Want to explore Australia more? You can apply for an Australia visa extension for Indians.
The Department of Home Affairs grants extensions to Visitor Visa (subclass 600) holders under specific circumstances. Read up on the Australia visa extension process for Indians before applying.
Types of Australia Visa Extension
Here are the key types of Australian tourist visas and their extension details:
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This is the primary visa for tourists visiting Australia. It allows stays of up to 12 months, depending on the stream and validity period granted. Extensions are possible by applying for a new visa before it expires.
- Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651): These visas allow short stays and cannot be extended. If you hold one of these and wish to stay longer, you must apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600).
- Transit Visas: These are not extendable. You must apply for a Visitor Visa to stay in Australia as a tourist beyond the transit period.
Extensions for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) are typically granted for up to 3 months.
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Australia Visa Extension Fees
The Australia visa extension fees for Indians vary based on the type of Visitor Visa (subclass 600) you are applying for. Here’s a detailed fee table:
| Visa Type | Adult | Minor |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Tourist Stream | AUD 370 | AUD 370 |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Sponsored Family Stream | AUD 370 | AUD 370 |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Approved Destination Status Stream | AUD 370 | AUD 370 |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Business Visitor Stream | AUD 395 | AUD 395 |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) – Frequent Traveller Stream | AUD 1,295 | AUD 1,295 |
Note: Fees are subject to change, so always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.
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Are You Eligible for Australia Visa Extension?
To qualify for an Australia visa extension, Indian applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Validity: Your current Visitor Visa (subclass 600) must be valid when you apply for the extension. If it has expired, you must apply for a new visa entirely.
- Genuine Temporary Stay: You must demonstrate that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for tourism or visiting family and friends. Provide evidence of ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family responsibilities.
- Sufficient Funds: Show that you have enough money to support yourself during your extended stay in Australia.
- Health: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing medical examinations or providing police clearance certificates.
- Compliance with Visa Conditions: You must have complied with all your current visa conditions, such as not working or studying without permission.
- Compelling Reasons: Explaining why you are extending your stay can strengthen your application. This could include attending a significant family event, receiving medical treatment, or experiencing travel disruptions beyond your control.
Meeting the Australia visa extension requirements for Indians does not guarantee approval.
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Documents Required for Australia Visa Extensions
When applying for an Australia visa extension for Indians, you’ll need to provide several key documents:
- Completed application form for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry
- Copy of your current Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
- Passport-sized photograph taken within the last 6 months
- Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or credit card limits
- Proof of ties to your home country, like employment contracts or property ownership documents
- Detailed itinerary for your extended stay in Australia
- Health insurance policy covering your entire stay
- Character documents, such as police clearance certificates (if requested)
- Supporting documents for your reason for extension (e.g., medical reports, family event invitations, or travel disruption evidence)
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How to Apply for an Australia Visa Extension
Applying for an Australia visa extension for Indians involves submitting a new application for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) before your current visa expires.
You can apply online through your ImmiAccount or offline in paper form:
Online Application
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount: Go to the official ImmiAccount website and create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Start a new application: Once logged in, select “New Application” and choose the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) option.
- Select the stream: Choose the appropriate stream for your Visitor Visa (e.g., Tourist Stream, Sponsored Family Stream, etc.).
- Provide your details: Fill in your personal, passport, contact, and background information as requested in the application form.
- Upload supporting documents: Attach clear, certified copies or originals of all the required documents, such as your passport, photograph, financial evidence, and extension reason proof.
- Pay the visa fee: Make the payment for your visa application fee using a credit card or other accepted payment method.
- Submit your application: Double-check all your information and documents, then submit your application. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
- Track your application: Use your ImmiAccount to track the progress of your visa extension application and respond to any additional information requests.
Offline Application
You can submit a paper application for your Australia tourist visa extension for Indians. Here are the steps:
- Fill out Form 1419 – Application for a Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream.
- Attach all necessary supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Submit your application in person or by mail to your nearest Department of Home Affairs office.
Here are five key Department of Home Affairs offices across Australia:
- Sydney: 26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- Melbourne: 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Brisbane: 299 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
- Perth: Wellington Central, 836 Wellington Street, West Perth, WA 6005
- Adelaide: 70 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
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Australia Visa Extension Processing Time & Next Steps
The processing time for an Australia visa extension for Indian tourists can vary. Generally, you can expect a decision within 2 to 4 weeks of submitting your complete application.
However, some applications may take longer, especially if additional documents or checks are required.
While your visa extension application is being processed, you can stay in Australia lawfully until a decision is made, as long as you applied before your current visa expires.
FAQs
1. How can an Indian apply for an Australia visa extension?
Indians must apply online for a new Visitor visa (subclass 600) through their ImmiAccount before their visa expires. The application involves completing an online form, providing supporting documents, and paying the visa fee.
2. What are the reasons for granting an Australia visa extension to Indians?
An Australia visa extension may be granted to Indians for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending an event, or medical treatment.
- Demonstrate a genuine reason for extending your stay
- Meet all visa eligibility criteria.
3. What documents are needed for an Australia visa extension for Indians?
The key documents required include:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Evidence of your reason for extending (like travel bookings or event tickets)
- Proof of financial capacity
- Health insurance
- Character documents like police certificates.
4. How long before expiration should Indians apply for an Australia visa extension?
It’s best to apply for your visa extension at least 2-3 months before your current visa expires.
5. Can an Indian extend an Australia visa beyond its standard validity?
No, Indians cannot extend a visa beyond its original validity period.
- If you hold a 3-month visitor visa, you cannot extend it to 6 or 12 months.
- You must apply for a new visa for your intended new duration of stay, up to a maximum of 12 months.
6. What happens if my Australia visa extension application is rejected?
If your extension application is refused, you’ll receive a written notice explaining why. You may be able to apply for a review of the decision or reapply.
7. How many times can an Indian extend an Australia tourist visa?
There is no specific limit to how many times you can apply for an Australia visa extension for Indian tourists.
You cannot stay in Australia for over 12 months in the 18 months. After reaching this limit, you must depart Australia and apply for a new visa from outside the country.
