How to apply for an Australian visa yourself: a complete ImmiAccount guide

If you've ever stared at the Australian immigration website feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. The official Department of Home Affairs site is notoriously difficult to navigate, the forms ask questions that seem designed to confuse, and the stakes feel impossibly high. One mistake could mean refusal, wasted money, or worse.

Here's the truth: applying for an Australian visa yourself is absolutely possible. Millions of people do it successfully every year. But "possible" and "straightforward" aren't the same thing. This guide walks you through the entire process, from creating your ImmiAccount to tracking your decision, with the insider knowledge that makes the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one.

We've based this guide on official Department of Home Affairs information, our experience helping thousands of applicants, and the questions we hear most often from people navigating this system for the first time.

Should you apply yourself or get professional help?

Before diving into the how-to, let's address the question you're probably asking: can I actually do this myself?

The honest answer is that it depends on your situation. Some applications are genuinely straightforward. Others carry enough complexity or risk that professional help isn't just helpful, it's the difference between success and refusal.

When DIY makes sense

You're a good candidate for a DIY application if:

• You're applying for an ETA or eVisitor: These electronic visas for eligible passport holders (US, UK, EU, Japan, etc.) are nearly automatic. The process takes minutes, costs AUD $20 or nothing, and approval is usually instant.
• You're from a low-risk country with straightforward circumstances: If you hold a UK, German, or similar passport, have stable employment, clear travel plans, and no immigration history issues, a tourist visa application is relatively uncomplicated.
• You're comfortable with bureaucratic processes: If you've successfully navigated other government systems, can follow instructions precisely, and have time to research requirements, you can likely handle a DIY application.
• Your situation is genuinely simple: Single applicant, clear purpose, good travel history, strong home ties, no criminal record, no previous visa refusals.

When professional help is worth it

Consider getting a migration agent or immigration lawyer involved if:

• You're from a high-risk country: Applicants from countries with high overstay rates face significantly more scrutiny. Refusal rates for some nationalities exceed 30%. Professional preparation can mean the difference between approval and refusal.
• You have a complex immigration history: Previous visa refusals, overstays, or cancellations anywhere in the world complicate every future application. How you present this history matters enormously.
• You're applying for a complex visa: Partner visas, skilled migration visas, and employer-sponsored visas have intricate requirements, extensive evidence needs, and significant consequences if done poorly.
• You have a criminal record: Any criminal history requires careful handling. Presenting it incorrectly can result in refusal and potentially a 3-year ban.
• The stakes are high: If refusal would be catastrophic, such as separation from family, loss of job opportunity, or significant financial impact, the cost of professional assistance is insurance worth having.
• You've been refused before: Reapplying after refusal requires understanding exactly why you were refused and how to address those concerns. The same application will get the same result.

How to find the right visa for your situation

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is applying for the wrong visa. This wastes your application fee (which is non-refundable), delays your plans, and can create complications for future applications.

Using the official Visa Finder

The Department of Home Affairs provides a Visa Finder tool. It asks about your situation and suggests relevant visa options.

How to use it:

1. Select what you want to do: visit, work, study, join family, or other options
2. Answer questions about your circumstances
3. Review the suggested visa subclasses
4. Read the eligibility requirements for each option carefully

The tool is a starting point, not a final answer. It may suggest multiple options, and choosing between them requires understanding the differences.

Common visa types and when they apply

Visiting Australia:

• ETA (subclass 601): For passport holders from USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan. Up to 3 months, AUD $20, usually instant approval.
• eVisitor (subclass 651): For European passport holders (UK, EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland). Up to 3 months, free, usually instant approval.
• Visitor visa (subclass 600): For everyone else, or if you need longer than 3 months. Costs AUD $200+, requires supporting evidence, processing takes days to weeks.

Working in Australia:

• Working Holiday visa (subclass 417/462): For young people (18-30 or 18-35 depending on country) wanting to work and travel. Limited to certain nationalities.
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482): Requires employer sponsorship and occupation on the skilled occupation list.
• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Points-tested visa for skilled workers not requiring sponsorship.

Studying in Australia:

• Student visa (subclass 500): For full-time study at an Australian institution. Requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Joining family in Australia:

• Partner visa (subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Various family visas: For parents, children, and other relatives, each with different subclasses and requirements.

