2023 GMTSC SYMPOSIUM
Visa options:
Participants, attendees and speakers that will not be working, performing or otherwise be 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 see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/business-visitor-stream
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601). For eligible passport holders and more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601
- eVisitor (subclass 651)(Business Stream) visa. For eligible passport holders and more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
Attendees, speakers and exhibitors that will be working, or otherwise be 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). For more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-activity-408/invited-for-other-social-and-cultural-activity
Please note that a the letter of support from an Australian organisation is a legislative requirement for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408)(Invited Participant) visa.
- Temporary Work (subclass 400)(Short Stay Specialist) visa (where there is no inviting Australian organisation). For more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-400
NB: These are the visa options available presently but the Department reserves the right to change regulations. International Events Coordination Network assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.
Biometrics:
Visa applicants outside of Australia will need to provide biometrics when they apply for a visa that is part of the Australian biometrics program, or where they are from a country, or located in a country at time of application that is part of the Australian biometrics program.
For information regarding Australia’s biometric program including visas and countries that are part of the program, please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics
Visa Application Process and Processing Times:
Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
Whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
How promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
How long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
How long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account.
Processing times are impacted each month by cases that are complex, changes to volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions. More information about visa processing times please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/overview. For this reason, we would advise that visa applications be lodged at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel.
To assist timely processing by Australia's visa offices overseas, you can complete the attached bio-data collection sheet as event participants are invited to your event and email it.
NB: In accordance with Australia's Privacy Act 1988, any information an event organiser or participant provides to the International Events Coordination Network will only be used to facilitate visa processing with the relevant Australian visa office overseas.
Travellers should familiarise themselves with Australia’s border and entry requirements. For further information, see ‘Entering and leaving Australia’ at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/entering-and-leaving-australia