The eVisitor Visa 651 is an Australian visitor visa that allows the holders to visit Australia as many times as they want in one year. With this visa, you can stay for a maximum of 3 months each time you enter Australia. This blog provides a detailed guide on how to apply for this visa successfully. 

What are the eligibility criteria for the eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 application?

Before you proceed with the eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 application, you should make sure that you meet all the following eligibility requirements.

    • You should be a citizen of an eligible country and hold a passport from that country. However, applying with a non-citizen passport, identity certificate, or any other travel documents. You can find the list of these countries on the official website of the Australian Immigration Department.

    • You must confirm that you are a genuine temporary visitor to Australia and comply with all the conditions associated with the visa.

    • You must meet character and health requirements. But suppose you have any record of criminal activities in any country. In that case, you have to apply for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 because an eVisitor Visa is not issued to a person with a serious criminal conviction.

    • There should be no outstanding debts to the Government of Australia. Therefore, if there are any debts unpaid by you or your family member, you must have made at least a repayment arrangement. This condition is also applicable to your family members, even if they are not included in the visa application.

    • You should have sufficient financial capacity to cover your costs like accommodation, travel, food, and return airfare. 

    • The visa should also be in the best interests of a minor applicant (aged under 18).

What are the benefits of a 651 Visa?

This visa will allow you to do the following.

    • You can travel to Australia to spend a holiday, visit your friends or family, or for business purposes.

    • When visiting as a business visitor, you can participate in various business activities like negotiating a contract, attending seminars, reviewing a contract, or making official government visits. But in such a case, the organisers should not sponsor your visit. You should also not be employed in a paid job position, provide services to a professional organisation, or sell products to the public.

    • You can also study a short-term course for up to 3 months and provide voluntary service.

    • You can also leave Australia and return to this country unlimited times if the visa remains valid.

What are the steps required to complete an application?

For Visa 651 in Australia, you will need to complete the following three steps.

Step 1: Apply for the eVisitor Visa

For the online application, you have to open an official account on the Immigration website.

Step 2: After the visa application

Once the Department of Home Affairs receives the visa application, it will inform you through email. However, if you do not get the email from the Department within 12 hours of the application, you should check the status of your application through your IMMI Account. At this stage, you can also find other information that is required the most.

Step 3: Get your visa outcome

The visa outcome will also be informed through your email. Whatever the outcome, you will receive the information. 

    • If approved, information such as visa grant number, visa start date, and visa conditions are included in the confirmation email. While travelling with the visa, you should always keep a copy of the visa approval notification. 

    • Even if the application is rejected, the Department will cite the main reasons behind the rejection of the visa application. From the email, you will also know whether there is any chance of any review.

How long does the visa take to get processed?

For 90% of applications, eVisitor Visa 651 processing time is 7 months. The time may take longer if you do not complete the application correctly and submit the required documents. In such a case, the Department will ask you for additional information and documents, which delay the process. 

How much does the visa application cost?

Currently, you will need to pay no fees for the visa application. 

What are the differences between a Visitor Visa Subclass 600 and an eVisitor Visa SUbclass 651?

Though both these visas are meant for tourist purposes, there are some differences between the two. These differences are as follows.

    • The eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 allows the holders to remain in Australia for a maximum of three months. In contrast, a holder of the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 can stay for 3 to 12 months in Australia, based on the conditions attached to the visa. 

    • Citizens of only some eligible countries can apply for the eVisitor Visa. On the other hand, citizens of all the countries are eligible to apply for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600. 

    • The 651 Visa application does not require any fee, while you have to pay an amount for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600.

How is eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 similar to the ETA Visa Subclass 601?

The Electronic Travel Authority Visa 601 and the eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 are pretty similar to each other. Both visas allow the holders to visit Australia for a maximum of 3 months every time they visit the country. Also, as the two visas are electronic ones, there will be no stamp on your passport.

The only difference is that the eligible countries for the two visas are different. However, based on your situation, if your passport makes you eligible for both visas, you should apply for the eVisitor Visa because it is relatively more accessible and less costly.

Can you extend your visa beyond three months?

No, with the eVisitor Visa Subclass 651, you cannot stay more than 3 months on each visit. However, if you still lengthen the stay period, you have to check whether any visa options are available for you. For help, you can consult with a professional migration agent from Perth. 

Whom can you include in your visa application?

Immediate family members are allowed to be included in the visa application. However, you should make a separate application for each of them who wishes to travel with you.

Why do you need health insurance cover?

For any Australian visa application, you will need health insurance cover. This healthcare insurance will help you cover major medical treatment expenses that you may require in Australia. 

Some countries hold reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. So, before making the application, you should visit the official website and check which countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements.

What should you do if there is any change in your situation?

Whenever any change occurs in the situation, you should immediately inform the Department of Home Affairs. Mostly, the following changes appear.

    • Change in the phone number

    • Change in email id and residential address

    • Change in the passport number

    • Change to the relationship status

    • Birth of a child

Where should you go for the migration agent?

Whenever you consider hiring a professional Registered Migration Agent Perth or anywhere else, you should always go for the best option. Many top-rated consultancies can extend the desired assistance. But, make sure you always associate with the leading consultants.