce shortages, student visa work hours have been temporarily relaxed. This measure takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals, including secondary applicants. Students will be able to work before their course of study commences. They will also be able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy.
Students must ensure they are aware of any changes to visa conditions, including any decision to restrict student work hours.
For information on these changes visit: homeaffairs.gov.au
For information on vaccine requirements visit: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/COVID19
Quick guide to common questions
We will not respond to enquiries where your question has been answered by the information and links below.
Explore visa options
Explore visa optionsthat might suit your needs.
Submitting an application
You can lodge most applications online throughImmiAccount. This is the preferred and most efficient way to apply.
Please note that all applicants outside Australia applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) in anystreammust lodge their application online via ImmiAcccount.
There are many benefits to applying online, including:
- Faster processing times
- Apply online at any convenient time
- Use mobile devices to apply
- Attach documents online
- Check application status, correct mistakes or update details online.
Information and guidance onapplying onlineand ImmiAccount is available to assist applicants.
Technical help is available on our website:Technical help
We recommend that you do not book travel until your visa application has been finalised.
Transiting Australia
To transit Australia you must hold a valid visa or be from an eligible country toTransit Without a Visa (TWOV). Citizens of the following countries in the Pacific region are eligible to TWOV if they meet the requiredTWOV criteria:
Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
If you are not eligible to TWOV you must apply for a visa to enter Australia. To transit Australia for up to 72 hours apply for aTransit visa (subclass 771).
If you need to stay longer, you are not transiting and you must apply for a different visa. Seeexplore your visa optionsandComing to Australia.
Visa processing times
We understand that your application is important to you. Current visa processing times can be found here:global visa processing times
Checking the status of an application
You can check the status of your application inImmiAccount. We will not respond to enquiries on the status of visa applications that are withinglobal visa processing times.
Priority processing
We receive a large number of requests from clients who wish to expedite their visa application.We will only expedite visa applications in cases that involve compelling and compassionate circumstances, such as travel to a funeral or an unexpected medical issue. Only requests for priority processing that state why you require priority processing will be considered.
Providing biometrics
You will need to provide your biometrics at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) if[KB1] you apply:
- for a visa that is part of the biometrics program
- from a country that is part of our biometrics program
Australian Biometrics Collection Centres are located as follows:
- Fiji - Lautoka and Suva.
- Tonga - Nuku’alofa.
- Samoa - Apia.
- New Zealand – Auckland, (pop ups in Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington)
- Vanuatu - Port Vila.
- Papua New Guinea - Port Moresby.
- Solomon Islands - Honiara.
SeeMeeting our biometrics requirementsfor more information.
Health and Medical examinations
We will tell you if you are required to undergo medical examinations. You must be examined by one of our approved panel physicians or clinics. SeeMeeting our health requirementsfor more information.
See how to contact a panel physician by finding theimmigration office nearest to you.
Check visa details and conditions
You can check your grant notification letter or use ourVisa Entitlement Verification Online(VEVO) system to check your visa details and conditions. Visitor visas do not have any work rights.
Update passport details
You can tell us aboutchanges to your passport details here. You can use VEVO to check if your passport has been updated. We do not respond once your passport has been updated.
Reviewing our decisions
The refusal notification sent to you provides details about the reasons your application was refused. The refusal notification will also give you details about whether your decision is reviewable with theAdministrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Providing feedback
The Global Feedback Unit (GFU) is the central point for receiving, tracking and facilitating a response to client feedback. Complaints and suggestions help us to refine and improve our policies, processes and systems. Similarly, compliments help us recognise when we are meeting or exceeding community standards for service and performance. You canprovide feedback here.
Visa scams
Please be aware of visa scams. Visitor visas, including business visitor visas, do not have any work rights.Visa scams and how to report them
Applying for Australian citizenship
You will find general information about applying for Australian citizenship, including citizenship by descent for your child if they were born overseas, here:Become an Australian citizen. If you wish to obtain evidence of your Australian citizenship then you will find information here:Evidence of citizenship and certificates
Polio vaccination certificates
Papua New Guinea is no longer listed on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative website as a polio outbreak country. As such, evidence of polio vaccination for clients who have resided in Papua New Guinea is no longer required.
Movement records
To get the specific dates for your movements in and out of Australia, request your international movement records by completingForm 1359 Request for international movement records (195KB PDF).
