Travelling to Australia can feel like a dream come true but first, you’ll need the right visa. For Indian passport holders, understanding the process, fees, documents, photo specs, and refund policy is essential for a smooth journey. This guide breaks everything down clearly no fluff, just helpful clarity.
Which Visa Should You Apply For?
Australia offers several visa categories depending on your purpose:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Ideal for tourism or visiting family and friends. Valid for up to 12 months with single or multiple entries.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601) – For shorter leisure or business travel up to 3 months per entry, multiple entries over a year. Not available to Indian nationals.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) – Allows work-travel for Indians under 30; length is 12 months.
Choose based on your travel purpose: tourism/business (600), or a working holiday (462).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose & confirm the right visa using the Visa Finder tool on Australia’s official immigration website.
- Create an ImmiAccount – This is the official portal for submitting your visa application online.
- Fill in the application form – Provide your personal details, travel dates, and reasons for visiting.
- Gather required documents – See the detailed list in the next section.
- Upload digital photograph – Must follow specific photo size and format requirements.
- Pay visa fees online using your credit card or PayPal.
- Submit application – You’ll receive an application ID to track your status.
- Schedule a biometric appointment if needed – This usually takes place at a VFS Global center in India.
- Wait for your visa decision – You’ll be notified via email.
- Check visa status before travel. Your visa will be electronically linked to your passport.
Fees & Costs in 2025 Australia Visa For Indians
Visa charges vary depending on the type of visa:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – AUD 190 to AUD 330, approximately ₹10,500 to ₹21,000.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) – Around AUD 635, approx ₹35,000.
- Student Visa – AUD 1,600, approx ₹88,000.
- Work Visas – Range between AUD 1,455 to AUD 4,640, approx ₹80,000 to ₹2.55 lakh.
- Parent Visas – AUD 5,125 to AUD 48,495, approx ₹2.77 lakh to ₹26 lakh.
Additional costs for Indian applicants:
- VFS service charge: ₹1,600 to ₹2,500
- Biometric collection: ~₹2,000
- Medical exam: ₹4,000 to ₹6,000
- Travel insurance: ~₹10,000 (optional but strongly recommended)
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or withdrawn.
Documents Required for Indian Applicants
To apply for a visa, Indians need to submit the following:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel date.
- Visa Application Form – Submitted online through ImmiAccount.
- Recent Passport-size Photo – Must meet specific size and quality guidelines.
- Proof of Funds – Bank statements for the last 3–6 months, ITR, fixed deposits, etc.
- Employment Proof or Leave Letter – For working individuals.
- Travel Itinerary – Including confirmed or tentative flight bookings.
- Travel Health Insurance – For the duration of your stay.
- Invitation Letter or Travel Purpose Letter – Depending on the reason for visit.
- Medical Reports or Police Certificates – May be required depending on your stay duration and purpose.
Photo & Size Requirements
A poorly formatted photograph can delay or even reject your visa. Make sure your photo fits these requirements:
- Size: 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high.
- Head size (chin to crown): 32–36 mm.
- Digital Format: JPEG or PNG, between 70 KB and 3.5 MB. Preferred dimensions are 1200 × 1600 pixels.
- Background: Plain white or light grey only.
- Expression: Neutral, with mouth closed and eyes open.
- No Glasses: Unless medically required with valid documentation.
- Headgear: Allowed only for religious or medical purposes, and must not obscure facial features.
- Printed Photos (if required): Two recent, high-quality prints with no edits.
Tip: Use online photo editing tools or services that help you meet Australian visa photo guidelines.
Refund Policy
The Australian visa fee is strictly non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. Whether your visa is approved, denied, or you cancel after applying, no money will be returned. Hence, it’s crucial to apply only when you are confident your documentation is complete and accurate.
Processing Time & Tracking
The processing timeline may vary, but here’s what to generally expect:
- Tourist Visa (Subclass 600): Usually processed in 2–4 weeks.
- Working Holiday & Student Visas: Can take longer depending on background checks.
- Biometric Appointment: Generally happens within 1–3 days of application submission.
- Visa Outcome: Sent by email. Your visa will be electronically linked to your passport.
- Tracking: You can track your application through ImmiAccount or the VFS portal.
Note: No physical visa sticker will be issued. Airlines will verify it digitally.
Helpful Dos & Don’ts
DO:
- Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance of your travel date.
- Submit clear, legible documents and photographs.
- Keep your travel history and finances transparent.
- Track application status regularly.
DON’T:
- Book non-refundable tickets before visa approval.
- Submit fake or altered documents.
- Ignore email communications from the embassy.
- Assume fees will be refunded.
Planning a trip to Australia as an Indian traveler involves attention to detail—from selecting the right visa category to submitting proper documentation. While fees are non-refundable and requirements strict, the process is straightforward if followed diligently. The digital ImmiAccount platform makes things convenient, and with proper preparation, your chances of approval are strong.