Visa information
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
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)
- eVisitor (subclass 651)(Business Stream) visa.
A speaker, presenter, exhibitor, or other contributor invited to participate in an event by an Australian organisation may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) (Invited Participant) visa.
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.
Any 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. Please note that a 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.
NB: These are the visa options available presently but the Department reserves the right to change regulations. IECN assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.
Visa application processing and 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. Visit the visa processing times page for more information about visa processing times. 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.
