×

Sometimes a few weeks in Australia isn’t enough. After all, there’s an entire continent to explore. Whether for work or fun, you may need—or want—to extend your Australian visa during your stay.

But can you extend your visa to Australia? If so, how? We’ve got all the answers you need in this guide to Australian visa extensions.

Australia Visa Types for US Citizens

There are multiple types of visas for foreigners looking to enter Australia. Some of the visas available to US citizens are extendable, and others are not:

Sub Section Icon

  • Electronic Travel Authority: Not renewable
  • Visitor Visa: Renewable if applying within Australia

How to Extend Your Australian Visa

Here’s a list of common Australian visas for American travelers, and whether or not they can be extended.

Tourism Visas

Sub Section Icon

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa (Subclass 601) 

The Electronic Travel Authority is an electronic visa you apply for before your trip to Australia  (from outside Australia). Valid for 12 months, it lets you visit Australia as many times as you want during that year, for up to three months for each visit.

  • Extendable: No
  • Length of Extension: Not applicable
Sub Section Icon

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Apply Within Australia 

If you are on either of the two previous visa types, you can apply for a visa extension with this visa type. You need to already be in the country to apply for it, and it costs AU$380. However, once this visa expires, you cannot extend it and must apply for a different visa type.

  • Extendable: Yes
  • Length of Extension: Up to 12 months

Work/Business Visa 

Australia offers multiple types of work and business visas, but this is the most common for American business travelers.

Sub Section Icon

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa (Subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Visa can be used for business travel if you’re attending a conference, making business inquiries, making an official government visit, or negotiating contracts. Unlike the ETA for tourism purposes, you cannot apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) as an extension if you use the ETA for business travel.

  • Extendable: No
  • Length of Extension: Not applicable

How to Apply for an Australian Visa Extension

In order to extend your Australian visa, follow these steps:

Sub Section Icon

1. Check the Terms and Conditions of Your Current Visa

You’ll want to apply for your new visa at least a month before your current valid visa expires. Check conditions via the Australian Government’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

You can reach out to us at Entriva  for assistance with extending your visa before your current visa expires. If your current visa can’t be extended, you’ll either need to leave the country or apply for a new visa.

2. Determine the Right Visa for You

If your current visa can’t be extended, you’ll need to find a new visa. Entriva can help you determine which visa is best for you, or you can use the Australian Government’s Visa Finder, an online tool that asks you questions and selects the right visa for your needs based on your answer.

3. Meet the Visa Extension Requirements

To qualify for an Australia visa extension, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Meet Australia’s health and character requirements
  • Have enough money (or access to sufficient funds) to support you during your stay
  • Be a genuine visitor (only intending to stay temporarily and not engaging in activities outside of your visa type)

4. Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need to provide documentation , including bank statements and a copy of your passport, to apply for a new visa or qualify for a visitor visa extension. See below for the full list of required documents.

5. Apply for a Visa

Submit all the required documents and completed forms.

6. Track the Status of Your Visa

You can follow your visa-processing status on Entriva via your Personal Travel Dashboard. You’ll also receive a letter from the Australian Government. You may need to provide additional documents and information (biometrics, health exams, etc.) based on your initial application.

Documents Needed for Australia Visa Extension

  • Copy of your passport identity page, showing photo, personal information, issuing date, and expiration date
  • Bank statements, pay slips, or other financial documents to show proof of financial support
  • Proof of tourist plans while in Australia, such as letters from friends or family members, itineraries, hotel reservations, and activities
  • Proof of reasons to return home, such as letters from your employer, school documents, and proof of home ownership or other major assets in your country
  • Health exam results (if needed)
  • Character documents, like a police certificate or military service record (if applicable and needed)

Australia Visa Extension Costs

The cost for an Australia visa extension varies depending on your trip’s purpose and timing. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just US$50.

Penalties for Overstaying Your Australia Visa

Overstaying your visa in Australia can come with harsh consequences, such as fines, detainment, deportation, or even being banned from entry. Australia’s immigration policies are notoriously strict, so you want to stay “lawful” and always have a valid visa.

If your visa does expire, you have a 28-day grace period. During this time, you must either leave or be in the process of getting a new visa. After 28 days, you can be deported from the country and banned from re-entry for at least three years.

Preparing for Your Australia Trip

Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected requirements before 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, health and safety, and visiting without a visa, visit our Australia content hub.