Questions to answer before choosing

Before selecting a visa, be clear on:

1. What's your main purpose? Tourism, work, study, or family?
2. How long do you need to stay? Days, weeks, months, or permanently?
3. Where will you apply from? Some visas must be applied for outside Australia, others from inside.
4. What's your nationality? This determines which visas you're eligible for and which pathway is fastest.
5. Do you have any connection to Australia? Australian partners, employers, or educational institutions open specific pathways.

Getting this wrong costs money and time. If you're unsure, the official visa page for each subclass lists detailed eligibility criteria. Read these carefully before committing.

Creating your ImmiAccount: step by step

ImmiAccount is the online portal where you'll create, submit, pay for, and manage your visa applications. Almost every Australian visa must be lodged through this system. Creating an account is free and takes about 10 minutes.

What you need before starting

Gather these items before you begin:

• A valid email address you can access (you'll need to verify it)
• Your full legal name as it appears on your passport
• Your date of birth
• A phone number where you can be reached
• A secure password you'll remember

Step-by-step account creation

Step 1: Go to the registration page

Visit online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register. This is the official Department of Home Affairs site. Don't use any third-party sites claiming to offer ImmiAccount access.

Step 2: Enter your email address

Use an email you check regularly. All communication about your visa application comes through ImmiAccount and this email address. If you miss a request for information because you don't check your email, your application could be refused.

You'll receive a verification code at this email address. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive within a few minutes.

Step 3: Verify your email

Enter the verification code sent to your email. This confirms you have access to the email address you provided.

Step 4: Create your password

Your password must be strong. Requirements include:

• At least 9 characters
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• At least one number
• At least one special character

Choose something secure but memorable. If you forget your password, you'll need to go through a recovery process.

Step 5: Set up security questions

You'll select security questions and provide answers. These are used if you need to recover your account. Write down your answers somewhere secure, as you'll need them if you ever lose access.

Step 6: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

ImmiAccount now requires multi-factor authentication for security. You'll typically set this up using an authenticator app on your phone (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). Download the app before starting if you don't have one.

Step 7: Choose account type

Select "Individual" when asked what type of account you need. The "Organisation" option is for migration agents, employers, and other entities managing multiple applications.

Step 8: Enter your personal details

Provide your:

• Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
• Date of birth
• Phone number
• Address (current residential address)

Step 9: Complete registration

Review your details and submit. You'll be logged into your new ImmiAccount dashboard, ready to start an application.

Troubleshooting common registration issues

Can't receive verification email:

• Check spam/junk folders
• Try a different email provider (Gmail and Outlook generally work well)
• Ensure you typed the email address correctly

MFA app not working:

• Ensure your phone's date and time are set automatically
• Try regenerating the QR code
• Use a different authenticator app

Forgotten password or locked out:

• Use the "I have forgotten my ImmiAccount username or password" link
• If you've lost access to your MFA app, use the "I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app" link
• Have your security question answers ready

Starting your first application

Once your ImmiAccount is set up, you can begin your visa application. The process varies slightly by visa type, but the general flow is consistent.

Navigating to your application

1. Log into ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au
2. From your dashboard, click "New application"
3. Select the visa category that matches your purpose (e.g., "Visitor," "Work," "Student")
4. Choose the specific visa subclass
5. Confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements shown
6. Click "Apply" to begin

Understanding application sections

Most visa applications are divided into sections:

1. Application context: Who is applying, from where, relationship to other applicants
2. Personal details: Name, date of birth, passport information, contact details
3. Travel details: When you plan to arrive, how long you'll stay, purpose of visit
4. Education and employment: Your background, current job, qualifications
5. Health: Questions about your health status and whether examinations are required
6. Character: Questions about criminal history, military service, visa history
7. Declarations: Confirming the information is true and complete
8. Document upload: Attaching supporting evidence
9. Payment: Paying the visa application charge

You don't have to complete everything in one sitting. You can save your progress and return later to continue.

Tips for filling out the form

Be precise with dates: Entry and exit dates, employment start dates, and travel dates should be accurate. Inconsistencies between your application form and your documents raise red flags.

