Traveling to Australia from Singapore requires a visa, and the cost of obtaining one depends on the type of visa you need. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the different types of visas available for travelers from Singapore to Australia, their associated costs, the application process, and other essential information.
Types of Australian Visas
Australia offers various types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common types include:
- Visitor Visas
- Student Visas
- Work Visas
- Family and Partner Visas
- Business Visas
- Permanent Residency Visas
Each visa category has its own subcategories and specific requirements.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are the most common for tourists and short-term travelers. The primary visitor visa categories are:
- eVisitor (subclass 651)
- Visitor visa (subclass 600)
1. eVisitor (subclass 651)
The eVisitor visa is for travelers from certain countries, including Singapore, who wish to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. It is a free visa and allows multiple entries for up to three months per visit within a 12-month period.
- Cost: Free
- Validity: 12 months
- Stay Duration: Up to 3 months per visit
2. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is suitable for those who do not qualify for the eVisitor visa or need to stay longer than three months. It has several streams:
- Tourist stream: For tourists visiting Australia for a holiday or to visit family and friends.
- Business Visitor stream: For business travelers.
- Sponsored Family stream: For those visiting family members who are sponsoring their visit.
Tourist Stream (subclass 600)
- Cost: AUD 150
- Validity: Up to 12 months
- Stay Duration: Up to 12 months
Business Visitor Stream (subclass 600)
- Cost: AUD 150
- Validity: Up to 12 months
- Stay Duration: Up to 12 months
Sponsored Family Stream (subclass 600)
- Cost: AUD 150
- Validity: Up to 12 months
- Stay Duration: Up to 12 months
Student Visas
For Singaporeans planning to study in Australia, the Student visa (subclass 500) is required. This visa allows students to live and study in Australia for the duration of their course.
Student Visa (subclass 500)
- Cost: AUD 650
- Validity: Duration of the study course
- Work Rights: Up to 40 hours per fortnight during the course and unlimited hours during course breaks
Work Visas
Work visas are for individuals looking to work in Australia either temporarily or permanently. The main types of work visas include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)
The TSS visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions for which there is a shortage of skilled Australian workers.
- Cost: AUD 1,290 (short-term stream), AUD 2,690 (medium-term stream)
- Validity: Up to 4 years
- Eligibility: Must be sponsored by an approved business
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186)
The ENS visa is for skilled workers nominated by their employer for permanent residence.
- Cost: AUD 4,240
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by an approved employer
3. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa is for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills needed in Australia.
- Cost: AUD 4,240
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must be invited to apply
Family and Partner Visas
Family and partner visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members to live in Australia.
1. Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)
This visa is for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Cost: AUD 7,850
- Validity: Temporary (subclass 820) leading to Permanent (subclass 801)
- Eligibility: Must be in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
2. Parent Visa (subclass 103)
The Parent visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.
- Cost: AUD 6,490
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must have an eligible sponsor
Business Visas
Business visas are for individuals looking to conduct business or invest in Australia. The main types of business visas include:
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
- Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)
1. Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188)
This visa is for people with business skills who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia.
- Cost: AUD 5,375
- Validity: Up to 4 years and 3 months
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
2. Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132)
The Business Talent visa is for experienced business owners or investors who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Cost: AUD 7,880
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
Permanent Residency Visas
Permanent residency visas allow individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Some common permanent residency visas include:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)
1. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Cost: AUD 4,240
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187)
The RSMS visa is for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.
- Cost: AUD 4,240
- Validity: Permanent
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia
SEE ALSO: HOW MUCH IS A DUBAI VISA? COST & FEES FOR 2024
Application Process
The application process for an Australian visa involves several steps:
Determine the appropriate visa type: Based on your purpose of travel, determine which visa category applies to you.
Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as your passport, financial statements, and any other documents specified by the visa category.
Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form available on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Pay the visa fee: Pay the applicable visa fee using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
Submit your application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documents.
Biometrics and health checks: Some visa categories may require you to provide biometrics and undergo health checks.
Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, wait for the Australian Department of Home Affairs to process your visa.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Apart from the visa application fees, there may be additional costs and considerations:
Health checks: Some visa categories require you to undergo health examinations, which can add to the overall cost.
Biometric collection: Certain visas may require biometric data collection, which may incur additional fees.
Translations: If your documents are not in English, you may need to have them translated, which can incur additional costs.
Travel insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses during your stay in Australia.
Conclusion
The cost of a visa to Australia from Singapore varies depending on the type of visa you need. Visitor visas can range from free to AUD 150, while student visas cost AUD 650. Work visas and permanent residency visas have higher fees, ranging from AUD 1,290 to AUD 7,880. It is essential to choose the appropriate visa category and be aware of the associated costs and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
Understanding the various visa options, their costs, and the application process can help you plan your trip to Australia more effectively. Always check the latest information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, as visa fees and requirements can change.