Travel_abroadIf you’re planning to visit, study, or work in Australia, the Australian visa application online process is now your only way in. Everything—forms, documents, payments, and tracking—runs through the government’s ImmiAccount portal. No more long embassy queues. No more paper chaos.
But here’s the catch: most rejections happen because applicants miss a step, upload the wrong file, or forget proof of funds. Don’t be that applicant.
This guide walks you through the exact steps of applying for an Australian visa online in 2025, the requirements you’ll need, the costs, and the mistakes to avoid.
Some of the Requirements for Australian Visa Application Online
Different visas = different requirements. But here’s the baseline:
| Requirement | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | All applicants |
| Proof of funds | Students, skilled workers, some tourists |
| Health insurance | Students + skilled workers |
| IELTS/TOEFL/PTE | Student + skilled visas |
| Police clearance certificate | All applicants |
| Medical exams | Long-term visas |
| CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) | Students |
| Job offer / sponsorship | Workers (482, 186, 494 visas) |
Nigerians applying from Lagos/Abuja often need extra biometrics + police character certificate.
How to Apply for an Australian Visa Online (Step-by-Step, 2025)
Let’s skip the fluff. Here’s your action checklist:
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount
- Go to the ImmiAccount portal.
- Click “Create an account.”
- Register with your email + set up a password.
- Verify your email to activate.
This is your personal dashboard. You’ll use it for forms, uploads, payments, and tracking.
Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Type
Australia has dozens of visas. Pick the one that matches your purpose:
| Visa Type | Subclass | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 600 | Tourism, family visits, short business |
| Student Visa | 500 | International students |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa | 482 | Employer-sponsored skilled work |
| Skilled Independent Visa | 189 | Permanent skilled migration (points-based) |
| Partner Visa | 820/801 | Married/de facto partners of citizens/PRs |
Check the full list: Department of Home Affairs – Visa Finder.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
- Log into ImmiAccount.
- Select your visa subclass.
- Complete the form:
- Personal info (name, DOB, passport).
- Travel history.
- Education + employment.
- Health + character details.
Action tip: Be 100% accurate. Small mistakes = automatic refusal.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Required documents depend on the visa. Common ones include:
- Passport bio page.
- Bank statements (proof of funds).
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (for student + skilled visas).
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Australian university (student visa).
- Job offer/sponsorship letter (skilled visa).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Health insurance (students + workers).
- Medical exam results (if requested).
Upload clear, scanned copies in PDF/JPEG. File size max: 5MB.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Fees must be paid online in ImmiAccount via debit/credit card.
| Visa Type | Fee (AUD) | Approx. in ₦ / USD |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (600) | AUD 190 | ₦190,000 / $125 |
| Student Visa (500) | AUD 710 | ₦710,000 / $470 |
| Skilled Independent (189) | AUD 4,640 | ₦4.6m / $3,070 |
| Partner Visa (820/801) | AUD 8,850 | ₦8.8m / $5,860 |
Pay in full. Applications aren’t processed without payment.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
- Review every section.
- Submit via ImmiAccount.
- Get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
This TRN is your lifeline for tracking progress.
Step 7: Provide Biometrics (If Requested)
- Many applicants (Nigeria, India, Philippines, Pakistan) must give fingerprints/photos.
- Attend your nearest VFS Global centre with your passport + TRN.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
- Visitor visas: 2–6 weeks.
- Student visas: 4–8 weeks.
- Skilled migration visas: 6–18 months.
Track status directly in your ImmiAccount.
Comparison of Popular Australian Visas (Tourist vs Student vs Skilled, 2025)
| Visa Type | Subclass | Who It’s For | Cost (AUD) | Processing Time | Key Requirements | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 600 | Tourists, family visits, short business stays | 190 | 2–6 weeks | Passport, proof of funds, return ticket | ❌ No |
| Student Visa | 500 | International students in Australian institutions | 710 | 4–8 weeks | CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), proof of funds (~AUD 21,000), IELTS/TOEFL, health insurance | ❌ No (but can lead to work visa later) |
| Skilled Independent Visa | 189 | Skilled workers with in-demand jobs | 4,640 | 6–18 months | Degree, English test, skills assessment, work experience | ✅ Yes (direct PR) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Online Application
- Uploading blurry or incomplete documents.
- Using an expired passport.
- Forgetting proof of funds (bank statements).
- Leaving employment/education history blank.
- Applying through fake “agents.”
Action tip: Apply yourself through ImmiAccount. Only use a registered MARA agent if you need help.
Costs of Australian Visa Application (2025)
Visa fees aren’t the only expense. Add these to your budget:
| Expense | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | AUD 190–8,850 (depending on visa) |
| Health exam | AUD 200–350 |
| Police clearance | ₦10,000–₦15,000 (Nigeria) |
| Biometrics (VFS) | AUD 45–50 |
| Proof of funds | AUD 21,000+ (student visa requirement) |
Students must show they can cover tuition + living expenses. Skilled workers must prove employability and settlement funds.
FAQs About Australian Visa Application Online
Let’s tackle the questions you’re already asking.
1. Can Nigerians apply for an Australian visa online?
Yes. All applications go through ImmiAccount. Biometrics are usually required at VFS Lagos/Abuja.
2. How do I track my visa after applying?
Use your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) in ImmiAccount.
3. Do I need IELTS for a tourist visa?
No. English test is required only for student + skilled migration visas.
4. Can I apply without an agent?
Yes. The Australian government encourages direct self-application via ImmiAccount.
5. How long does it take to process?
- Visitor visa: 2–6 weeks.
- Student visa: 4–8 weeks.
- Skilled visa: 6–18 months.
6. What if my visa is refused?
You’ll get a refusal letter with reasons. Some visas allow for review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Conclusion
The Australian visa application online process is simpler than ever—if you follow the right steps. From creating your ImmiAccount, uploading documents, and paying the right fees, to tracking your application with a TRN, the system is built for transparency.
Your action steps today:
- Decide which visa subclass matches your purpose.
- Create your ImmiAccount.
- Gather the right documents (passport, funds, IELTS/CoE if needed).
- Apply, pay, and track online.
With preparation and accuracy, your Australian visa could be approved in weeks—not months.
The only thing standing between you and Australia? Hitting “submit” on your ImmiAccount.
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