Melbourne is a diverse, growing city that is unlike any other in Australia. It is highly recommended that you visit on a reconnaissance trip before fully committing to relocation.
The following visa options all allow for short trips (12 months or less) and must be obtained outside of Australia (unless otherwise noted), and additional Visas must be obtained for each family member travelling with you to Australia. All visitors require a visa to visit Australia, regardless of nationality. All of these visas are relatively easy to obtain, and generally do not require any additional documentation beyond the application (with the exception of the Sponsored Family Visitor and Business Short Stay Visas*).
*See these listings for details
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ETA Visitor Visa (subclass 967)
The most common temporary visa used for entering and travelling Australia. This visa is electronic and allows for travel within Australia for 3 months from the date of entry. This visa is single entry and does not allow you to work.
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/eta.htm
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Tourist Visa (subclass 676)
Available as a three, six, or twelve month visa with either single or multiple entry conditions, this visa can be applied for online and renewed from within Australia*. This visa allows only for travel, and does not allow you to work.
*renewal of this visa must be lodged at least 2 weeks prior to your current visas expiry.
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/
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eVisitors Visa (subclass 651)
For visitors from European countries* who intend to enter Australia for tourism or business frequently within a 12 month period.
*For a list of eligible countries see http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/eligibility.htm
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/
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Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (subclass 679)
This visa allows you to enter Australia for 3 or 6 months to visit a relative. It allows you to study for up to 3 months, but does not allow work. This visa requires application by both you and the family memeber sponsoring you, as well as certified documentation from your sponsor to prove their residency / citizenship status (such as a passport, visa grant letter, or birth certificate).
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/visiting-family/679/
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Working Holiday Visa (417) / Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
These visas (dependent upon country of citizenship) are for those under 30 years of age and allow you to enter Australia multiple times over a 12 month period for travel and casual work. Specific work restrictions apply.
For more detailed information on which visa is necessary for you and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/visa-options.htm
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Sponsored Business Visitor (subclass 459)
This visa allows for multiple entries into Australia (for up to 3 months each time) for purposes of completing specific work* or participating in business related activities such as conferences. This visa must be applied for and obtained on your behalf by the business sponsoring your travel.
*Strict conditions apply concerning what type of work is allowed and how long you may be engaged in it.
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/459/
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Business Short Stay (subclass 456)
This visa allows for single or multiple entries into Australia for a period of 3 months for the purposes of engaging in business related activities such as negotiations or market exploration. The application process for this visa requires you to provide documented proof of your business venture, such as a letter from your employer detailing the negotiations you are attending or markets you are exploring, or a business tax statement from your home country (if self employed).
For more detailed information and instructions on how to apply visit http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/456/
