Of the Visitor Visas, the Approved Destination Status Stream and the Frequent Traveller Stream are lesser known and apply to a very targeted audience.
What is the Approved Destination Status Stream?
The Approved Destination Status Stream is a temporary visa that is available to citizens from certain areas of China wishing to visit Australia on a tour organised by an approved travel agent.
The approved length of your stay will be advised in your visa grant letter and is usually determined by the length of your tour. This visa is granted with either single entry or multiple entry.
Family members cannot be included in your visa application. A separate application must be lodged for each member of your family.
You must be in the People’s Republic of China when your application is lodged and when a decision is made regarding your application.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this visa you must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and intend to travel to Australia as part of a tour organised by an approved travel agent.
You must also:
– Meet health requirements
– Meet character requirements
– Not have any debt owing to the Australian government or have made arrangements to pay back any money owing. This applies to all family members including those who do not apply for the visa with you.
– Be a genuine visitor
– Plan to only stay in Australia for the time specified on your visa
What Obligations Apply to the Approved Destination Status Visa?
Anyone on this visa must abide by the conditions of the visa as outlined in the visa grant letter and obey Australian laws. Holders of this visa must also stay with their tour group.
It is also recommended that applicants take out health insurance in case any unforeseen medical issues arise while staying in Australia.
What Can You Do On This Visa?
On this visa you:
– can enter Australia with your approved tour group
– can participate in activities that are part of your tour
– must leave Australia with your tour group before your visa expires
Cost and Processing Times
The cost per applicant for an Approved Destination Status Visa is AUD145.
Additional costs may also apply for the following:
– health checks
– police checks
– biometrics
Processing times of the Approved Destination Status visa can take anywhere from 2 – 5 days.
Longer processing times may apply if:
– the application is not filled out correctly
– you don’t include all required documents
– more information about you is required
– it takes time to verify your information
What is the Frequent Traveller Stream?
The Frequent Traveller Stream is for citizens of the People’s Republic of China who travel often for business or personal reasons. This visa can be granted for up to 10 years and you may stay up to three months each time you enter Australia or for 12 months in any 24-month period. The visa grant letter will advise the approved length of your stay. While this visa cannot be extended, you may apply for a new visa.
You must be in the People’s Republic of China when your application is lodged and be outside Australia when a decision is made on your application. Frequent Traveller Visa holders can travel outside of Australia as many times as they wish while the visa is valid.
You cannot work on this visa but may be able to undertake some volunteer work.
Family members cannot be included in your visa application. A separate application must be lodged for each member of your family.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this visa you must hold a passport from and be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
You must also:
– Meet health requirements
– Meet character requirements
– Not have any debt owing to the Australian government or have made arrangements to pay back any money owing. This applies to all family members including those who do not apply for the visa with you.
– Be a genuine visitor
– Have enough money to support you throughout your stay and enable you to leave Australia at the end of your stay
What Obligations Apply to the Approved Destination Status Visa?
Holders of this visa must abide by the conditions of their visa as outlined in the visa grant letter and obey Australian laws.
You must also notify the Department of Immigration of any changes in your circumstances. These include:
– Changes to your details (phone number, email, address or passport)
– Changes in your relationship status
– The birth of a child
It is also recommended that applicants take out health insurance in case any unforeseen medical issues arise while staying in Australia.
What Can You Do On This Visa?
Holders of this visa can:
– be a tourist, go on a cruise or have a holiday
– visit family or friends
– undertake business activities
– study for up to three months
Cost and Processing Times
The cost per applicant for a Frequent Traveller Visa is AUD1065.
Additional costs may also apply for the following:
– health checks
– police checks
– biometrics
Processing times of the Frequent Traveller Visa can take anywhere from 7 – 13 days.
Longer processing times may apply if:
– the application is not filled out correctly
– you don’t include all required documents
– more information about you is required
– it takes time to verify your information
If you would like to learn more about the Approved Destination Status Stream, the Frequent Traveller Stream or any other aspects of migration contact the Visa Solutions Australia team. It is a complex subject so it is important to speak with someone in the know.
