Visas and Citizenship
For information on topics not featured on this page, please visit our main website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Visa categories
There are a range of visa options for people who want to visit, work, study or live in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs’ website can help you find relevant visa information but we cannot provide you with advice on your visa eligibility.
To see which Australian visa might suit you, go to Explore visa options
For information about the different visa categories, click on the following links:
- Visiting for tourism
- Visiting for business
- Studying in AustraliaWorking in Australia
- Returning Residents
- Skilled Migration
- Family Migration
- Refugee and Humanitarian
Citizenship
See our step-by-step guide about how to apply for Australian citizenship
Applications for citizen by descent can be lodged online
If you have lost, damaged or had your Australian citizenship certificate stolen, see our online guide to apply for proof of your Australian citizenship
Lodging your application
► Apply online
Eligible applicants should apply online by creating an ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount is the 'front door' to our online services. After creating an ImmiAccount you can:
- make a visa or citizenship application
- update your passport details
- update your contact details
Biometrics collection
If you are required to provide biometrics, you will receive a formal request by email.
We have a service delivery partner - VFS Global - for the provision of biometrics collection services throughout nine Australian Biometric Collection Centres in the Gulf region.
MANDATORY APPOINTMENT SYSTEM: It is mandatory to make an appointment for the collection of biometrics. Please click the following link to schedule an appointment online
To avoid processing delays, all documents and information to support your visa application must be submitted together at the time of application lodgement – see Who can help you with your application? You can expect your visa application to take longer to process if you have not provided all the required documentation when you apply.
Note: you should not finalise travel commitments until you have a visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by clients whose visa application was processed later than expected or where an application is unsuccessful.
Application processing times
The processing time for your application will depend on the visa or citizenship category you have chosen. For a detailed list of processing times, see our global visa and citizenship processing times
Processing times will be updated monthly and will be available for most visa and citizenship application types.
Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)
VEVO is a free online service that allows visa holders to check the details and entitlements of their visa. You can also use VEVO to print a copy of your visa details to take with you when you travel, or email your visa details.
Visa holders may also download our free myVEVO app, which allows you to view and email your visa details via an Android or iOS mobile device.
Changes in circumstances
If your situation has changed or is about to change, and you need to tell the Department of Home Affairs because your visa might be affected, please go to: changes in your circumstances
Police clearance certificates
Applying in Saudi Arabia
If you are currently in Saudi Arabia, apply in person at the Police General Headquarters or to Police Quarters in your area of residence. You will need to provide the following documents:
- letter from your Embassy in Riyadh requesting the Certificate, verified and signed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (non-citizens)*
- two passport size photographs
- copy of your current passport
- copy of your National ID Card (for citizens of Saudi Arabia) or Iqama card (for non-citizens)
- full set of authenticated fingerprints
* Please note the Australian Embassy in Riyadh no longer issues request letters to obtain a Saudi Criminal Record Certificate. A Saudi Criminal Record Certificate issued based on a request letter from the Embassy of your respective passport country will be accepted for the purpose of an Australian visa application. The Embassy website will be updated soon to reflect this new process.
Applying outside Saudi Arabia
Citizens of Saudi Arabia should contact the foreign mission in or nearest to your current country of residence for information on how to apply for a certificate.
Non-citizens non-residents of Saudi Arabia, are not currently able to obtain a Certificate. In these circumstances, the following documents should be uploaded to your visa application:
- copy of your current and old passports, including any entry/exit stamps for Saudi Arabia
- copy of resident permits and final exit documents held for Saudi Arabia
- work reference from previous employer/sponsor while resident in Saudi Arabia
Visa and citizenship enquiries
If you are not able to find the information you are after on the Department of Home Affairs’ website, please call the Department’s Global Service Centre:
- Telephone: +61 2 6196 0196 (09:00 – 17:00 local time, Monday to Friday)
If the matter is urgent and the Global Service Centre was not able to assist, you may contact the Australian Embassy in Riyadh:
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: +966 11 2500 963