Far Australia is getting closer and more accessible every year - a modern airliner will cover the route from Moscow to Melbourne in 18-20 hours. If in the 1990s. former citizens of the USSR left for Australia, first of all, in search of work and with the hope for a better life, today the reason for the trip may be to see the natural beauty, study, business, treatment. All CIS citizens will need a visa to Australia to enter the country. To get a permit without any problems, you should understand the Australian rules, which are very different from the requirements for entering the Schengen area or the United States.
Travel to Australia: how not to get confused in visas
The first task that anyone who wishes to apply for a permit to enter and stay in Australia must solve is to correctly determine what type of visa he needs. The applicant can apply for one of:
- nonimmigrant (short-term and long-term) visas;
- immigration (permanent) visas.
It is not difficult to get confused about which of the visas is needed. Each of these groups includes subgroups, and those, in turn, are divided into numerous subclasses, and some are available to citizens of only some states (for example, an electronic visa to Australia, subclass 601), others - to foreigners living outside Australia, and others - to those who already moved in.
Periodically, some subclasses are closed or replaced with new ones. And from all this variety, you must choose the right option.
Persons who wish to visit Australia for tourism and recreation, medical treatment, business, work, study, but intend to return home should choose one of the nonimmigrant visas.
Among them, for citizens of the CIS in 2021 are available:
| Name, subclass | Possible applicants, terms of registration. Form of submission of documents | Acceptable activity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, recreation | ||
| Single and multiple entry / tourist visas 600 | Foreign financially independent citizens who are outside Australia and have health insurance. Online / paper version | business negotiations, meetings, participation in conferences, conducting research on demand, opportunities, etc .; |
| visiting friends and family, cruises, tourist visits, short-term studies (up to three months). | ||
| Does not give the right to employment (except for volunteering) | ||
| Short-term work, business, investment | ||
| Short-term single- and multiple-entry work visa 400 | Representatives of highly specialized professions (except for the entertainment industry). | employment in Australia; |
| Required: support / sponsorship from an Australian employer. | import of family members (without the right to work and study, except for language courses) | |
| Online only | ||
| Temporary multivisa for performing certain jobs, sharing experience and knowledge 408 | Foreign nationals in Australia and abroad who have applied online. | studying and teaching the cultures and languages of Australia; |
| Required: | social research; | |
| invitation and sponsorship from the Australian side; | volunteering and charity; | |
| full-time agreement (for religious leaders). | pastoral care and other religious work; | |
| Online only | bringing in family members | |
| Temporary Multiple Entry Higher Visa for Foreign Graduates of Australian Universities 485 | Australian graduates under 50 with qualifications from an accredited Australian institution or a recently defended degree. | allows you to work and study in the country; |
| you can take your family members with you | ||
| Online / paper version | ||
| Temporary short- and medium-term multivisa for scarce specialties Temporary Skill Shortage visa 482 | Qualified foreign workers, the specialties required by the country. | work in a nominated specialty and study in Australia; |
| Requirements: | take family members with you with the right to live, study and work. | |
| proficiency in English; | ||
| availability of a sponsor in Australia; | ||
| at least 2 years of work experience; | ||
| an employment contract with an employer. | ||
| Online | ||
| Investment and innovative business multivisa 188 | Businessmen (IE). | Business management; |
| Requirements: score at least 65 points on the test; | take family members with you; | |
| have at least 800 thousand AUD assets; | subject to all established requirements - apply for a permanent visa (subclass 888) | |
| proven business success (turnover, ownership) | ||
| Requirements: comply with the payment terms - calculate.fairwork.gov.au; | ||
| compliance with one of the conditions - the creation of jobs, the export of Australian goods, the introduction of new technologies, the production of goods and services in short supply in Australia. | ||
| Submit online | ||
| Investors with investments: | engage in investment activities; | |
| 1.5 million and assets of at least 2.25 million AUD (Investor stream); | take your family with you; | |
| to the state economy at least 5 million AUD (Significant Investor stream). | subject to all established requirements - apply for a permanent visa (subclass 888). | |
