As a major hub for finance, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare, Australia attracts all kinds of business travel. In order to conduct your professional affairs here, though, you’ll need to get a business visa.

Here we will review the Australia business-visa process, including the steps needed to complete a visa application form, what materials and documents you need before applying, the fees you’ll be expected to pay, and the wait time to get your Australia business visa.

Australia Business Visa Basics

You’ll need to get a business visa if you’re coming to Australia  for the following reasons:

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  • To make general enquiries about business or employment
  • For contract negotiations
  • To attend or take part in a conference or trade fair (that you aren’t being paid by the organizers to participate in)
  • To conduct activities on an official government visit

Australia Business Visa Types

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Australia offers different work visas for skilled workers, business owners, temporary work, and more. But for most endeavors, there are two common business visas: the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) and the Business Visitor Stream visitor visa (Subclass 600).

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)

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You apply for this digital visa  prior to your trip to Australia. It’s valid for one year (12 months), during which time you can visit Australia as many times as you want. For each visit, you can stay up to three months.

Business Visitor Stream Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This three-month visa allows you to visit Australia for the business reasons described above. You must apply for this visa from outside Australia.

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What Are the Steps for Getting a Business Visa for Australia?

Here are the steps for applying for the ETA and Business Visitor Stream visas:

1. Gather Required Documents

See below for a complete list of the necessary documents.

2.  Upload Documents and Complete Application

If you aren’t working with Entriva to get a business visa, you’ll need to apply online with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, via either the Electronic Travel Authority smartphone app or ImmiAccount, the official online visa portal.

Follow the instructions to upload pictures of yourself and your supporting documents. Answer all questions truthfully and fill out the application in its entirety. Applications filled out incorrectly can delay the visa decision.

3. Await Decision

Most ETA applications process extremely fast, so you’ll know right away if the visa was approved. If not, you’ll be notified of any additional information or documents needed.

Getting a decision on a Business Visitor Stream visa can take from four to 18 days. If the application was successful, you’ll get information regarding your visa start date, conditions, and grant number. If not, you’ll be notified of any additional information or documents needed.

How to Apply for an Australia Business Visa Online

Whether you’re looking for a regular visa or e-visa, Entriva is here to make the process fast and simple. Here’s all the information you’ll need to provide for us to complete your visa application form:

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  • Personal information (full name on passport, nationality, address, date of birth, email, phone number, gender, etc.)
  • Passport information (number, expiration date, place of issue, date of issue, etc.)
  • Type of visa
  • Location of closest Australian embassy or consulate
  • Travel dates
  • Port of arrival and expected port of departure
  • Emergency Contact/Family details (names, addresses, email, phone, nationality, etc.)
  • Two photos and copy of passport page
  • Payment information for processing fees

You can check the status of your visa on your Personal Travel Dashboard.

Australia Business Visa Documents

The following are the documents you’ll need to apply for a business visa to Australia. All supporting documents should be in PDF format and in English (or with an English translation).

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  • A valid passport with at least one blank page (passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa application date)
  • Scanned copy of passport bio page, clearly showing personal details and photo
  • Two digital photos in JPG format, minimum size 10 KB and maximum size 1 MB; photo should be equal height and width, no borders, passport-style
  • Business visitor documents (conference registration details, letter of invite from Australia company/approved Australian employer, letter from employer stating reason for visit, Australia business contacts, etc.)
  • Genuine visitor documents that show you are only in Australia on a temporary visa and you intend to leave (proof you have sufficient funds for the return trip, like bank statements or a letter from your employer)
  • Health exam (if required)
  • Police certificate (if required)
  • Biometrics (if required)

Australia Business Visa Validity

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  • Electronic Travel Authority Visa: Valid for 12 months, during which time you can visit as many times as you want for up to three months each time.
  • Business Visitor Stream Visa: Up to three months

Australia Business Visa Fees

The Australian government charges the following visa fees:

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Electronic Travel Authority: Free (with possible service charge of AU$20)

Business Visitor Stream: AU$150

Some additional processing and bank-transaction charges may apply. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just US$50. Contact us to receive a quote.

FAQs About Australia Business Visas

Here are some commonly asked questions about Australia Business Visas:

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How long does it take to get a Business Visa?

For the Electronic Travel Authority, most visas are approved instantly with no waiting or processing time.

For the Business Visitor Stream visa, processing times take between four to 18 days. The majority take 18 days.

Can I renew or extend my Business Visa?

Neither the ETA nor the Business Visitor Stream can be extended . You’ll either need to leave Australia or apply for a new visa.

Can I apply for a business visa upon arrival in Australia?

No. Only New Zealand citizens can get a visa on arrival in Australia. All other foreign travelers, business or otherwise, need to get a visa prior to your trip.

Can I engage in work or employment on a business visa?

You can do work if it is a meeting, negotiation, or government meeting as outlined above, but you cannot earn money under the 600/601 class visas. For employment purposes, you’ll need a different visa with a different application process.

How long can I stay in Australia on a business visa?

Under both the ETA and Business Visitor Stream, you can stay in Australia for up to three months. The ETA is valid for one year, so you may visit Australia several times during that year, but you cannot stay more than 90 days during a single visit.

Is the business visa a multiple-entry visa?

  • ETA: Yes
  • Business Visitor Stream: No

Can I convert a tourist visa to a business visa while in Australia?

If you’re visiting on the ETA, you can use that visa for tourism purposes. If you’re visiting on the Business Visitor Stream, you can apply to change it to a different visa, like the Visitor Visa, when you’re within Australia.

How far in advance should I get my Australia Business Visa?

Due to processing times, you should apply at least four weeks in advance.

Is a business visa the same as a working holiday

One of Australia’s most popular visa options is the Australian working holiday visa, which allows those ages 18 to 30 to visit for an extended holiday while also working to fund it. However, this is a different kind of temporary work visa from the ones outlined above.

Where do I keep my business visa while traveling?

Keep a print copy of your Australian work visa and your passport in a safe place. International travel document holders will help keep all your essential documents in one place.

Other Australia Visas

If your purpose for visiting Australia isn’t to conduct business, there are other visa types available, including the Electronic Travel Authority Visa and the Visitor Visa. We can help with those too.

Preparing for Your Australia Trip

Whether you’re looking for a Skilled Independent visa or an Australian working holiday visa, obtaining the proper documentation is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Australia visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Australia, such as travel restrictions, entry requirements, and health and safety, visit our Australian content hub.