Australia business visa
Australia reserves its arrival-gate shortcuts for a select list of passports, and India is not on it. Both the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651) are closed to Indian travellers, so there is no ETA or visa-on-arrival to fall back on. For a short business trip you apply before you fly, using the Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor stream.
The stream is drawn tightly around genuine business activity: making general business enquiries, negotiating, or reviewing and signing contracts, and attending conferences, trade fairs or seminars not paid for by the organiser. Where it stops is paid work. You cannot work for an Australian business, provide services to a business in Australia, or sell goods or services to the public. Lodged from outside Australia, the application goes online through ImmiAccount, and the visa is granted for a stay period set on your grant letter, typically up to three months per visit.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling for genuine short-term business: meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs or seminars
- ✓Business owners, directors, employees or professionals representing a company based in India
- ✓Applicants invited by an Australian host organisation, or registered for a conference or trade event in Australia
- ✓Applicants who can show sufficient funds and strong ties to India (employment, family, assets) and a genuine intention to return
- ✓Not for paid work or providing services to an Australian business; the Business Visitor stream excludes employment
Visa options for Australia
Visitor visa (subclass 600), Business Visitor stream
The visa for short business visits from India. Permits business enquiries, contract negotiation and signing, and attending conferences, trade fairs or seminars not paid by the organiser. No paid work in Australia. Lodged online via ImmiAccount before travel.
ETA (subclass 601) / eVisitor (subclass 651)
Not available to Indian passport holders. India is not on the eligible-passport list for either, so business travellers from India must apply for the subclass 600 rather than an ETA or eVisitor.
Documents typically required
- ✓Current passport, valid with blank pages (carry any previous passports)
- ✓Recent passport-size colour photograph meeting Australian specifications
- ✓Application completed and lodged online through ImmiAccount
- ✓Letter from your employer or company in India stating your position, the purpose and duration of the trip, and who is meeting the costs
- ✓Invitation letter from the Australian host company or organisation, or conference/event registration
- ✓Company registration and business documents for your India-based firm
- ✓Personal and/or company bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months as proof of funds
- ✓Income tax returns (ITR) for recent years
- ✓Travel itinerary and flight tickets
- ✓Evidence of ties to India (employment, family, property) showing intent to return
- ✓Biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph), given at a VFS Global Australia Visa Application Centre where requested
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
All Visitor visa (subclass 600) applications made from outside Australia must be lodged online through ImmiAccount; paper lodgement is not accepted. After lodging, applicants in India may be asked to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) at a VFS Global Australia Visa Application Centre. The online form may be completed and submitted on your behalf by an authorised representative.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No, and be wary of anyone who claims otherwise. The decision rests entirely with Australia's Department of Home Affairs. What we control is the preparation: we read your profile frankly, tell you honestly where it stands, and build the application so it is as strong and complete as it can be. Over the last 2 to 3 years our applications have seen a 97% success rate, but every case is decided on its own merits.
Can I work in Australia on the Business Visitor stream?
No. The stream covers business enquiries, negotiating and signing contracts, and attending conferences, trade fairs or seminars not paid by the organiser. Working for or providing services to an Australian business, or selling goods or services to the public, all fall outside it and need a different visa, which we do not handle.
Do Indian passport holders get an ETA or visa on arrival for business?
No. Indian passports are not on the eligible-passport list for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651). The route is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream, applied for online and granted before you travel.
How long can I stay, and how long is the visa valid?
Your grant letter sets the stay, usually up to three months per visit. The visa itself may be single or multiple entry and valid for 3, 6 or 12 months, at the decision-maker's discretion.