Business Visa Australia For Indian Passport Holders

Among the many formalities while visiting Australia for business and one of the most important ones is obtaining a business visa. With this permit, you will be able to attend business conferences, a business meeting for a branch of your own organization or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands. You can also get involved in other activities like employment enquiries, review and negotiate business contracts, carry out an official government visit, among others. The permitted duration of the visa is for 3 months, however, the validity maybe even given up to 12 months if you have a legitimate reason to stay.

• a. eVisitor (subclass 651) or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
  
  

• Stay Duration: Up to 3 months
• Purpose: Business visits, tourism, or visiting family/friends
• Application: Online
• Fee (Projected 2025): Approximately AUD 35 (eVisitor) or AUD 20 (ETA) for the application, with no additional government fee for the ETA
  
  
  

• b. Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Business Stream
  
  

• Stay Duration: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months
• Purpose: Business visits, including making business contacts, negotiations, or attending conferences
• Application: Online or Paper
• Fee (Projected 2025): Approximately AUD 145 - AUD 1,065 (dependent on the stay duration and application method)
  
  

• c. Other Visas for Specific Business Needs (2025 Projections)
  
  

• Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408): For specific activities that are not covered by other visa types.
• Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188): For investors and business owners.
• Permanent Visas: Various subclasses for business owners, investors, and talents, subject to eligibility.

Before applying for the visa, you must make sure if you have the eligibility to even apply for the visa. The criteria that you need to follow in order to check if you are able to apply for the business visa. It is given as follows:

• You must meet the health requirements

There are certain health requirements put forth by the Australian embassy that will allow you to enter the country. They may not be compulsory for all kinds of visas but an Australia business visa for Indian nationals may mostly mandate a health test. If you are above the age of 75, more are planning to stay for more than 6 months, you will require a mandatory health certificate. 

• You must meet the character requirements

Just like the health requirements, there are character requirements as well, you need to issue a character certificate to be submitted to the embassy. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a document that generally proves your good conduct.

• You must have enough funds to support your stay in Australia.

Your savings bank account must reflect enough balance in the account to ratify that you have sufficient funds to support your expenditures while in Australia. If not, you must at least have access to funds on your trip.

• You must be a genuine visitor

You need to be a truthful visitor travelling to Australia for business only and not other activities. You also need to obey the conditions mentioned on the visa grant and stay within your limits.

• You must possess a health insurance

Health insurance must be issued so that you can cover any kind of possible injury. The insurance may limit your financial liability.

There are certain requirements for the issuance of the business visa to Australia. In the following, you will find Australia business visa requirements:

• Original passport with a validity of up to 6 months ahead of the date of journey
  
  
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
  
  
• Detailed cover letter
  
  
• Proof of change of name (if applicable)
  
  
• Proof of financial funds
   
  • Savings bank statement from the previous 6 months
  • Salary slip; or any other equivalent documents
    
    
• Business visitor documents
  
  
  • Invitation letter from the host company
  • Conference tickets or registration details
  • Letter from the employer stating your purpose of visit (if not self-employed)
  • Itinerary
  • Details of your Australian business contacts
  • Proof of current employment and qualifications
  • Proof that your organization is active business - Annual report
  • Proof of prior contact with Australian enterprise
    
    
• Proof of returning to your native country
  
  
  • Proof that you have immediate family back home
  • Proof of your major assets at home
  • Return ticket
    
    
• Character documents - PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
  
  
• Income Tax Returns proof
  
  
• Proof of identification - PAN card, Adhaar card

4.1 Determine the Correct Visa: Based on Your Business Needs

• Visa Types for Business Purposes:
  
  

• eVisitor (subclass 651): For short business visits, tourism, or visiting family/friends.
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): Similar to eVisitor, for short stays.
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Business Stream: For longer business visits.
• Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408): For specific, short-term activities.
• Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188): For investors and business owners.
  
  

• Considerations to Choose the Right Visa:
  
  

• Duration of Stay: How long do you plan to stay in Australia?
• Purpose of Visit: Is it for meetings, conferences, establishing a business, or investing?
• Frequency of Visits: Do you plan to visit Australia multiple times within a short period?
• Investment or Business Establishment: Are you looking to invest in or establish a business in Australia?
  
  

• Action Step:
  
  

• Visit the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website and use their "Visa Finder" tool to narrow down the most suitable visa based on your inputs.

4.2 Check Eligibility: Ensure You Meet All Requirements

• Common Eligibility Criteria:

• Valid Indian Passport: With at least six months' validity.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: You intend to stay temporarily in Australia.
• Sufficient Funds: To support your stay.
• Health and Character Requirements: Meet Australia's standards.
• Specific Requirements: Vary by visa type (e.g., business plans, investment proofs).

• How to Check Eligibility:

• Official Government Website: Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen visa.
• Consult with the Australian High Commission in India: For personalized advice.
• Registered Migration Agents: Can provide detailed assessments of your eligibility.

