Australia and Electronic Visas
Australia is one of the first countries to fully switch to an electronic visa application system. This means that for a tourist or visitor visa, citizens of Russia (and other visa-required countries) do not need to submit paper documents or visit a consulate. Everything is done online—quickly, conveniently, and transparently.
You submit your application online via the official ImmiAccount portal, and visa confirmation arrives by email. Below, we’ll explain in detail how to apply for a Subclass 600 visa on your own or with professional assistance.
Which Visa Type to Choose?
For travel on a tourist or private basis, you should choose the Subclass 600 visa (Visitor Visa). It is divided into streams:
- Tourist stream — if you travel as a tourist without an invitation
- Sponsored Family stream — if you visit relatives on their invitation
Both streams are applied for through ImmiAccount. For the family stream, you will need a letter of invitation and sometimes a sponsorship form from your host.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
1. Register in ImmiAccount
First, create an account on the Australian immigration portal. Registration is standard: name, email, and password confirmation.
2. Complete the Application Form
The Subclass 600 application form is fairly detailed and entirely in English. It asks for:
- Personal details
- Trip information
- Travel history
- Financial status
- Criminal record, medical conditions, etc.
Important: answer truthfully, since false information can be easily detected and may affect future applications.
3. Prepare and Upload Documents
All documents must be uploaded electronically in PDF or JPG format. Required documents include:
- Passport scan (all pages)
- 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo
- Financial documents (bank statements, employment certificate)
- Trip itinerary, hotel and flight bookings
- Invitation letter (for the family stream)
Crucially, all documents must be in English. Prepare translations in advance—see the article "Document Translation for Visas: When and How to Certify" for details.
4. Payment and Biometrics
Once the form is complete, you will be prompted to pay the visa application fee. Payment is made online by credit card. In 2025, the fee is approximately AUD 150 (verify at the time of application).
Biometrics: Australia often requires fingerprint collection at a VFS Global center. This is mandatory if you receive a request.
Sometimes a medical examination may be required—typically for long stays or specific risk factors (previous country of residence, occupation, etc.). Details will arrive in your ImmiAccount.
What Happens After Submission?
After submission and payment, you wait. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, though it can be longer in some cases.
When a decision is made, you receive an email notification. The visa is issued as a PDF file listing:
- Validity period
- Number of entries
- Length of stay permitted
No physical visa label is affixed to your passport. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, but a printed copy is recommended for airport checks.
Tips and Best Practices
- Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
- It is advisable to provide a day-by-day itinerary—this increases approval chances.
- If traveling on invitation, confirm your host has provided a properly drafted letter.
- Although travel insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended. See our article "Medical Insurance for Visas".
Conclusion
Applying for an Australian visa online is convenient but detail-oriented. Every step matters, from choosing the correct stream to uploading documents. If you are not confident in your English or wish to avoid risk, professional help is recommended.
InfoVisaAgent will help you prepare documents, complete your application, and guide you through the entire process until you receive your visa.