Answer every question: Don't skip questions or leave them blank. If a question doesn't apply to you, look for "Not applicable" or "None" options rather than leaving it empty.

Be consistent: If you say you work for Company X in one section, make sure your employment evidence shows Company X. If your bank statements show deposits from Company Y, you'll need to explain.

Save regularly: As mentioned above, don't rely on auto-save. Click "Save" manually after every section you complete.

Review before submitting: Once you submit and pay, you cannot directly edit your answers. Review every section carefully before submitting. If you later discover an error, you can notify the Department through ImmiAccount: click on your application, then "Update details," then "Notification of incorrect answer(s)." While this option exists, it's always better to get things right the first time.

Understanding the application form questions

Visa applications ask questions that seem straightforward but carry significant weight. Understanding what the Department is really asking helps you answer appropriately.

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) questions

For most temporary visas, you'll answer questions designed to assess whether you genuinely intend to stay temporarily. This might include:

• Why do you want to visit Australia?
• What ties do you have to your home country?
• What will you do when you return home?
• Do you have family in Australia?

What case officers are really assessing: Will this person leave when their visa expires? Do their circumstances make overstaying likely?

Strong answers demonstrate:

• Clear, specific reasons for your visit
• Strong ties to home (job, family, property, studies)
• A logical reason to return
• Realistic travel plans that match your finances

Weak answers are vague, contradictory, or suggest you might not leave.

Health questions

You'll be asked whether you have certain health conditions, have had recent medical treatments, or are pregnant. These questions determine whether you need health examinations before your visa can be granted.

Answer honestly. The Department can require examinations at any time, and undisclosed conditions discovered later can result in visa refusal or cancellation.

For many short-term tourist visas, health examinations aren't required. For longer stays, stays involving healthcare or education work, or stays where you're from a country with high tuberculosis rates, examinations are typically needed.

If examinations are required, you'll receive instructions through ImmiAccount to book with an approved panel physician.

Character questions

Character questions ask about:

• Criminal convictions (including spent convictions)
• Pending charges
• Military service
• Deportation or removal from any country
• Previous visa refusals or cancellations
• Association with certain organizations

You must declare everything, even if you think it's minor or happened long ago. The Department cross-references international databases. Undisclosed history discovered later is treated as providing false information, potentially resulting in a 3-year ban from Australian visas.

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically mean refusal. Minor offences often don't affect visa outcomes. But failing to disclose them is far more serious than the offences themselves.

If you have significant criminal history, consider seeking professional advice on how to present your case.

Immigration history questions

You'll be asked about:

• Previous Australian visas
• Previous visas to other countries
• Any visa refusals worldwide
• Any overstays in any country

Again, honesty is essential. Immigration systems share data more than most people realize. A visa refusal in the UK or USA will likely appear when Australian authorities check.

If you've had previous issues, explain what happened and what's changed. Circumstances change. People mature. A properly explained past issue is far less damaging than a hidden one.

When and how to attach documents

Document submission is where many applications go wrong. Either people don't provide enough evidence, provide the wrong evidence, or submit documents that can't be opened or read.

Document format requirements

The Department has specific technical requirements:

Accepted formats:

• PDF (preferred)
• JPEG/JPG
• PNG
• GIF
• BMP

Not accepted:

• Compressed files (.zip, .rar)
• Encrypted PDFs
• Password-protected documents
• Word documents (.doc, .docx)
• Excel files (.xls, .xlsx)

Size limits:

• Maximum 5MB per file
• Maximum 30-60 files depending on visa type (usually plenty)

File naming: Use only letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), dashes (-), and underscores (_). Avoid spaces, special characters, and non-English characters. Poor file naming can cause upload errors.

Good: passport_page_1.pdf Bad: Passport (John's copy) #1.pdf

What documents to attach

Requirements vary by visa type. The application form will show a checklist of required and recommended documents. Check your specific visa's page on the Department website for the full list before you start.

Almost every visa requires:

• Passport bio page (the page with your photo and details)
• Passport photo (meeting specifications)

Most visas also ask for some combination of:

• Financial evidence (bank statements, pay slips, tax returns)
• Employment or enrolment documentation
• Character documents (police certificates from countries you've lived in)
• Health examination results (if applicable)
• Evidence supporting the purpose of your visa (travel plans, relationship evidence, skills assessments, etc.)

