Visa Options
Participants, attendees, and speakers who will not be working, performing, or otherwise being paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:
- Visitor (subclass 600) Business stream visa
For more information: Visitor 600 Business Stream
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)
For eligible passport holders and more information: ETA 601
- eVisitor (subclass 651) Business stream visa
For eligible passport holders and more information: eVisitor 651
NB: Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport held by the applicant.
Visitor (subclass 600) Business visa applicants should provide as much information as possible to support their visa applications:
Visitor 600 Business Stream Application Requirements
Visa applicants should also include:
- Evidence of any international travel outside of their own country (e.g., copies of visas and passport pages with entry and departure stamps).
- Information and evidence of attendance at similar events of this type/nature.
Visa Options for Paid Contributors
A speaker, presenter, exhibitor, or other contributor who will be working or otherwise being paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for one of the following visa options:
- Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Invited Participant Visa (where there is an inviting Australian organisation).
More information: Temporary Activity 408
NB: A letter of support from an Australian organisation is a legislative requirement for this visa.
- Temporary Work (subclass 400) Short Stay Specialist Visa (where there is no inviting Australian organisation).
More information: Temporary Work 400
NB: Exhibitors working at an industry-specific event, which does not involve selling goods or services directly to the public, may also be eligible for the Visitor visa options listed above.
Important: These visa options are current but subject to change based on regulations set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Biometrics
Visa applicants outside Australia may be required to provide biometrics if they apply for a visa that is part of the Australian biometrics program or if they are from a participating country.
For more information: Australia’s Biometrics Program
Health and Character Requirements
Most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before their visa can be granted. This is known as meeting the health requirement.
More information: Health Requirements
Applicants must also meet character requirements to be granted a visa.
More information: Character Requirements
Visa Application Process and Processing Times
Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and processing times may vary due to factors such as:
- Whether the applicant has submitted a complete application, including all supporting documents and fees.
- How quickly the applicant responds to requests for additional information.
- How long it takes to conduct necessary background checks on the provided information.
- How long it takes to obtain information from external agencies (e.g., health, character, national security checks).
- The current global visa processing times at the time of application.
Processing times may also be affected by case complexity, application volume, and changes to Ministerial Directions.
More information: Visa Processing Times
Recommendation: To ensure timely approval, visa applications should be lodged at least 4 to 6 weeks before the intended travel date.
