Applying for an Australian Tourist Visa (subclass 600) from Bangladesh requires careful preparation and adherence to the guidelines set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

1. Determine Your Eligibility and Visa Stream

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) has several streams. For tourism purposes from Bangladesh, you will likely apply under the Tourist stream. This stream is for people wanting to visit Australia for a holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational activities, or to visit family and friends.

Ensure you meet the basic requirements:

  • Genuine Visitor: You must intend to stay in Australia temporarily and only do what your visa allows.
  • Financial Capacity: You must have sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia and your departure. It’s generally recommended to have at least AUD 5,000, but AUD 8,200 is advisable. Ensure the funds are genuinely yours and have been in your account for a reasonable period (at least 3 months of bank statements).
  • Intention to Return: You need to demonstrate strong ties to Bangladesh that prove you will return after your visit.
  • Health and Character: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This might involve undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates if requested.
  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Australia and have at least two blank pages.

2. Gather Required Documents

A comprehensive set of documents is crucial for a successful visa application. Ensure all non-English documents are translated into English by a certified translator and notarized. Common required documents include:

Personal Documents:

  • Current Passport: Original passport and copies of all used pages, including bio-data pages, entry/exit stamps, and any amendments. Also, include copies of previous passports if available.
  • Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent (not older than 3 months) color photographs with a white background (size 35mm x 45mm), showing 60-80% face coverage and visible ears.
  • National Identity Card (NID) / Birth Certificate: A copy of your NID or birth certificate.
  • Marriage Certificate/Divorce Certificate/Death Certificate: If applicable and relevant to your application (e.g., applying with a spouse).
  • For Non-Bangladeshi Applicants: A copy of your valid Bangladesh Residence Permit (valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Australia).

Proof of Funds:

  • Personal Bank Statements: Original bank statements for the last 3-6 months, clearly showing your name as the account holder, account balances, and transaction history.
  • Other Financial Documents: Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR), financial/investment documents, and valuation of immovable assets (if applicable).
  • Tax Records: Personal Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgment certificate and certified assessment copy for the last 2 years (if applicable).
  • Sponsorship Letter and Financials (if applicable): If a friend or relative in Australia is financially supporting your trip, include a statutory declaration stating their support, their bank statements, and tax documents.

Proof of Occupation/Study:

  • For Businesspersons: Trade license (renewal), company’s letterhead (2 blank pages), Memorandum of Article and Certificate of Incorporation (for limited companies), VAT, IRC, and Membership Certificate (if any), and business cards (2). Company bank statements and ITR certificates may also be required.
  • For Employees: Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer on the company’s letterhead, stating your name, designation, years of service, salary, and approved leave. Include the company’s address, phone, and fax numbers, and the name and position of the countersigning officer. Also, provide your office ID card and visiting cards (2). Salary slips for the last 6 months or a Government Order (GO) and original note verbal (for official passport holders).
  • For Students: Forwarding letter/NOC from your educational institution and a copy of your student ID card.

Travel Documents:

  • Flight Itinerary/Booking: A copy of your flight booking (it’s advisable not to purchase tickets until your visa is granted).
  • Hotel Reservations: Confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay in Australia.
  • Detailed Itinerary of Planned Activities: Evidence of your planned tourism activities in Australia.

Other Supporting Documents:

  • Cover Letter: A letter addressed to the Visa Officer at the Australian High Commission, Dhaka, explaining the purpose of your visit, intended duration of stay, and who will be responsible for your expenses.
  • Invitation Letter (if applicable): If you are visiting family or friends, include a letter of invitation from them, along with their passport/visa/residence permit copy and proof of their relationship with you. Their recent bank statements and proof of address might also be helpful.
  • Family Composition Form: Provide details of your immediate family members in Bangladesh, along with copies of their valid IDs and contact information.
  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): May be required depending on your circumstances and the duration of your intended stay.

3. Create an ImmiAccount and Apply Online

Australia’s visa application process is primarily online. You need to:

  • Create an ImmiAccount: Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/) and create an account.
  • Complete the Online Visa Application Form: Log in to your ImmiAccount and fill out the Visitor visa (subclass 600) application form accurately and completely. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents. You can save your progress and return to the form later.
  • Upload Supporting Documents: Scan and upload clear, color copies of all the required documents (under 5MB per file in PDF or JPEG format). Attach each document to the relevant section of the application form.
  • Pay the Visa Application Fee: The current visa application fee for the Tourist stream is approximately AUD 150. You will need a valid credit/debit card to pay online through ImmiAccount. Note that this fee is non-refundable.

4. Provide Biometrics

All applicants in Bangladesh, regardless of nationality, are required to provide biometrics (fingerprint scan and facial photograph).

  • Receive Biometric Request Letter: After submitting your online application and paying the fee, you will receive a biometric request letter with a Visa Lodgment Number (VLN).
  • Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global: You need to schedule an appointment at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Dhaka, managed by VFS Global. You can do this through the VFS Global website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/aus) or their helpline.
  • Attend the Biometrics Appointment: On the scheduled day, visit the VFS Global center with your appointment letter, biometric request letter, and original passport. Your fingerprints and facial photograph will be collected. You will also need to pay a biometrics service fee to VFS Global (approximately BDT 2,155).

VFS Global Australia Visa Application Centre in Dhaka:

Delta Life Tower (4th Floor), Plot # 37, Road # 90, North Avenue, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212.

Helpline: +88 09606777999, +88 09666911381 (Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00)

Email: info.ausbd@vfshelpline.com

5. Wait for the Visa Decision

Once you have submitted your application and provided biometrics, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed, and your individual circumstances.

  • Check Your ImmiAccount: Regularly check your ImmiAccount for updates on the status of your application.
  • Processing Time: The standard processing time for a Tourist visa from Bangladesh can range from a few days to a month or longer after biometrics registration. Some sources suggest an average processing time of around 30 business days. However, this is just an estimate and can vary.

6. Visa Outcome

You will be notified of the visa decision via email to the address provided in your ImmiAccount.

  • Visa Grant: If your visa is granted, you will receive a visa grant letter outlining the conditions of your visa, including the period of validity and entry requirements. Australia follows label-free travel, so you will not have a physical visa sticker in your passport. Your visa status is electronically linked to your passport. It’s advisable to carry a copy of your visa grant letter when you travel.
  • Visa Refusal: If your visa is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal and any options for review or appeal.

Important Considerations and Tips:

  • Apply Well in Advance: It’s recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.
  • Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all the information you provide in your application and supporting documents is accurate and consistent. Any discrepancies or false information can lead to delays or refusal.
  • Submit Complete Application: Ensure you submit all the required documents as per the checklist. Incomplete applications are likely to experience delays.
  • Demonstrate Strong Ties to Bangladesh: Clearly demonstrate your intention to return to Bangladesh by providing evidence of your employment, business, education, family ties, and financial commitments in your home country.
  • Seek Professional Help (Optional): If you find the application process complex, you can consider seeking assistance from a registered migration agent in Bangladesh.

By following these steps and providing all the necessary information and documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful Australian Tourist visa application from Bangladesh. Good luck!