The exact mix depends entirely on your visa type. The application form's document checklist is your primary guide — follow it closely.

Attaching documents during application

As you move through the application form, you'll reach a section to attach documents. For each document type:

1. Click "Attach" next to the document category
2. Select the document type from the dropdown menu
3. Add a brief description (e.g., "Bank statement - ANZ - Jan 2026")
4. Click "Browse" to locate the file on your computer
5. Click "Open" then "Add attachment"
6. Repeat for additional documents

Attach documents before or after submission?

For most visas, you should attach all documents before you submit. Some visa types will be refused if documents aren't provided at lodgement.

However, ImmiAccount allows you to add documents after submission for most visa types. This is useful if:

• You're waiting for a document (like a police certificate) that takes time to obtain
• You want to lodge quickly and add supporting evidence after
• The Department requests additional documents during processing

When in doubt, provide as much as possible upfront. A complete application at lodgement is always processed faster than one requiring follow-up.

Submitting your application

Once your form is complete and documents are attached, you're ready to submit.

Final review checklist

Before clicking submit:

• Have you answered every question?
• Is your name exactly as it appears on your passport?
• Are dates accurate and consistent?
• Have you disclosed everything you need to (travel history, criminal history)?
• Are all required documents attached?
• Are documents clear, complete, and in the correct format?
• Have you read and understood the declarations?

Making payment

Visa application charges vary by visa type — you can find the fee for your specific visa on its official subclass page. The exact amount is shown before you submit.

Payment methods and surcharges:

Credit and debit card payments are processed immediately, meaning your application is formally lodged the moment you pay. BPAY has no surcharge, but your application is not considered lodged until the payment settles — which can take up to 3 business days. If timing matters (for example, you're close to a visa expiry or a Schedule 3 deadline), pay by card to ensure your application is lodged immediately.

Visa application charges are non-refundable. If your application is refused, you don't get your money back. If you submit the wrong application, you don't get your money back. Make sure you're applying for the right visa before paying.

What happens when you submit

After payment, your application is formally lodged. You'll receive:

1. Transaction Reference Number (TRN): A unique identifier for your application
2. Acknowledgement letter: Confirmation your application was received
3. Bridging visa (if onshore): If you applied from within Australia and held a valid visa, a bridging visa is usually granted automatically

Your application status will show as "Received" in ImmiAccount.

Adding documents after lodgement

Forgot something? Received your police certificate? Got an updated bank statement? You can add documents to most visa applications after lodgement.

Step-by-step process

1. Log into ImmiAccount
2. On the "My applications summary" page, find your application
3. Click "View details"
4. Click "Attach documents"
5. Select the document type from the dropdown
6. Enter a brief description
7. Click "Browse" to find your file
8. Click "Add attachment"
9. Repeat for additional documents

Important notes

You cannot remove documents once attached. If you accidentally upload the wrong file, you cannot delete it. Be careful to select the correct file. You can upload the correct document afterward, but the incorrect one remains visible to case officers.

You cannot attach documents to finalised applications. Once your visa is granted or refused, you can no longer add documents to that application. If refused and you want to reapply, you'll start a new application.

Earlier is better. While you can add documents later, complete applications process faster. Attach everything you can as soon as possible after lodging.

Respond to requests promptly. If the Department requests specific documents, you'll receive a notification in ImmiAccount and by email. These requests often have deadlines. Missing a deadline can result in your application being decided on available information, which usually means refusal if the requested document was important.

Withdrawing an application

If you need to withdraw a visa application you need to do it properly.

How to withdraw: Go to your application in ImmiAccount, click "Update details," then select "Withdrawal of application." You'll need to complete and upload Form 1446.

Note that withdrawing an application does not entitle you to a refund of the visa application charge. The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is withdrawn, refused, or granted.

Tracking your application status

After lodging, the waiting begins. Here's how to stay informed.

