In all my travels, I think visas are the most intimidating part. First, I’ve heard so many horror stories about visas. Second, there’s so much to read to understand all the different types of visas.
There are traveling only visas. Travel and try to find an employer visas. There are stay for a long time and become one of us visas. In this post, I will outline the traveling only visas. These visas do not allow you to work.
ETA (Visitor) (Subclass 976) $20
The ETA (electronic travel authority) must be filled out for travelers outside of Australia. The visa is valid for 12 months, but you can only stay for 3 months consecutively. This means you’d have to fly to New Zealand or Fiji for a weekend… what a shame. Each member in your family will need one. The visa is free! Well, except for the $20 service charge.
This visa is like the ETA with some added features. First, you can study formally on this visa for 3 months or less. Second, you can be approved for a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month stay. This visa costs $100.
eVisitor (Subclass 651) $0.00
eVisitor is similar to the ETA, only it’s for specific countries. The United States and England are not included. Those citizens will need to use the ETA. Eligible Countries.
Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 679)$100
This visa is for family members of Australian citizens. You have to be a relative to enter on this visa unless you are sponsored by a government official. This visa allows a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month entrance based on your application. This does not include visiting for business or medicinal purposes.
We are going to use the ETA (subclass 976) visa. After arriving we are planning on searching for employers to sponsor us for the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). It’s a long shot, but it’s our only chance for working in Australia.
