Australia provides the convenience of a group processing option for visa applications. This option enables individuals to complete their visa applications together and make a single payment for the entire group rather than submitting separate applications and payments for each individual.
It’s important to note that each individual’s visa application will still be assessed separately and independently of the other group members. Therefore, any delays or issues with one individual’s application will not affect the processing of the other members’ applications. However, it’s always advisable to be well organized and ensure that all group members fulfill all requirements and submit their applications promptly and efficiently.
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Types of Australian visas for groups
Department of Home Affairs offers a group processing option for specific visa subclasses, allowing you to submit applications together for easier processing. This functionality is handy for these common visa types applicable to groups:
- Visitor visa (subclass 600): This is the most common visa for tourists and business visitors. It allows multiple entries for stays up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the granted visa.
- Student visa (subclass 500): This visa is for those who intend to enroll full-time at a registered Australian educational institution.
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 462): This visa is for young adults (typically ages 18-30) who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to one year.
How do group applications work?
Here’s a general breakdown of how group applications work
- Determine Eligibility: Make sure everyone in your group qualifies for the group application process and meets the individual requirements for the service or program you’re applying for.
- Start a Group Application: The designated group leader (or a designated platform) will typically initiate a group application and create a way for others to join (often by sharing a link or code).
- Complete Individual Applications: Each person fills out their application form, providing any unique details or supporting documents specific to them.
- Submit the Group Application: Once everyone completes their part, the group leader (or platform) applies to the process.
It’s crucial to understand that group applications are designed to streamline the process, but the final decision is always made with utmost fairness and consideration individually.
How do I link individual applications within a group?
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs allows you to link individual visa applications within a group for some visa subclasses through their group processing option. Here’s how it works.
Before You Start
- Visa Type: Ensure everyone in your group applies for the same eligible visa subclass (e.g., Visitor visa subclass 600). Group processing is only available for some visas (e.g., eVisitor visa subclass 651).
- ImmiAccount: Each group member needs to create their own ImmiAccount, the online portal for Australian visa applications [ImmiAccount australia ON Department of Home Affairs homeaffairs.gov.au].
Linking Applications
- Initiate Group Application: The designated group leader will log in to their ImmiAccount and choose “lodge a group application.” They’ll then create a group name and select the appropriate visa subclass, creating a unique Group ID.
- Invite Others: The group leader can invite other members to join the group application by sharing the generated Group ID. Each member will receive an email invitation with instructions.
- Join the Group: Individual members will log into their ImmiAccounts and click on the invitation link. They’ll then select the group application they wish to join using the provided Group ID.
Benefits
- Once linked, the group leader won’t need to repeatedly enter the same travel and contact information for each member.
- The group leader can also pay the entire group a single visa application fee (if applicable for the specific visa subclass).
Important things to remember about group processing for Australian visas
Here are the essential things to remember about group processing for Australian visas.
- More straightforward application process: You only enter travel and contact details once for the whole group.
- Single payment (possible): You can simultaneously pay everyone’s visa application fees.
- Individual applications: Everyone still needs to complete their application and provide supporting documents.
- Independent assessment: Each application is assessed individually. Issues with one person’s application could delay their visa but not impact others.
- No fee reduction: There’s no discount for using group processing.
- Group processing offers some convenience but only guarantees some get their visa together.
- Ensure all applications are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
How do I submit my family application for an Australian visa?
There are two main scenarios for submitting a family application for an Australian visa:
Scenario 1: Applying as a family unit (e.g., Partner visa, Parent visa)
Suppose you’re applying for a visa that allows you to migrate to Australia and be with a family member who is a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In that case, you can typically submit a single application that includes yourself and your family members. Here’s a general process:
- Determine the appropriate visa subclass: Research which visa subclass best suits your situation (e.g., Partner visa subclass 300, Parent visa subclass 100).
- Check eligibility requirements: Ensure you and your family meet all the eligibility requirements for the chosen visa subclass.
- Gather supporting documents: Collect all necessary documents for yourself and each family member included in the application (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates).
- Online application (preferred): The Australian Department of Home Affairs recommends submitting applications electronically through their ImmiAccount system [ImmiAccount australia ON Department of Affairs homeaffairs.gov.au].
- Paper application (alternative): In some cases, paper applications might be an option, but this depends on your visa subclass and location. Refer to the official department website for details.
- Apply: Once complete, submit the application and pay the relevant visa application fees.
Scenario 2: Applying for individual visas (e.g., Visitor visa)
If you’re applying for a visa subclass that doesn’t allow for family inclusions (e.g., Visitor visa subclass 600), then each family member will likely need to submit a separate application. However, you can still manage the applications somewhat together:
- Choose the visa subclass: Decide on the appropriate one for your family’s travel purpose (e.g., Visitor visa for tourism).
- Individual applications: Each family member must complete their application form electronically through ImmiAccount.
- Supporting documents: Gather the necessary documents for each application.
- Simultaneous submission: While applications are separate, consider submitting them around the same time to streamline processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between group and individual visas?
Group visas allow people traveling together to submit a single application for a visa. However, each application within the group is assessed individually, and there’s no guarantee everyone will receive their visa simultaneously. Individual visa applications are the most common approach, where each person applying for a visa submits a separate application.
How do I organize my visa for Australia?
To organize your visa application for Australia, follow these steps:
1. Determine the correct visa.
2. Check eligibility requirements and gather supporting documents.
3. Prepare your application, either online or on paper.
4. Submit your application and pay fees.
5. Await processing and decision, and monitor your account for updates.
What is a group visa appointment?
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs doesn’t offer appointments for group visa applications. Visas are typically assessed based on individual applications, even when submitted as a group.
- eVisitor (Subclass 651). (2019). Immigration and Citizenship Website; Australian Government. <https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651> [↩] [↩]
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Written by
Apple Gajes 
Apple is a skilled content writer of Visas For Future who had a bachelor's degree in Education. She does well at producing high-quality visa articles and continuously upgrading her skills by actively engaging herself to various courses and training opportunities. She also contributes to travel forms and visa fulfillment in Turkey and India. Committed to writing exceptional visa articles, she performs real visa orders and provides customer support quarterly to stay abreast of the visa processing process.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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Gajes, Apple. "Australia Visa Group Application." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/australia-visa-group-application/. Accessed on 15 April 2024.
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Gajes, Apple. "Australia Visa Group Application." Visas For Future. April 15, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/australia-visa-group-application/.