• Action Step:

• Thoroughly review the eligibility criteria on the official website or consult with relevant authorities to confirm your eligibility.

4.3 Gather Required Documents (see below for details)

• Common Documents:

• Valid Passport
• Completed Application Form
• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
• Business Registration Documents
• Invitation Letter from Australian Host (if applicable)
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Health Insurance
• Police Certificates (if required)

• Visa-Specific Documents:

• For Investors/Business Owners: Business plans, proof of investment, etc.
• For Conferences/Seminars: Invitation letters, conference details, etc.

• Tips for Document Preparation:

• Scan Documents Clearly: Ensure all scans are legible.
• Translate Non-English Documents: Official translations may be required.
• Organize Documents Systematically: For easier submission and review.

• Action Step:

• Systematically gather all required documents, ensuring they are complete and in the correct format.

4.4 Apply Online or Through a Paper Application

• Online Application (Preferred for Most Visa Types):
  
  

• Create an ImmiAccount: On the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Accurately and completely.
• Upload Required Documents: Ensure all documents are in the accepted format.
• Submit the Application: Once all information is verified.
  
  

• Paper Application (For Certain Visas or When Online Application is Not Feasible):
  
  

• Download and Complete the Application Form: From the official website.
• Gather and Attach All Required Documents: Physically.
• Submit to an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in India: By appointment or as instructed.
  
  

• Action Step:
  
  

• Decide on the application method based on your visa type and personal preference, then proceed with the application submission.

4.5 Pay the Application Fee

• Online Payment (Preferred for Online Applications):

• Credit/Debit Card: Most common payment method.
• Ensure Sufficient Funds: To avoid transaction failures.

• Alternative Payment Methods (For Paper Applications or as Specified):

• Money Order
• Bank Cheque
• As Instructed by the AVAC or Official Website

• Fee Amounts (Projected 2025):

• Vary by visa type; check the official website for the most current fees.

• Action Step:

• Prepare the correct payment method and ensure you have the sufficient funds for the application fee.

4.6 Submit Biometrics (if required)

• Appointment at an AVAC in India:

• Schedule an Appointment: Through the AVAC's website or by contacting them directly.
• Attend the Appointment: With your passport and any other required documents.

• Biometrics Collection:

• Fingerprints
• Facial Photograph

• Tips:

• Check if Biometrics are Required for Your Visa Type.
• Ensure You Have All Required Documents.

• Action Step:

• If biometrics are required, schedule and attend the appointment as instructed.
  
  

4.7 Wait for the Decision

• Check Application Status:

• Online Through Your ImmiAccount: For the most current status.
• Contact the Australian High Commission or AVAC (if necessary): For queries or concerns.

• Receive the Decision:

• Via Email: Notification of the decision.
• Through Your ImmiAccount: Decision details will be available.

• Possible Outcomes:

• Visa Grant: Approval with visa details.
• Visa Refusal: With reasons for the refusal.
• Request for Additional Information: To support your application.

• Action Step:

• Patiently wait for the decision, periodically checking your application status online.

• Check Online: Through your ImmiAccount for the latest status.
  
  
• Processing Times: Vary significantly based on the visa type and complexity of the application. Check the official government website for current estimates.

• Interviews: May be required in certain cases; you'll be notified if necessary.
  
  
• Biometrics: Appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in India for specified visa types.
  
  
• Health and Character Checks: May be required based on your application.

• Visa Grant Notification: Received via email or through your ImmiAccount.
  
  
• Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet all conditions for entry into Australia.
  
  
• Initial Entry Date: Must enter Australia before the specified date on your visa grant notice.

When the visa has been issued, there is a protocol that is to be followed. When you have the visa, you must follow the given steps to enter the country. -

• Before the travel
  1. Make sure that you have a valid visa before boarding the flight to Australia.
  2. Carry a valid passport and other travel documents as per the instructions provided. 

• At the border
  1. After reaching the airport, you need to complete certain formalities in order to enter Australia. You first need to fill in the Incoming Passenger Card.
  2. You can use the Smart Gate. The Smart Gate uses facial recognition to confirm your identity and the credibility of your ePassport as well. You will be able to enter the country faster.

• After entering the country
  1. You must have an original and valid visa with you.
  2. You must meet the visa conditions provided on the visa grant letter.

• What can you do on your visa
  1. Carry-out general business activities
  2. Perform employment enquiries
  3. Investigate and negotiate business deals
  4. Attend an official government business visit

• What you cannot do on your visa
  1. On a business visa, you are not allowed to work for any other Australia based organization.
  2. You are not permitted to render services to any of the Australian companies.
  3. You cannot sell your products or services directly to the citizens of Australia.

Need more clarity on the Australia visa? Check out helpful resources below

Australia Visa Requirement
Australia Tourist Visa Requirement
Australia Business Visa Requirement
Australia Visit Visa Requirement
Australia Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection