Tourist Visas

[ozisawesome]

I recently returned from Australia on an ETA (Visitor) Visa. I'd like to go back soon and does anyone know if I can return on the same visa if I leave Australia again before the 3-month validity period of the visa expires?

I'm also curious about the Tourist Visa. The website says this:

"If granted, this visa will allow you either a single or multiple entry to Australia for a stay period of up to three (3), six (6) or 12 months. The period of stay and number of entries granted will depend on the purpose of the visit and your personal circumstances."

Does anyone know what types of purposes and circumstances would allow a person to stay for 12 or even 6 months?

[amaslam]

Well not sure about purposes but for example grandparents visiting a new grandchild could be a reason for staying longer than (3) months. Also circumstances usually meaning financial resources (i.e. do you have enough funds to stay in AU for that period).

If you are going in and out of AU you'd likely get a new (3) month visitor visa but you can always ask Immi about this by calling them.

Originally Posted by ozisawesome

I recently returned from Australia on an ETA (Visitor) Visa. I'd like to go back soon and does anyone know if I can return on the same visa if I leave Australia again before the 3-month validity period of the visa expires?

I'm also curious about the Tourist Visa. The website says this:

"If granted, this visa will allow you either a single or multiple entry to Australia for a stay period of up to three (3), six (6) or 12 months. The period of stay and number of entries granted will depend on the purpose of the visit and your personal circumstances."

Does anyone know what types of purposes and circumstances would allow a person to stay for 12 or even 6 months?

[ozisawesome]

I can't seem to find a way to call them. Do you know how to get Australia's immigration department's phone number?

[amaslam]

Contact Us - Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Originally Posted by ozisawesome

I can't seem to find a way to call them. Do you know how to get Australia's immigration department's phone number?

[ozisawesome]

Thank you. I actually found this:

"If you are travelling for tourism or to visit friends or relatives, you should apply for the Visitor/Tourist ETA. It is valid for 12 months with stays of up to 3 months on each visit, and can be used for single or multiple entry travel. Employment is prohibited."

Internet Visa Services Australia

It sounds like I can go to Australia as many times as I want during the 12 month validity period as long as I don't stay for more than 3 months at a time. Is that right? I could technically stick around for 12 months as long as I leave the country for a few days every 3 months? I know I should call them, but I'm wondering if anyone knows or has experience with this.

[amaslam]

You could do that (closest country is New Zealand for that) but you could also file a visitor visa extension before your (3) months are up. It's less expensive to do that and I've done that once for my parents while they were here (it's less expensive to do that before you leave your home country).

Originally Posted by ozisawesome

Thank you. I actually found this:

"If you are travelling for tourism or to visit friends or relatives, you should apply for the Visitor/Tourist ETA. It is valid for 12 months with stays of up to 3 months on each visit, and can be used for single or multiple entry travel. Employment is prohibited."

Internet Visa Services Australia

It sounds like I can go to Australia as many times as I want during the 12 month validity period as long as I don't stay for more than 3 months at a time. Is that right? I could technically stick around for 12 months as long as I leave the country for a few days every 3 months? I know I should call them, but I'm wondering if anyone knows or has experience with this.

[ozisawesome]

Wow, I can't believe it's so easy to stick around, even if I have to leave the country for a few days. Thank you!