Wondering where to apply for an Australian visa in South Africa? If you’re not sure where you should submit your visa application, you’re not alone—getting the right visa and making sure it goes through the appropriate channels can be very tricky, especially if it’s your first time applying. This guide will help you find out where to apply for an Australian Visa in South Africa and answer all of your other questions about getting Australian visas in South Africa. You can apply for your visas on the official website of the Australian High Commission. Or apply at the visa application centre in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for a visa you need to meet the following criteria:
you are aged 18 years or over;
you hold a valid passport from your home country; you meet health and character requirements as set out by the Department of Home Affairs (this includes not having any criminal convictions);
you have sufficient funds to cover your costs of living, including accommodation, food and other expenses, while you’re in Australia;
How long will it take?
It will take between four and six months to process your application, so it’s a good idea to start the process now. The Department of Home Affairs has a dedicated service centre for Australians applying for visas, but the wait can be long. It’s best to book an appointment early in the process – before you book flights or accommodation – and get prepared with all of your supporting documentation. Plan ahead and apply at least two months before your intended travel date.
How much will it cost?
There are 2 types of fees which are payable: (1) an application service fee, and (2) a visa application charge. Last we checked it will cost you, the application fee is AUD140.00.
It is important to know the type of visa you are applying for. Different visas have different costs associated with them, and a person may be required to get a visa from one country before being able to apply for a visa from another. For example, if someone wishes to apply for an Australian visitor visa from within South Africa, they will need to apply first from their home country or region.
What supporting documents do I need?
It is important that you have all the supporting documents and information before applying for your visa. Your application will not be considered complete until all the documentation has been submitted.
First, check to see if there are any relevant specific requirements for your visa. For example, a Criminal Convictions Declaration form may be required when applying for a Working Holiday or Parent Visa, depending on whether you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence (or sentenced to imprisonment) in any country other than Australia, whether on your own behalf or otherwise. If any documents are missing from your submission, we will contact you with this information so it can be obtained as soon as possible.
What happens if I don’t have my documents in order?
If you can’t provide all the required documents, you may need a document from a different country. For example, if you don’t have a birth certificate, you might obtain one from your home country or from the country where your parents were born.
How long do I have to wait for a decision on my application?
You will usually receive a decision on your application within approximately one month, but processing times can vary depending on where you are submitting your application. If you have submitted by post, you should allow six weeks before contacting the department.
How long can I stay in Australia once my visa has been granted?
You can stay in Australia indefinitely if you have a permanent residence visa. If you need a temporary visa, the length of your stay will depend on the type of visa you are granted. For example, if you are granted a student visa, it is valid for five years and allows stay up to three months at any one time.
For more details on the visa application process, please visit the official site
