Australian Visa for Indian National

BP007

I have a good friend in India who has been of great help to me on my 5 visits to the Subcontinent over the last 6 years and I would like to surprise him with a 3 month trip to Australia during May-July next year (Off season in Rajasthan, he works in hospitality).
I've heard it is very difficult to 'sponsor' an Indian National to Australia, even on a tourist Visa for 3 months. The Australian Government doesn't make it easy for some nationalities to visit, and the Visa application looks like a job application for ASIO.
Have any 'India Mike people' gone through this recently, and if so, what tips can you offer please ? Thank you.

edwardseco

The stories I have heard for the US don't offer much encouragement though my sis in law is here now..

ranjan154

As far as the word of mouth from the persons live there, it is not a Indian people friendly country, there are always some reservations about Indians wether it is Australian government or its nationals. Check it out before planning to visit as a tourist to this country in particular.

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Rakesh Ranjan
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Brisso

Generally a tourist visa is not hard to obtain - I am not aware that Aust Govt has any security or other concerns over Indian tourists - Pakistan is another matter.

ISN

It is a normal process, just follow the instruction and you will get the visa. Here is the link for visitor visa to Australia, http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tour...sa-options.htm

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zoltan

I have to say (as a resident here), that I've never heard this before.

To balance things, I do know that there have been concerns about Dr. Patel (?) (Brisbane doctor who is accused of medical negligence involving the death of a number of patients), but other than him, there's no great problem with Indian people here.

Maybe this perceived problem is one of the stumbling blocks for Aussies getting a 10-year Indian visa ?

Cheers
Zoltan

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obione980

Each visa application is evaluated independently. Since the Immigration Department issues visas so as to reduce the number of 'overstayers' - their rigour in part depends on just how many Indian nationals have 'overstayed'.

There is an ever increasing number of Indian tourists to Australia - as well of course, as a significant number of migrants, mainly under the 'skilled' migrant categories

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Generally your friend will require:

[1] Confirmation of travel (onward or return tickets)out of Australia.

[2] Evidence of sufficent funds to support his/her stay in Australia eg. traveler's checks he/she has purchased or a current bank statement indicating funds available, or a valid International credit card.

[3] Be able to outline his/her plans while in Australia. If visiting friends or family, be able to provide contact name, adddress and telephone number while in Australia.

On arrival - Immigration Officers may require all of the above; and may check your friends luggage to ensure (s)he is not intending to seek employment (as evidenced by employer references, degree/diploma copies etc).

BP007

Thanks for your advice, some good tips there.

obione980

Probably answers the original question precisely!

naomi.miname

I think any difficulties in obtaining visas in Australia have less to do with country of origin and more to do with the complete bastardry of the Immigration dept.

There are some quite awful stereotypes of Indians going around, but by and large Australians hate racism with a passion and are pretty welcoming and (in Melbourne at least) there are heaps of guys coming over to study and work.

himmat01

I have been to Australia twice in last 6 years on a tourist visa. I did not have any difficulty obtaining the visa.

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Becki

Anyone can still help with this topic?

I've read the Aust Gov Visa & Immigration website and can't find anything specific referring to Indian nationals applying for the tourist visa. It's not ETA subclass 976 as India is not listed on passport type section. Is it Tourist Visa (subclass 676)?

If the Indian national travelling is a student (therefore, has no employment) but does have sufficient funds for travel and return ticket, anyone know which visa they need to apply for - ie: do they need to be sponsored?

LilBoy BigTown

I haven't come across anybody having trouble with a Tourist Visa to Australia.

Stereotypes are there, but having lived here for nearly a decade, I would have thought they were restricted to cricket fanatics, call centre workers and curry eaters as far as Indian goes.

Nothing too bad about any of the above. You may come across idiots once in a while, but they don't represent the feelings of most Aussies.

And after the most recent cricket loss, they would hate the Indian team even more. But to me that's a show of India's superiority over the Australian cricketers.

This is a very friendly country. Come and see it for yourself.

Becki

Further clarification on my question if anyone can answer...

Does anyone know if an Indian national who is a university student (and therefore considered unemployed) require a sponsored visa to visit Australia or can they just apply for the general tourist visa?

My problem is that I really would like my friend to come for a visit but am unprepared to have to fork out the sponsorship "deposit" that is required (something like A$5000??) and to commit to all the financial backing and responsibility that is required - a mountain of documentation.

If my friend have evidence of a return ticket and money enough for travel, would it be sufficient?

...maybe a question for the Aust Embassy...?

judecg

Hi Becki... have you looked at this link before? http://www.ausgovindia.com/ndli/vm_visitaus.html
They definitely will require proof of sufficient funds, which most Indians would not have, especially students. Also travel insurance/medical insurance. Here is a quote from the form that Indians would have to complete:

It is
therefore in the applicant's best interest to submit the
following documentation with their application:
· evidence of funds;
· evidence of your medical/travel insurance;
· medical examination or tests;
· a letter from your employer confirming your leave;
· evidence of enrolment at school, college or university;
· if visiting close family in Australia (who is a citizen or
permanent resident of Australia), a letter of invitation to
visit;
· other information that you have an incentive and
authority to return to your country of residence


So.. perhaps with something from the school and something from you, along with very clear proof of funds etc... you *may* be in luck to get your friend to Oz.