| Persons nominated by Austrade with assets of at least 15 million AUD (Premiuim Investor stream). | ||
| Requirements: | ||
| score at least 65 points on the test. | ||
| Submit online | ||
| Treatment | ||
| Single and multiple entry medical visa 602 | Financially secured persons requiring treatment, organ donors, accompanying persons. | undergoing a course of treatment; |
| Online | accompaniment and support of a patient arriving for treatment; | |
| organ donation; | ||
| study (up to 3 months); | ||
| does not give the right to work | ||
| Education | ||
| student visa 500 | Enrolled in an educational institution (for persons under the age of 18, with social security). | study; |
| Online | work no more than 40 hours in 14 days; | |
| take your partner / spouse and children under the age of 18 with you | ||
| Student multivisa for guardian 590 | Financially secured parents, relatives, guardians of a student / student aged 21 years and older. | come and stay in Australia; |
| Online | learning English or other training for no more than 3 months | |
| does not give the right to work | ||
| Multivisa for training 407 | Nominated or invited persons. | take family members with you; |
| Requirement: | undergo on-the-job training; | |
| sponsorship in Australia. | improve qualifications | |
| Online | ||
| Family and family relationships | ||
| Temporary parental multivisa visa 884 | Parents of an Australian citizen / resident. | work and study in Australia; |
| Submit in Australia only paper version | take family members with you; | |
| apply for a permanent visa 864 | ||
| Sponsored Temporary Parental Multivisa 870 | Parents of an Australian citizen / resident. | reunite with family and live in Australia; |
| Requirement: | apply for a visa extension up to 10 years | |
| availability of an approved sponsor in Australia and permission to apply. | does not give the right to work | |
| Online | ||
| Child dependent visa 445 | Dependent children of persons who are at the stage of considering an application for permanent residence | Move to Australia and live with your parents; |
| Requirement: parent sponsorship. | work and study; | |
| In paper form at the address on the website | apply to be added to the application for permanent residence | |
Another type of temporary permission to enter and stay in Australia will be required for citizens of the CIS in case of transit through Australia (for example, from Moscow to New Zealand). Such passengers must apply in advance for a transit visa (subclass 771) and provide proof of ticket reservations and entry documents to the country of destination. Such a visa will allow you to stay in Australia for 72 hours.
Several Australian visas - temporary and permanent - relate primarily to marriage relations (in Australia, such relations are called partnership).They are interconnected and are considered as stages of one process - the transition from temporary residence to permanent:
| Name, subclass | Who can apply, conditions of registration | Form of submission of documents | Acceptable activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliate multivisa | Actual marriage partners (spouses) of an Australian citizen / resident outside the country | Online | temporarily reside, work and study in Australia; |
| (temporary) | apply for a permanent visa 100; | ||
| 309 | attend free English courses Adult Migrant English Program | ||
| Affiliate multivisa | Subclass 309 visa holders in a real relationship with an Australian sponsor | Online | live, work and study in the country; |
| 100 | sponsor the arrival of family members; | ||
| register with the state healthcare system Medicare | |||
| apply for an Australian indigenous | |||
| Affiliate multivisa | Actual spouses, marriage partners of Australian citizens and residents who are on the territory of the state | Online in Australia | temporarily reside, work and study in Australia; |
| 820 | attend free English courses in the Adult Migrant English Program (510 hours); | ||
| apply for a permanent 801 visa | |||
| Affiliate multivisa | Subclass 820 visa holders in a real relationship with an Australian sponsor | Online | live, work and study; |
| (constant) | sponsor the arrival of family members; | ||
| 801 | register with the state healthcare system Medicare; | ||
| apply for an Australian indigenous | |||
| Intended marriage visa | An Australian citizen / resident groom / bride over the age of 18 who is overseas. | Online | temporary residence, work, study at their own expense; |
| 300 | Requirement: sponsorship and marriage before visa expires | import of family members; | |
| after marriage - the right to apply for a partner visa 820 and 801 |
Another group of Australian visas can be called immigration or permanent. Such permits allow you to live and work in the country for an unlimited time and, subject to the agreed conditions, further apply for Australian citizenship.