Departing Australia Superannuation Payment
Find out how to have your superannuation paid to you after you depart Australia here:
Leaving Australia - accessing your superannuation
Applying for a minor under 18 years old
Additional documents are required when applying for a minor under 18 years old.
Include proof of custody/legal guardianship:
- A birth certificate showing the names of both parents, and
- Both parent’s photo identification and signatures.
If the parents named on the birth certificate are not the legal guardians, then custody papers (including sole parental rights), adoption papers, court orders and/or parent’s death certificates will be required, including:
- Photo identification of the legal guardian/s.
If anyone with custody/legal guardianship or anyone with a legal right to decide where an applicant under 18 lives is not visiting Australia, they must complete:
- Include a document with the signature and photo of the person/s who completed the form or declaration, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Welfare:
- If the applicant is not staying with their parents or legal guardians, please provide form 1257. The person they are staying with must sign the form.
Form 1257 - Undertaking declaration (201KB PDF).
Contact Us
If you have read this information and still need more information or help, you can contact the Visa Office at the Australian High Commission in Suva here:Contact us
FAQs
What are the chances of student visa rejection Australia? ›
The total Australian student visa rejection rate in 2020-2021 declined 32% from 2019-2020. Hence, students are advised to carefully examine the documents required like the financial stability of 20,000 AUD, an acceptance letter from the university, and a minimum of 6.5 bands in IELTS.
How can I speed up my Australian visa? ›You may be able to request priority processing for some types of visas if you can demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances. Priority processing can be requested by: Calling the Home Affairs' Service Centre on 131 881, or • Contacting the relevant processing offices.
Can I apply for 2 visas at the same time Australia? ›Generally, if you are able to apply for a substantive visa (substantive visas are visas other than a bridging visa), there is nothing to stop you from applying for 2 visas at the same time. If you are applying for 2 visas at the same time, the Department will grant you 2 bridging visas.
Why there is a flag in my IMMI account? ›A flag is displayed against the applications with outstanding actions. The application details page has been redesigned to incorporate feedback from users. The navigation menu will be action-focused rather than applicant- focused.
How can we avoid visa rejection in Australia? ›In case your student visa is denied on character grounds, you might not be given another visa. You must be of good character to visit or live in Australia. This means you must pass the character test, and remain good character. The character requirements are set out under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958.
Why Australian visa gets rejected? ›The big reason for refusing a visa is insufficient funds in the applicant's bank account or lacking the necessary amount of funds to study and live in Australia. You must have sufficient funds to live and study in Australia when applying for a study visa Australia.
Why is Aus visa taking so long? ›Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's borders were closed for nearly two years. This meant that skilled migration visa applications were essentially halted during that period. However, when Australia reopened its borders completely in February 2022, this reopened the door for visa applications.
How will I know if my Australian visa is granted? ›See my visa conditions on VEVO. As a visa holder you can use our Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) to see your current visa details and conditions. VEVO does not provide information on your previous visas or new applications that the Department may be assessing.
Why is Australian visa taking so much time? ›Staffing reductions, migration caps, checks and balances, cash cow. As others have said, checks and balances into the validity of the relationship in regards to partner visas - it should however be noted that 15 to 20 years ago, such checks only took the department a month or so - now it can take several years.
How long does it take for a Australian visa to be approved? ›| August 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Program | Visa Category | In Australia |
| Permanent | Skilled (Permanent) Partner (First Stage) | 5 Months 9 Months |
| Temporary | Skilled (Temporary) Student Visitor Working Holiday Maker | 3 Months 5 Months 4 Months 45 Days |
How long can I stay in Australia without a visa? ›
Should you plan on visiting Australia for an extended stay (longer than 90 days), you will be required to apply for a long stay Australian tourist visa.
Can immigration look at bank accounts? ›No, no US consular officer should call a bank to confirm the status of a statement presented in support of a nonimmigrant visa application. In the first place, most respectable banks will not talk about a customer's account over the telephone with anyone but the account holder.
Can visa get rejected after biometrics? ›Yes. Biometrics is just a beginning of your visa application process. Visa can be rejected or approved.
Can I have two IMMI accounts? ›The sponsor application and the applicants application can both be found under 'Family', in the one IMMI account. Having two accounts, with separate logins, might be handy for some couples who wish to keep their info separate from each other.. Citizenship Eligibility: 20/2/2020 Applied: 7/3/2020.
How long does case officer take to make a decision? ›Usually 1-5 weeks. But if you provide all the documents beforehand, it is possible that no case officer will be assigned for you, and you'll receive direct grant after DIBP performs background checks.
