Visa Information

Australian Visa Options for Participants of the IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence.

Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival).

Applying for a Visa

Visa application forms are available on the Department’s website and many applications can be lodged online. Details about how to apply are included in the information about the particular visa you wish to apply for. A list of visas is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder

Health and character requirements

All visa applicants must be assessed against Australia’s health and character requirements. These requirements are designed to protect the safety and security of the Australian community.

Health requirements

As part of the visa application process you may be required to undertake a medical examination, chest x-ray and/or other health checks.

The Department will advise you of the applicable health checks (if any), based on your individual circumstances. Information on health checks which may apply to you is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

Character requirements

As part of your visa application, you might be required to provide a police clearance certificate or other evidence to satisfy character requirements. Information about character requirements and police certificate requirements is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

Biometrics collection

If you are lodging a visa application in a selected location, regardless of your nationality, you may need to provide your biometrics in relation to your visa application, unless exempt. Information about Biometrics collection is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

Creating an ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount is a single point of entry into the Department’s online visa services. Information about ImmiAccount is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/overview

Visa processing times

Information about visa processing times is available on the Department’s website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

Immigration clearance requirements

On arrival in Australia, you must identify yourself, present your travel documents, and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). The IPC requires travellers to declare their health status and any prior criminal convictions (amongst other declarations). If you do not meet immigration clearance requirements, you may be refused entry to Australia.

Obligations of visa holders

You must comply with your visa validity and visa conditions while in Australia. When you receive your Australian visa, you are issued with a visa grant notice that explains the conditions of your visa (including your approved period of stay in Australia and your entry requirements). Your visa may be cancelled if you breach any of the conditions of your visa. You are advised to carry your visa grant notice when travelling for your own reference.

If your visa expires while you are still in Australia, you will become an unlawful non-citizen and may be detained and removed from Australia. You may also be subject to an exclusion period, which could prevent you from re-entering Australia.

Travel sanctions

For information on countries subject to travel sanctions, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) website. Nationals of these countries may not be permitted to travel to and enter Australia. For further information about travel sanctions, please refer: https://dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/Pages/sanctions.aspx

This table provides a quick reference guide to the type of visa you may be eligible to apply for. Please refer to the information on the Department’s website https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ to ensure you apply for the most appropriate visa.