| Visa name (podcast) | Who can apply, terms of provision | Acceptable activity |
|---|---|---|
| Employment, business, investment | ||
| Permanent business, innovation and investment multivisa 888 Submit online | Active Business Holders and Subclass 188 Provisional Visa Holders | live permanently in Australia; work and study; sponsor relatives to come to Australia; register with Medicare |
| Requirements: invest 4 million, 4.5 million, 15 million AUD for 4 years (for investors); reside and develop a business in Australia for at least 2 years | ||
| Business Talent Visa 132 | Have: | claim an Australian indigenous |
| required funding or assets (at least 1.5 million AUD or 1 million venture capital); | ||
| Submit online | an invitation to file an application from a government or an appointment by a regional government agency (state or territory) | |
| Visa for Outstanding Talent (124) | Have an internationally recognized talent in one of the areas (sports, art, science, profession). Be located outside Australia. | |
| Submit in paper form to the address indicated on the form | Nomination required by an Australian citizen or organization | |
| Working permanent visa 186 | Highly qualified professionals in the required professions for the country, appointed to the position by an Australian employer. | |
| Requirements: availability of an employment contract, work experience of at least 3 years, proficiency in English | ||
| Submit online | ||
| Qualified Nominated Visa 190 | Holders of professions included in the list of qualified specialists | |
| Requirements: speak English, score at least 65 points; be invited to apply | ||
| Submit online within 60 days of invitation | ||
| Business owner visa 890 | Holders of one of the temporary business visas of subclasses 160-165. | |
| Requirements: stay in the country for at least a year for two years before applying; have been in business for at least 2 years; the participation share must be 10% of a public company, 30% with a turnover of 400 thousand AUD per year, 51% - less than 400 thousand AUD per year | ||
| submit on paper to the Adelaide Business Skills Processing Center | ||
| Refugee visa 200, 201, 203, 204 | Persons persecuted on the basis of: race, ethnicity, religion, belonging to a particular social group | |
| Submit only in paper form to the address of the nearest office | ||
| Family reunification | ||
| Child visa 101 | Native or adopted dependent children under the age of 18, financially dependent full-time students aged 18-25, or disabled children of Australian citizens / residents | |
| Submit only on paper to the nearest immigration office | ||
| Parent visa 103 | Parents of Australian Citizens / Residents | |
| Requirement: approved sponsorship and support guarantee | ||
| Submit only in paper form to Perth (Parent Visa Processing Center in Perth) at the address shown on the form | ||
| Reuniting with relatives 115 | Relatives of Australian citizens / residents | |
| Requirement: be outside Australia, have an approved sponsorship | ||
| Serve in paper form | ||
A special service Visa Finder will help you to more accurately determine the type of visa you need. For example, you need to accompany your child to school. On the open page, select the Study area of interest.
From the proposed options, you should select one option "Accompanying the student" and click "Continue".
As a result, one visa option will be issued that meets the specified criteria - Student Guardian Visa subclass 590.
Take a sociological survey!
How to independently apply for a visa to Australia
Speaking about how to independently apply for a visa to Australia, it should be noted that in most cases everyone can do it. But besides the desire, you will need a computer, the Internet and basic knowledge of the English language.
How and where to apply for entry permits
From March 15, 2021, the visa section of the Australian Embassy in Moscow ceased its work, and its functions were transferred to the Australian Embassy in Belgrade (Serbia). The Australian immigration authorities on official websites actively invite applicants to apply for most visas through the official website of the Department of the Interior.
Paper versions of applications should be sent to the addresses listed on standard application forms or to the nearest immigration office. In some cases, you will have to send documents directly to Australia to the mailing address: SA Temporary Graduate Processing Center Department of Home Affairs GPO Box 2399 Adelaide SA 5001.
Courier delivery address: SA Temporary Graduate Processing Center Department of Home Affairs 4th Floor, 70 Franklin Street Adelaide SA 5000.
You can submit biometric data at specialized VFS Global centers that operate in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan:
| December | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 17-26 | 19-26 | 19-26 |
| Melbourne | 12-24 | 17-26 | 17-27 |
| Canberra | 11-26 | 13-28 | 13-28 |
| Perth | 15-29 | 17-32 | 17-32 |
| Adelaide | 14-26 | 17-28 | 17-28 |
| Darwin | 25-33 | 25-32 | 25-31 |
To submit fingerprints and other biometric data, you must register in advance, select the day and time of the visit. The cost of the service is 1,322 rubles.
Visa processing: basic documents and requirements for them
The next important step after choosing the right type of permit is to prepare all the necessary documents for obtaining an Australian visa. The basic list of documents that will definitely be needed includes:
- a copy of a valid foreign passport, as well as copies of pages with visas from previous passports (if any);
- a copy of a civil passport;
- color photo (45x35 mm) not older than 6 months;
- copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.;
- a copy of the military ID (for those who served in the army);
- proof of financial well-being (bank statement of accounts);
- family composition form;
- confirmation of matrimonial / partnership relations within 12 months. before submitting an application (joint checks, mortgage, etc.) - if there is a spouse / partner;
- identity declaration when submitted online
Copies must be certified. Photos are also certified.
For all foreign language documents, translation into English is required, indicating the details of the translator.
