Australia is a popular destination for holidaymakers and travellers from all over the world. Whether you want to discover its incredible beaches or work in this dynamic country, it's essential to know which visa is best suited to your 6-month stay. Here are the different visa options available, including ETA, eVisitor, and other visa types, as well as the services offered by visa agencies.
Understanding the different types of Australian visas
There are several types of Australian visa, each with specific conditions and requirements. To determine which one is best for you, you need to consider the length of your stay, the purpose of your visit and your nationality.
Electronic tourist visa (ETA)
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a type of electronic visa for nationals of certain countries who wish to visit Australia for short-term tourist stays. The maximum duration of each visit on this visa is three months, but it is possible to leave and return to Australia as many times as necessary during the 12-month validity period of the visa.
To be eligible for the ETA, you must have a valid passport from an eligible country and meet certain conditions, such as not having any serious criminal convictions and not suffering from certain infectious diseases. The ETA can be applied for online and is usually approved quickly.
Visa eVisitor
The eVisitor is another type of eVisa for citizens from certain European countries who wish to visit Australia for short tourism or business stays. Like the ETA, the maximum duration of each visit on this visa is 3 months, but it is possible to leave and return to Australia as many times as required during the 12-month validity period of the visa.
To be eligible for eVisitor, you must hold a valid passport from an eligible country and meet certain conditions, such as not having any serious criminal convictions and not suffering from certain infectious diseases. The eVisitor can also be applied for online and is usually approved quickly.
Visas for a 6-month stay in Australia
Since the ETA and eVisitor are only valid for stays of up to 3 months on each visit, they are not suitable for a continuous stay of six months in Australia. Here are some visa options that allow a longer stay:
Tourist visa (subclass 600)
The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) allows people to visit Australia for holidays, visits from family or friends, or for temporary business activities. This visa can be granted for up to 12 months and allows continuous stays of three, six or 12 months.
The conditions and requirements for this visa vary according to your nationality and the length of your stay. It is important to check this information with the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection before making an application.
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
The Working Holiday Visa is for young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) who wish to spend up to a year in Australia to travel and work. This visa allows you to work and travel for a period of 12 months and can be renewed once or twice, subject to certain conditions.
To be eligible for this visa, you must hold a valid passport from an eligible country, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and not be accompanied by dependent children.
Using a visa agency
If you are unsure which type of visa is best suited to your situation, or if you need help preparing and submitting your application, it may be useful to call on the services of a visa agency. These agencies specialise in navigating the various visa options and requirements for different countries, including Australia.
By choosing a reputable and experienced visa agency, you can benefit from personalised assistance and support throughout the application process. Visa agencies can also help speed up the processing of your application and resolve any problems that may arise during the procedure.
An agency service 