Letters of Invitation for visa applications
Please complete your 5WCWS Conference registration online to receive your letter of invitation. Invitations will be issued automatically as part of the registration confirmation process.
Visa options for conferences
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia.
Please note: New Zealand passport holders are an exception to this rule, who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements. Additionally, permanent residents of Norfolk Island may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival.
Visa options
The most common visas that may be recommended to you for short travel to Australia to attend a conference are:
1. ETA (601)
- Online application process
- Quick application
The ETA Australia is an electronic travel authority for tourism or business purposes.
The ETA is a quick, online, charge-free process, but incurs a AUD20 service provider charge, and/or a further charge if applied for through a travel agency, airline agency or specialist service provider. Further information on the ETA can be found on the website.
2. eVisitor (651)
- Online application process
- Quick application
- No application charge or service fee
The eVisitor visa is an online visa process, with a one working day processing time for low-risk applications. There is no visa application charge or service fee. Further information on the eVisitor visa, including how to apply online, can be found on the website.
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds.
3. Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor stream
- Online or paper application process
- Application fee of AUD190
Passport holders who are not eligible to apply for an eVisitor or an ETA should apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor Stream. Further information on the Subclass 600 visa can be found on the website.
4. Temporary Activity (subclass 408)(Invited Participant) visa
A further alternative for attendees, speakers, and exhibitors that will be working, or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event, may be eligible to apply for one Temporary Activity (subclass 408)(Invited Participant) visa. Further information can be found on the website.
For online subclass 400 and subclass 600 applications, information about documents that need to be attached will be provided as part of the application process.
Things to consider before lodging a visa application
Invitation and registration to attend the event
Confirmation of registration, or a copy of your letter of invitation, should accompany visa applications.
When assessing whether you meet the criteria for the grant of a visa, the Department may take into account whether you are registered or were invited to attend the Conference.
You can receive a letter of invitation once you complete the online registration form.
Cut-off date for lodging paper-based applications
You should apply for a visa at least three months prior to the intended date of departure, and four months prior if there are any character or health concerns.
Visa processing times
Health and character requirements
All visa applicants must be assessed against Australia’s health and character requirements. These requirements are designed to protect the safety and security of the Australian community.
Health requirements
As part of the visa application process you may be required to undertake a medical examination, chest x ray and/or other health checks.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection will advise you of the applicable health checks (if any), based on your individual circumstances. Information on which health checks may apply to you is available on the Department’s website.
Character requirements
As part of the visa application assessment process the onus is on you to satisfy the character requirements set out in Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958. Further information on the character requirement is available on the Department’s website.
If you are unsure whether you satisfy the character requirements because of prior criminal convictions, you should lodge a paper based application at the Australian visa office nearest to your current place of residence, at least four months prior to the event start date.
Contact information for overseas-located Australian visa offices is available on the Department’s website.
Travel sanctions
For information on countries subject to travel sanctions, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website. Nationals of these countries may not be permitted to travel to and enter Australia.
Biometrics Program
Biometrics may need to be collected at an Australian Visa Application Centre for visitors and business people lodging a visa application from the countries listed on the Department’s website.
If you lodge your application online, the Department will advise you in writing if you need to provide your biometrics.
Obligations of visa holders
On arrival at Australia’s border you must identify yourself, present your travel documents, and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). The IPC requires visitors to declare their health status and any prior criminal convictions.
If you do not meet immigration clearance requirements, you may be refused entry to Australia.
You must comply with your visa validity and visa conditions while in Australia. When you receive your Australian visa you are issued with a visa grant notice that explains the conditions of the visa including the period of validity and entry requirements. You are advised to carry this visa grant notice when travelling for your own reference.
Your visa may be cancelled if you breach any of the conditions.
If your visa expires while you are still in Australia, you become an unlawful non-citizen. Unlawful non-citizens are liable to be detained and removed from Australia.
Need assistance?
If you have any questions about visas, please contact the Conference Secretariat.