When traveling with a minor child with one parent, you will need:
- a copy of the birth certificate certified by a notary;
- the consent of the second parent for the child's travel;
- consent to a visa (for a child under 18 years old);
- completed form
Online filing requires photographing or scanning all documents in color. Each document (including multipage) must be saved in one file.
Application form for a visa to Australia: algorithm for filling out
Each visa to Australia requires a special application form to be completed. All application forms have an introductory instructional part (which must be carefully studied) and a main part. The questionnaires must be filled out in English.
Consider the algorithm for filling out a questionnaire for a popular visa to Australia subclass 600. This form is filled out online. For this you need:
- go to the ImmiAccount website - https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login, log into your account or create a new one;
- enter "My applications" and click "New application";
- choose from the proposed list 600 subclass;
- read and agree to the terms and conditions;
- go to the direct filling out of the questionnaire - to give answers to standard questions: location, purpose of the visit, group or single trip, fill in passport data (last name, first name, date of birth, citizenship, passport validity, etc.), and also indicate the presence of previous Australian visas , occupation, form of payment for the trip, dates of visit, length of stay (if you mark Up to 3 months, you will have to undergo a medical examination);
- information after the introduction can be corrected, go back, take breaks or return through your account to fill out the questionnaire the next day - the information will not be lost.
After the questionnaire is completed, you can start uploading the required documents and paying for the permit.
Different types of visas: additional documents
The list of papers that may be required for a visa, in addition to the mandatory ones, may include additional documents. It depends primarily on its type.
| December | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 17-26 | 19-26 | 19-26 |
| Melbourne | 12-24 | 17-26 | 17-27 |
| Canberra | 11-26 | 13-28 | 13-28 |
| Perth | 15-29 | 17-32 | 17-32 |
| Adelaide | 14-26 | 17-28 | 17-28 |
| Darwin | 25-33 | 25-32 | 25-31 |
Online submission of documents for a visa
In most cases, visa applications and documents can be submitted online. To figure out how to do this, the following step-by-step instruction will help.
In order to apply for an entry permit, you first need to create your ImmiAccount: go to the website and click ImmiAccount.
On the new page, select "Create ImmiAccount".
After that, you need to go through two steps:
- enter your personal data - last name, first name, phone number, e-mail address (twice) and click "Continue";
- enter a password, three security questions, confirm.
After creating an account, click "Continue". A confirmation letter will be sent to the specified address.
After that, you can create a new application and fill out the questionnaire.
The next step is uploading electronic photos and documents. This is one of the most time-consuming application processes.
To upload documents, select "Attach": in case of successful upload, a green mark and the inscription "Received" will be displayed next to the file.
It is allowed to download no more than 60 files up to 5 MB in size (except for the identity card - 500 KB). Supported formats are .doc, .docx, .png, .jpg, jpeg, .bmp, .dot, etc.
After sending the application form with the scans, you can proceed to pay the visa fee. You can pay using a bank card (1.32% surcharge) or PayPal (1% surcharge). Through the "Payment Management" section of ImmiAccount, you should also pay for applications submitted on paper - the receipt number will be sent to the applicant's mail.
After payment, letters will come to the specified mail - confirmation of receipt of the application and an invitation to submit biometric data.
Visa for CIS citizens
A permit to enter and stay in Australia is required for all citizens of the CIS. The issuance of Australian visas for Belarusians, Moldovans, citizens of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, until recently, was carried out at the Australian Embassy in Moscow. All documents are now being sent to Serbia. The Australian Embassy in Kiev also does not deal with the registration of entry permits, therefore, a visa to Australia for Ukrainians is issued at the Australian High Commission in London.
The shift to online application filing, as well as Australia's abandonment of the practice of pasting visas into passports, greatly simplified the task for those citizens in whose countries there are no Australian consular offices. The original passport does not need to be sent to the embassy; if necessary, the immigration officer will be able to conduct an interview over the telephone.
Paper applications should be sent to: Australian High Commission Attention - Department of Immigration and Border Protection Suite 100 43 Bedford Street WC2E 9HA UK.
The cost of registration and validity of visas
The prices for visas and the waiting time for their registration depend on the specific subclass:
| December | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 17-26 | 19-26 | 19-26 |
| Melbourne | 12-24 | 17-26 | 17-27 |
| Canberra | 11-26 | 13-28 | 13-28 |
| Perth | 15-29 | 17-32 | 17-32 |
| Adelaide | 14-26 | 17-28 | 17-28 |
| Darwin | 25-33 | 25-32 | 25-31 |
Finding out how much more money is needed, you should be prepared for the associated costs:
- Payment for medical examinations for applicants for permanent and some temporary permits. In Moscow, it will cost about US $ 200, while those Russians who apply for a visa while already in Australia will cost about US $ 300.
