How long does an Australian visa take?
Need a visa for Australia? Find out when to apply and how to speed up the process. Answers to your questions about processing times.
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When planning a trip to Australia, whether for vacation, business, or family visits, the first essential step is to obtain the appropriate visa. However, it is important to understand that the process is not as simple as just submitting an application. The processing time for an Australian visa plays a decisive role in planning your departure. That's why this page is entirely dedicated to the question of Australia visa processing times, whether for a tourist visa, an eVisitor or an eTA. Here we will explore processing times according to visa type, with a particular focus on the fastest options. Knowing the actual processing times will allow you to avoid unexpected delays, plan accurately and travel with peace of mind. Follow this comprehensive guide on Australia visa processing times to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Australia visa processing times: at a glance
- Major visa types: eVisitor or eTA (fast and convenient for short stays) or tourist visa (longer stays possible).
- eVisitor: Average processing time of 1 to 2 business days, valid for 1 year, multiple entries, 90 days max/entry.
- eTA: Extremely short processing time, response often immediate after submission.
- Tourist visa: Processing time of approximately 5 days, single entry, 3 months maximum, for tourism, business, family or friend visits.
- Recommended lead time: Apply at least 8 weeks before departure.
The Classic Tourist Visa is commonly used for tourist, family, or short business trips. This type of visa authorizes a stay in Australia of up to 3 months.
The processing time for an Australian visa for this option depends on several factors. For tourists, processing times can be up to 30 days, although some applications are processed more quickly. It is therefore best to submit your application between 1 and 3 months before your desired departure date.
Certain months of the year, such as summer and end-of-year holidays, may result in longer processing times. Planning ahead is therefore the best strategy to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Processing times may also be affected by the volume of applications or the documents provided. An incomplete application or incorrect information may delay approval.
The eVisitor is intended for citizens of the European Union wishing to make a short tourist or business trip. It is one of the fastest visas to obtain.
The processing time for an eVisitor is usually 1 to 2 business days, and in some cases, the response may arrive in less than 24 hours.
It allows you to stay up to 90 days on each entry, for a period of one year, with multiple entries allowed. This visa is free when applied for through the official portal.
The visa application is processed online. You will need to provide your passport information, an email address, and a few additional details. Once the application has been submitted, you will receive a response by email without having to go anywhere.
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an alternative to the eVisitor for certain countries, including the United States and Canada. It is also an electronic solution that is quick and easy.
The processing time for an eTA for Australia is extremely short: most applications receive an immediate response, often within minutes.
The eTA allows for repeated tourist or business stays for one year, with stays of up to 90 days per visit. It is electronically linked to your passport, which facilitates border controls.
The entire process takes place online, and you can use an official website or a private provider. The cost is generally moderate but may vary depending on the platform used.
The ideal time to apply for a tourist visa for Australia depends on several factors, including the timing of your trip, the visa processing time, and your level of preparation. Here are some tips to help you determine the best time to apply:
Although the eVisitor and eTA electronic authorization systems usually allow you to obtain this document in just a few days, it is recommended that you complete this step in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, particularly a rejection that would require a new application.
In summary, planning ahead is the key to obtaining your tourist visa for Australia smoothly. Submitting your application early, preferably several months before your trip, will allow you to travel with peace of mind.
Here are our practical tips for obtaining your Australian visa quickly:
1. Choose the right visa:
2. Prepare your application in advance:
3. Submit your application online:
4. Apply at the right time:
5. Use a private visa service (optional):
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Standard processing times vary depending on the type of visa requested. For the standard tourist visa (subclass 600), processing can take up to 30 days for 90% of applications, particularly during busy periods. For eVisitors (subclass 651), the majority of applications are approved within 1 to 2 business days, sometimes even within a few hours. The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) is usually processed almost immediately, within a few minutes to a few hours. These estimates may vary depending on the quality of your application, the time of year, and the volume of applications being processed.
Yes, there are several ways to reduce processing times. To maximize your chances of getting a quick response, it is essential to submit a complete and error-free application, accompanied by all the required supporting documents. Using the official Australian immigration portal is strongly recommended to avoid intermediaries and minimize processing times. You can also submit your application outside of peak periods (such as school holidays or the Australian summer). Finally, some specialized service providers offer assistance in securing your application, but be aware that they do not guarantee faster processing by the Australian authorities.
No, the Australian authorities do not guarantee any fixed processing time for visas. Although estimates are published, they are not a promise. The processing time depends on several factors, including the completeness of the application, the consistency of the documents provided, the type of visa requested, the period of submission, and the applicant's background. Additional checks may be triggered automatically if certain criteria are met (dual nationality, previous travel, data entry errors, etc.), which will extend the processing time. It is therefore advisable to apply well in advance of your departure, even if the visa seems easy to obtain.
Yes, applying at the last minute can involve significant risks. Even though electronic systems such as eVisitor or eTA sometimes allow for quick approval, there is no guarantee that processing will be immediate. In the event of a block, data entry error, or additional verification, processing may take several days. In the case of a standard tourist visa, this processing time may be extended to several weeks. By planning your application at least 4 to 8 weeks before your departure date, you will ensure that you have enough time to correct any problems and leave with peace of mind.