Getting a visa to Australia

What steps you should take to reach your dream destination.

Getting a visa to Australia has never been an easy task. Australian visa is considered to be one of the most difficult to get by Russian citizens. During the pandemic chances to travel there are close to zero, but let’s imagine we are back to normal and can travel around the world again. 

Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, be prepared to fill in several forms and to present lots of supporting documents. It’s better to collect them in advance to save time. Australia takes precautions against illegal immigration, so prove that you have substantial reasons to return home after your trip. Among the supporting documents are:

• Letter from your employer stating your monthly salary, employment period, paid vacation time coinciding with your travel dates;
• Bank statement;
• Proof of home ownership;
• Detailed itinerary while in Australia; 
• Letter of sponsorship (if any);
• 2 recent Australian visa compliant photos. 

Make sure to translate all the supporting documents into English. Legalizing your translation with the notary is not necessary though. 

Fill in the online application form. Make sure to select the correct type of a visa depending on the specific purpose of your trip. 

There are the following types of visas:

• Visitor visa;
• Business visa;
• Studying and training visa;
• Family and partner visa;
• Working and skilled visa;
• Refugee and humanitarian visa;
• Transit visa.

All the applicants need to submit their biometrical data, so a personal visit to the Embassy is a must. 

When the whole process is over, you still won’t see a physical visa in your passport. All the visas to Australia are electronic.