eVisitor Visa - Subclass 651

What is Subclass 651 Visa?

This eVisitor visa subclass 651 is for people who want to visit to Australia for:

  • Tourism, such as holidays, a cruise or to visit family or friends; or

  • Study or train for up to 3 months (in some circumstances) or

  • Business purposes, such as attending a conference, negotiating or exploring business opportunities.

An eVisitor visa stays valid for a period of twelve months from the date of issuance, and a maximum of 3 months stay is allowed each time the applicant enters Australia.

+ Volunteer work tourism schemes

In general, an eVisitor does not allow you to work in Australia. However, you may be able to work as a volunteer if:

  • your main purpose in visiting Australia is tourism, and the voluntary work is incidental to tourism
  • the work is genuinely voluntary and you are not paid for it other than for meals, accommodation or out-of-pocket living expenses
  • the work would not otherwise be done in return for wages by an Australian resident
 

What Is The Application Process?

+ How is a valid application made?

The application must be made by an internet using the Form 1362.

+ What are criteria for applicant?

At the time of application the applicant:

  • Must be outside Australia; and

  • Must hold an eVisitor eligible passport; and

  • Genuinely intends to visit Australia temporarily as a tourist or to engage in a business visitor activity.

  • Meet character and health requirements

+ What is Genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily?

It must be satisfied that the applicant intends to visit Australia temporarily, and leave Australia within the authorised period of stay. If there may be a suggestion that they may later attempt to seek permanent residence and/or return to Australia, such as if the applicant is involved in a spouse or de facto partner relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and/or there are children involved, this can raise concerns.

If there are concerns, these six (6) factors are considered:

  • whether the applicant has a history of compliant travel

  • the length of each visit the applicant has made to Australia

  • whether the applicant has spent more than 18 months in Australia over a 3 year period (that is, has the applicant repeatedly spent more than half the year in Australia) - note that this is a guide only and a decision cannot be made on every case on the basis of any mathematical formula

  • the applicant's ability to support themselves without working, while in Australia

  • whether there are any more suitable visa options

  • whether the applicant intends to migrate to Australia.

+ What is eVisitor-eligible passport?

An applicant must hold an eVisitor-eligible passport. Eligible passports are only issued by following countries:

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Bulgaria

  • Croatia

  • Cyprus

  • Czech Republic

  • Denmark

  • Estonia

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Hungary

  • Iceland

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Latvia

  • Liechtenstein

  • Lithuania

  • Luxembourg

  • Malta

  • Monaco

  • The Netherlands

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • Romania

  • Republic of San Marino

  • Slovak Republic

  • Slovenia

  • Spain

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • United Kingdom – British Citizen

  • Vatican City

You cannot apply with:

  • a non-citizen passport, certificate of identity or other travel document

  • a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject passport

+ What is Visa application charge?

The visa application charge is NIL.

+ How to further stay in Australia?

An eVisitor holder wishing to extend their stay beyond the three month stay period will have to apply for a visa of another class. For example, they may apply for a Visitor (FA-600) visa, which provides for stay in Australia for non-work purposes of up to 12 months duration from the date of last arrival in Australia.

What We Like About This Visa?

The visa subclass allows the applicant to travel to Australia on multiple entries of 3 months to the stretch within the 12 month period. It also gives them the opportunity to explore their options for extending their stay to possibly consider long-term plans for residing in Australia.