- English Proficiency Testing (IELTS) - from $ 150 to $ 400. In addition, the holders of some entry permits (for example, subclasses 186, 188, etc.) will have to pay a second visa fee for themselves (9 800 AUD) and those family members over 18 years old who do not speak functional English (4 890 AUD ).
- $ 42 per Australian police check.
The term for obtaining an Australian visa largely depends on the established priority, the completeness and quality of the information submitted, and the availability of quotas. Thus, the processing time for subclasses 103, 115 permits is about 50 months, and the final registration may take several years.
As of today, documents of these subclasses, filed back in 2021 - 2021, are beginning to be considered.
How can I find out the status of the submitted documents
The current status of the visa application can in most cases be tracked through the ImmiAccount system. Once the permit has been issued, it will be sent to the applicant by email or post. You don't need to go anywhere for a ready-made permit, it is not pasted into the passport, but "tied" to the applicant's passport number in the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) database.
Anyone who does not know what an Australian visa looks like today will be surprised to receive a simple email with a permit number.This letter can be printed and taken with you. Attempts to call the Embassy in order to clarify the status of visa processing by immigration officers are viewed negatively.
What to do in case of visa refusal
Visa denial to Australia is quite common. If a negative decision is made, the applicant will be sent a letter indicating the reason for the refusal. The reasons most often are:
- discrepancy between the selected category of permission and the purposes of the visit;
- insufficient funding for the trip or suspicions of dishonestly acquired funds;
- lack of biometric data;
- potential threat of immigration / refugee;
- providing false information;
- errors in paperwork or incomplete package;
- other reasons (convictions, past violations of immigration rules, etc.).
The consular fee for a visa to Australia is non-refundable. In case of refusal, if the reason is not related to an attempt to deceive or a violation of the law (this threatens to be included in the so-called black list), you can take the following actions:
- resubmit documents, eliminating the indicated shortcomings;
- file an appeal with the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal - an option that requires a lot of money, time and legal assistance, with no guarantee of a successful resolution.
Popular questions
Let's look at some of the most common questions.
Is it possible to open an Australian visa without a certificate of income
Yes, it is possible. The main thing is to show that the applicant has the means to travel to Australia (bank statements). At the same time, one should not raise suspicion of the illegal origin of these funds.
When calculating the average amount, according to reviews of experienced tourists, one should proceed from 90 AUD per day of stay in the country, plus the cost of housing, travel and medical insurance. If there is a sponsor of the trip, attach his application and income statement.
Is it difficult to get a visa for a child
The procedure for obtaining a child's entry permit does not differ from the usual one. Many issues are even easier to solve - the parent is the financial sponsor. When a child travels with one of the parents or with a grandmother, additional documents are required: the consent of the second parent to travel and a visa, completed form 1229.
Is it possible to increase the chances of obtaining a visitor visa to Australia
For some categories - young people without a family, students - who may raise suspicions of a desire to emigrate, such a means can be the surety (sponsorship) of a relative - a citizen or resident of Australia. The guarantor assumes part of the costs and can leave a deposit (up to 15 thousand AUD), which he will receive back after the end of the visit.
How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Australia
The only way to extend your stay in the country is to apply for a new permit. If you do not leave its territory in time, you can "earn" a ban on entry in the future.
Should I use the services of special agencies when applying for a tourist visa?
There is no particular difficulty in applying for an Australian subclass 600 visa on your own. For those tourists who have problems with knowledge of English or those who do not want to delve into the essence of the issue, while having free money available, a visa to Australia through a visa center (especially a verified one) will be the ideal solution.
What tourists are usually asked about when entering the country
Most often, the customs officer is interested in the purpose of arrival, place of residence in Australia and the presence of more than 10 thousand AUD with him. The questions posed should be answered clearly and truthfully, in accordance with the subclass of the visa.
Instead of a conclusion
The answer to the question whether Russians need a visa to Australia in 2021 is unequivocal: citizens of the Russian Federation and other CIS states must obtain permits to enter and stay in the country.
It should be borne in mind that obtaining an Australian visa is a rather complicated process. The large number of visa types and subclasses can be time consuming to understand.
In many ways, the process of obtaining an entry permit is simplified by the fact that all non-immigration and most immigration permits can be issued via the Internet. A letter with the visa number will also be sent to the specified email address.