Application statuses explained

Your application will show one of several statuses:

• Received: Your application has been submitted and is in the queue
• Initial assessment: A case officer is reviewing your application
• Further assessment: Additional checks are being conducted (security, health, verification)
• Information requested: The Department needs something from you (check for a request letter)
• Finalised: A decision has been made (grant or refusal)

Checking your status

Log into ImmiAccount regularly to check for:

• Status changes
• Messages from the Department
• Requests for additional information
• Your decision outcome

The Department communicates through ImmiAccount. Notifications are also sent to your email, but the official record is in ImmiAccount.

What if it's taking longer than expected?

Published processing times are estimates, not guarantees—and they don't account for your nationality, whether you applied onshore or offshore, or current risk settings. Your application might take longer if:

• You're from a higher-risk country: More scrutiny means longer processing
• Security checks are required: Some applications are flagged for additional checking with no explanation or timeline
• Information is missing: The Department may be waiting for your response to a request
• Verification is needed: Employment and financial verification can take weeks
• It's peak season: December-January and university intake periods see higher volumes

The Department publishes aggregate processing times on their Global Visa Processing Times page, but these are broad averages that don't reflect individual circumstances. For a more accurate picture, check our Visa Time Checker. It analyses data from millions of visa applications to give you a personalised estimate based on your visa type, nationality, and location. If your wait falls within the normal range for applicants in your situation, there's no cause for concern—even if it exceeds the generic timeframes on the Department's website.

What you can do:

• Use the Visa Time Checker to see if your wait is normal for your situation
• Ensure you've responded to any requests
• Check your ImmiAccount messages
• Be patient; calling the Department rarely speeds things up
• Consider professional assistance if your situation is complex and processing is delayed

What you shouldn't do:

• Spam ImmiAccount with messages (this doesn't help)
• Submit multiple applications for the same purpose
• Travel to Australia expecting the visa will come through (it might not)

VEVO: Verifying your visa status

Once your visa is granted, you can verify your visa details using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).

VEVO shows:

• Your visa grant date
• Visa expiry date
• Conditions attached to your visa
• Work and study rights

Australia's visa system is electronic. You don't receive a physical visa sticker. VEVO is how you prove your visa status to employers, landlords, and airlines.

Common mistakes to avoid

After seeing thousands of applications, these are the errors that cause the most problems:

1. Inconsistent information

Your application form says you earn $50,000 per year. Your bank statements show deposits of $2,000 per month. Your employment letter says your salary is $4,500 monthly. These numbers don't align, and that raises questions.

How to avoid: Before submitting, cross-check that dates, names, amounts, and facts are consistent across all documents and form answers.

2. Insufficient financial evidence

Showing a large bank balance isn't enough. Case officers want to see:

• Where the money came from (salary deposits over time, not unexplained lumps)
• That it's genuinely available to you (not borrowed for the application)
• That you can afford your stated travel plans

How to avoid: Provide 3-6 months of bank statements showing regular income. If you have a recent large deposit, explain its source with evidence.

3. Weak genuine temporary entrant case

"I want to visit Australia because it's beautiful" isn't compelling. Neither is "I plan to see Sydney." These answers don't demonstrate why you'll leave.

How to avoid: Be specific. Explain your ties to home: your job, family, property, studies, and other commitments. Explain why you need to return. Provide a detailed itinerary showing realistic plans.

4. Poor quality documents

Blurry photos of documents, cropped bank statements, documents without official letterheads, and untranslated foreign-language documents all create problems.

How to avoid: Scan original documents at high quality. Include complete documents (all pages). Get non-English documents professionally translated by NAATI-certified translators. Ensure documents are official and verifiable.

5. Failing to disclose relevant history

Thinking a minor conviction from years ago doesn't matter? Hoping they won't notice that visa refusal from another country? They probably will, and failing to disclose is treated as providing false information.

How to avoid: Declare everything. A disclosed minor issue is usually fine. An undisclosed issue, even minor, can result in refusal and a 3-year ban under PIC 4020.

6. Applying for the wrong visa

Applying for a tourist visa when you actually want to work. Applying for a student visa for a short course that doesn't require one. Applying onshore for a visa that must be applied for offshore.

How to avoid: Research thoroughly before applying. Use the official Visa Finder. Read eligibility requirements carefully. If unsure, seek advice before lodging.