In what cases visa gets rejected? ›Reasons for visa refusal
If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice. If your country of residence does not have does not have a good relationship with your destination country. If you have infectious diseases.
You may need to provide a police clearance from your country and your other countries of residence to us. You will not pass the character test if you hold a substantial criminal record. If you don't pass the character test, you will not get a visa to enter Australia.
Is it difficult to get Australian visa? ›It will not be difficult to get a tourist visa to Australia, provided you meet the following conditions: Provide complete and accurate documents. You have no criminal cases pending against you. You have enough finances to meet your expenses in Australia.
Can we apply for visa again after rejection in Australia? ›If the Department is not satisfied as to your identity, you may be excluded from being granted a further visa for 10 years. There is no waiver for this requirement. Therefore in these circumstances, Australia visa rejected when can I apply again? You will need to wait 10 years before applying for another visa.
Is it possible to get visa after rejection? ›Can I reapply for a visa? After being found ineligible for a visa, you may reapply in the future. If you reapply for a visa after being found ineligible, with the exception of 221(g) refusals, you must submit a new visa application and pay the visa application fee again.
Does Ielts score affect visa? ›
Well, if the university is satisfied with that, the visa is unlikely to be withheld. But although the overall score is a 6.5, which is generally good, I would be very surprised if any good university did accept it; most would require at least a 6.0 in all skills.
Does Australian student visa get rejected? ›If you've ever tried to enter a country in the past without any real plans to attend a university, your misdeeds will be on record. Australian authorities will be able to access this information and reject visa applications on the basis of past misconduct.
Is it difficult to get an Australian student visa? ›Australia Student visa: Compared to other countries, it is easier to get a student visa for Australia. Students wanting to study in Australia must meet certain requirements to qualify for a visa. Once you are enrolled in a full-time study course you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.
What is the success rate of Australian student visa? ›...
Visa Grant Rates for Top Source Markets.
As per this report, in 2021, the total number of Study Permit Applications refused and processed from India were 91,439 and 225,402 respectively. The refusal rate was nearly 41%. In the case of India, the number of PR applications stands at 96,378 and the number of temporary residence applications is 430,286.
Does Australia student visa have interview? ›Yes! To get the student visa, the student will have to go through an interview with the embassy. However, you may appear in an on-call interview after COVID.
Why Australian student visa take so long? ›Increased number of non-genuine applications and Australia student visas issued to non-genuine applicants. According to the DHA's scrutiny report, incorrect information provision and fraudulent documentation are one of the most common reasons for student visa refusals.
Does IELTS score affect visa? ›Well, if the university is satisfied with that, the visa is unlikely to be withheld. But although the overall score is a 6.5, which is generally good, I would be very surprised if any good university did accept it; most would require at least a 6.0 in all skills.
Which country is hardest for student visa? ›Saudi Arabia is considered the most difficult student visa to get but there has been arguments about that this toughness is only for Non-Muslims and that Muslim countries like Pakistan easily get Saudi student visa but that is still a matter not approved of by Saudis.
Which country give student visa easily? ›A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Why do student visas get rejected? ›
Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
Yes, you can apply for universities and colleges in Australia with an IELTS 5.5 band!
Can we apply for Australian visa again after rejection? ›If the Department is not satisfied as to your identity, you may be excluded from being granted a further visa for 10 years. There is no waiver for this requirement. Therefore in these circumstances, Australia visa rejected when can I apply again? You will need to wait 10 years before applying for another visa.
Can I study in Australia with 50 marks in 12? ›Listed below are the eligibility criteria for studying in Australia: 1) The students need to attain 18 years of age before starting the degree program. 2) Students should have scored at least 60-65% marks in 12th exams.
How do I convince my visa officer for a student visa? ›If you can get a letter from your employer, or indicate a date that you will return to work, this will help your application. If you are not employed, provide a plan for how you will use your new diploma or degree to start a job. This also helps convince the visa officer that you have a reason to return home.
How can I prevent my visa from being rejected? ›- Make sure that you apply on time. ...
- Always check and double-check all documents required for the student visa.
- Make sure that you provide proper proof of English proficiency.
- Ensure that you have documented all your academic qualifications properly.
As per some immigrant department of certain countries, you cannot reapply immediately after your visa application was rejected was because the conditions due to which it was refused will not change overnight. Hence, you can only reapply in most cases six months after the refusal of your visa application.