Fancy dreaming of snorkeling through the Great Barrier Reef, the crowded cities of Sydney and Melbourne, or the rough Outback? Australia has a splendid combination of urbanity, beautiful natural scenery, and exotic wildlife, which makes it one of the most desirable destinations of travel. In the case you are a resident of the UAE and wish to visit Australia, it is important to know the process of applying the visa so that your journey becomes free of any hassles.
This extensive guide is a step-by-step breakdown on the process of applying to an Australia visa in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. Be it tourism, business, or visiting family, we have discussed it all including the documentation, selecting the Best Travel Agency to get professional help.
Here are the Step Guide to Getting an Australia Visa from UAE
- Find the Correct Visa Type
There are different visa subclasses that are available in Australia depending on your visit. The most popular among the residents of UAE are:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) -Tourist and visiting family/friends.
- Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 Business stream) accommodation of business meetings or events.
- Student Visa (Subclass 500) Educational.
- Work Visas- To work in skilled or sponsored job.
- In case you are planning a short trip, then the Visitor Visa (Tourist stream) is probably the one you will require. You must select the right stream when applying.
- Sign up with an ImmiAccount
The first step to the visa application is to visit the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs site and create an ImmiAccount. It is an online portal where you will fill in the application form, upload the documents, and monitor your visa status.
Steps:
- Create a new account.
- Verification of your account through your confirmation email.
- With ImmiAccount, you will communicate and be updated in real time on your visa status.
- Collect Necessary Papers
In order to apply an Australia visa in Dubai, it is necessary to possess the right documents. The following is a checklist of what is usually needed:
- Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity as at date of travel)
- Recent Passport-sized Photo
- UAE Residence Visa (minimum of 3 months)
- Visa Application Form filled out (through ImmiAccount)
- Travel Itinerary (booking of flights and hotel accommodation)
- Bank statements (3-6 months Proof of Funds)
- Employment Letter (position, salary and approval of leaves)
- Travel Insurance
- Cover Letter (purpose of the travel and the activities that will be done)
When you are using the Best Travel Agency in Dubai, they will assist you to go through all documents to eliminate typical mistakes that can cause delays or rejection.
- Make an Online Visa Application
After uploading all the documents and completing the form through ImmiAccount, you will be asked to pay the fee of the visa application. Currently, the fee of Visitor Visa begins with AUD 190, yet it can vary depending on the type and the term of stay.
After payment:
- Apply.
- Remember your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) - this is to help track your application.
- Biometrics Appointment (where necessary)
Australian immigration department in most of the instances will demand biometric information. Assuming that, you will get a notification on your ImmiAccount. You are required to book an appointment with the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Bring:
- Biometric request letter
- Valid passport
- Appointment confirmation
- Many applicants will be required to go through the biometrics collection which is a fast process.
- Waiting Visa Processing
The Australia visa processing time in Dubai may be different, depending on the number of applications and their accuracy. Typically:
- Visitor Visa- 15 to 25 working days
- Business Visa -10-20 working days
- You should ensure that you apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance before your planned visiting date of Australia. You are able to check the status at any time with your TRN on ImmiAccount.
- Get Your Visa Result
In case your visa is accepted, you will be emailed a Visa Grant Notice. Australia operates an electronic visa scheme and hence there is no stamping on your passport.
The following will be contained in your visa grant letter:
- Visa Grant Number
- Validity dates
- Visa conditions
- It is important to travel with a print out copy of the grant letter, but the immigration officials will still see the online record.
- Plan Your Trip
Now that you have the visa, you can now go out and see Australia! Beaches in Queensland, wine regions in Adelaide, or Tasmania adventures, it is time to start booking your accommodation, domestic travel, and experiences. They could also provide customized Australia tour packages, hotel discounts, and local tours, making your trip safe, and memorable, in case you used the services of a Best Travel Agency in Dubai.
The Reason to Use a Travel Agency.
The visa application process is cumbersome especially to first time travelers. The selection of the Best Travel Agency in Dubai guarantees:
- Professional treatment of paperwork
- Error-free applications
- More rapid processing of pre-screened documents
- Assistance in booking hotels, travel insurance, and flights reservations
- Visa consultation end-to-end
- You will be taken through all the steps by a trusted agency and save time and the hassle of the pitfalls.
Conclusion
Australia is a stunning country that promises unbelievable experiences, including famous attractions, exotic animals and bustling urban life. Although the process of applying for a visa can be initially seen as complicated, this step-by-step guide to apply for an Australia visa in Dubai will turn this process into something easy and stress-free.
To make your experience smooth, you may want to apply via the Best Travel Agency in Dubai, especially when you are not sure about the documents or schedules. Their professional assistance could highly raise your chances of successful visa outcome and allow you to have a pleasant travel experience to Australia.