7. Missing deadlines

When the Department requests information, there's usually a deadline. Missing it can mean your application is decided without that information, typically resulting in refusal.

How to avoid: Check ImmiAccount regularly. Respond to requests promptly. Set calendar reminders for any deadlines.

What happens after you lodge

Understanding what comes next helps manage expectations and prepare for possible requests.

The assessment process

Your application enters a processing queue based on visa type, lodgement location, and risk factors. A case officer will eventually be assigned to review it.

The case officer assesses:

• Identity: Are you who you claim to be?
• Eligibility: Do you meet the visa criteria?
• Genuine intent: Will you comply with visa conditions?
• Character: Do you pass character requirements?
• Health: Do you meet health requirements?

They may approve your visa immediately, request more information, or refuse the application.

Requests for additional information

If the case officer needs more from you, you'll receive a notification in ImmiAccount with:

• What's being requested
• Why it's needed
• The deadline to respond

Common requests include:

• Additional financial evidence
• Updated employment letters
• Police certificates
• Health examination results
• Evidence supporting the purpose of your visa
• Clarification of inconsistencies

Respond as thoroughly and promptly as possible. Late or incomplete responses harm your application.

Health examinations

If required, you'll receive a Health Assessment Request through ImmiAccount. You must:

1. Download your referral letter from ImmiAccount
2. Book an appointment with an approved panel physician (find one at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health)
3. Attend the examination with your passport and referral letter
4. The physician submits results directly to the Department

Health results are typically valid for 12 months. For more details on what to expect and how to prepare, see our guide to health examinations for Australian visas.

Biometrics collection

The Department may request biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph) from some applicants. This is at the Department's discretion—not all applicants from any particular country will be asked. If biometrics are required, you'll receive a notification through ImmiAccount with instructions.

You can provide biometrics either by attending an Australian Visa Application Centre in person, or for certain countries, by using the Australian Immi app on your smartphone. The app allows you to complete biometrics from home without visiting a centre.

For more details on biometrics requirements, see the Department's biometrics page.

The decision

Eventually, you'll receive a decision notification in ImmiAccount:

If granted: Congratulations! Your visa details appear in ImmiAccount and VEVO. You can travel to Australia within the validity period. Review any conditions attached to your visa.

If refused: You'll receive a refusal notice explaining why. Depending on your situation:

• Offshore applicants: Generally no review rights (with limited exceptions)
• Onshore applicants: May be able to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 21-28 days

If refused, you can usually reapply at any time with a new application, but you'll need to address whatever caused the refusal. Submitting the same application will get the same result. For a detailed guide on understanding refusals and your options, see our guide to visa refusals.

Bridging visas (if you applied onshore)

If you applied for a visa from within Australia while holding a valid visa, you were likely granted a Bridging Visa A automatically. This keeps you lawful while your application is processed.

Key things to know:

• The bridging visa activates when your current visa expires
• It typically includes work rights (for most visa types)
• It does NOT allow travel, as leaving Australia cancels your bridging visa
• If you need to travel, apply for a Bridging Visa B before you leave

For more details, see our comprehensive guide to bridging visas.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

Applying for an Australian visa yourself is entirely achievable. Millions of people navigate ImmiAccount successfully every year. The system, while imperfect, is designed to be self-service for straightforward applications.

Your success depends on:

• Choosing the right visa for your actual situation
• Providing complete, accurate information consistently across all forms and documents
• Including sufficient evidence to support your claims
• Understanding what case officers are looking for and addressing it directly
• Being honest about your history and circumstances

For simple tourist visas from low-risk countries, DIY is perfectly reasonable. For complex visas, difficult circumstances, or high-stakes situations, professional assistance isn't an unnecessary expense; it's risk management.

Whatever you decide, approach the application seriously. Take your time. Double-check everything. Respond promptly to any requests. And remember: a refused application stays on your immigration record and affects future applications.

Ready to apply?

• Use the official Visa Finder to identify your visa
• Create your ImmiAccount to get started
• Check your situation with our Visa Time Checker for realistic processing estimates

Want guidance through the process? Start an application with Tern. Our platform walks you through each step with lawyer-configured checks that flag issues before you submit, so you can apply with confidence.