Australia was always one of those dream destinations for me. I’d seen the pictures, heard the stories, and saved the Instagram reels. But when I finally decided to book my tickets and start planning, one big thing stood between me and the Great Ocean Road: the Australia visa for Indians.
If you’re like me, excited but unsure where to begin, this post will help you through the entire process. I’ll walk you through what I learned, what documents I prepared, how I applied, and a few small tips that saved me a lot of stress.
Why I Chose Australia
There’s something magnetic about Australia. For me, it wasn’t just about Sydney’s skyline or the koalas and kangaroos. It was the diversity of modern cities, laid-back beaches, national parks, coral reefs, wineries, and desert landscapes all in one country.
I knew the visa process could take some time, so I decided to start early. I was applying for a tourist visa, not for work or study, which meant I was looking at the Visitor visa (subclass 600), the most common Australian visa for Indians traveling for leisure.
The Visa Type I Applied For
I applied for the visitor visa (tourist stream) because my trip was purely for travel. It allowed me to stay for up to 3 months at a time, and in my case, it came with multiple-entry validity.
You can also request a longer stay (up to 12 months), but that usually depends on your travel history and purpose. For tourism, a shorter duration is usually approved unless you have a specific reason.
Documents I Prepared
The checklist may look long, but honestly, once I started gathering everything, it all came together quickly. Here’s what I included in my application:
- A valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months of validity left)
- A passport-size photograph (recent and with a white background)
- Form 1419 (Tourist visa application)
- My travel itinerary (basic plan, not exact dates)
- Hotel booking confirmation (I used cancellable options)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, fixed deposits, salary slips)
- Cover letter (explaining my reason for visiting, travel plan, and assurance to return)
- ITRs (Income Tax Returns for the past 2 years)
- Leave letter from my employer
I made sure all scans were clear and legible. Any mismatch in names, dates, or blurry images can lead to delays—something I was warned about early on.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
I applied online using the Australian immigration portal. It required creating an ImmiAccount, which was fairly simple. Once registered, I filled out the visa application form digitally.
Here’s what the process looked like for me:
- Registered on ImmiAccount
- Filled out Form 1419 with personal, travel, and financial details
- Uploaded all documents (PDF and JPG files, under the required file size)
- Paid the visa fee (around ₹9,000 depending on the exchange rate)
- Scheduled biometrics at a nearby visa center
- Waited for the visa decision, which came in about 10 days
Note: In some cases, it can take up to 3 weeks, so applying early is key.
My Biometrics Experience
I received an email asking me to visit a visa center for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). I scheduled my appointment online and went to the center with my original passport and the biometrics instruction letter.
The whole thing took less than 20 minutes.
How Long It Took to Get My Visa
From the day I submitted my documents to the day I got my visa email, it took exactly 11 calendar days. I didn’t receive any calls or follow-ups; it was approved without additional queries.
Budgeting for the Visa (and Beyond)
The visa fee I paid was around ₹9,000, which included the base application cost and service charges for biometrics. But I also factored in other travel expenses like flights, accommodation, insurance, and local travel in Australia.
If you’re planning a mid-budget trip, be ready to spend ₹1.5–2 lakhs for 10–14 days. Flights take the biggest chunk, so book early to save.
A Few Lessons I Learned
- Don’t wait till the last minute: Visa processing is usually smooth, but you don’t want to cut it too close to your travel date.
- Double-check your cover letter: Be honest and clear. State your purpose, itinerary, and assurance to return.
- Avoid non-refundable bookings: Until your visa is approved, always choose options you can cancel or reschedule.
- Keep copies of everything: I uploaded digital versions to my email and also kept printouts just in case.
Common Questions I Had (And You Might Too)
Q: Can Indians get an Australian visa on arrival?
No. Indian citizens must apply for a visa in advance. There’s no visa-on-arrival facility for Indians in Australia.
Q: Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying?
Not necessarily. I used a basic itinerary and cancellable hotel bookings. Flight bookings were not mandatory.
Q: How long can I stay on the tourist visa?
Typically, you get a 3-month stay per visit. In some cases, longer stays or multiple entry visas may be granted.
Q: Can I work or study on this visa?
No, the tourist visa doesn’t allow you to work or study. It’s strictly for tourism and visiting purposes.
The Trip That Followed
Once the visa came through, everything else fell into place. I explored Sydney’s harbor, wandered through the art-lined streets of Melbourne, and even braved a solo hike in the Blue Mountains. Australia is as stunning as they say, every bit of it was worth the paperwork.
What made it easier for me was being informed. Knowing what to expect helped me prepare without unnecessary anxiety. The Australian visa for Indians may seem like a complicated task, but with the right steps and a little planning, it’s honestly quite manageable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning your trip to Australia, my biggest advice is: start early, stay organized, and don’t let the visa process intimidate you. It’s just one step on the way to one of the most beautiful and diverse countries you’ll ever visit.
And if you’re looking for a reliable team to guide you through the visa journey, I personally found OneVasco extremely helpful. They made sure I had everything in order, answered all my questions, and took the stress out of the process.