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Australia Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

China citizens typically apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) or a Visitor visa (subclass 600) for Australia — apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; ETA fee from AUD 20; processing can be minutes to a few days; Visitor visa processing varies from days to weeks.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Australia and for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival.
  • Specific forms: There is no separate paper form; apply online via ImmiAccount at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/immiaccount.
  • Financial proof: Evidence of funds to cover travel and living costs during your stay; there is no fixed minimum amount required; include bank statements for the last 3 months, payslips, and a letter from your employer if employed.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter) and evidence of onward or return travel (return flight booking or itinerary).
  • Photo spec: A recent passport-style photo meeting the following: 35 mm x 45 mm, white background, full face, no hats or sunglasses.
  • Biometrics: For ETA, biometric collection is not normally required online; if requested, you will be directed to a biometrics collection service.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) – Official name: Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601). Validity: 12 months from grant. Max stay per visit: up to 3 months. Entry: Multiple. Approx fee: AUD 20.
  • Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Official name: Visitor visa (Subclass 600). Validity: Grants vary; typical visas allow stays up to 12 months. Max stay per visit: Up to 12 months. Entry: Single or Multiple depending on grant. Approx fee: AUD 145 online.
  • Student visa (Subclass 500) – Official name: Student visa (Subclass 500). Validity: Duration of course; up to around 5 years for long courses. Max stay: Up to the length of the course. Entry: Multiple. Approx fee: AUD 620.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) – Official name: Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482). Validity: Up to 4 years (depending on nomination). Max stay: Up to the visa grant period. Entry: Usually multiple depending on nomination. Approx fee: AUD 2,645.
  • Training visa (Subclass 407) – Official name: Training visa (Subclass 407). Validity: Up to 24 months. Max stay: As per training plan. Entry: Multiple. Approx fee: AUD 310.

How to apply

  • How to apply online: Go to ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and sign in or create an account.
  • Steps: select the visa type (601 ETA or 600 Visitor, or 500/482/407 as applicable), fill in all required fields, upload documents (passport bio page, evidence of funds, travel itinerary, accommodation details, return flight), submit biometric data if requested, pay the visa application fee, and submit.
  • Fee: Pay online; ETA AUD 20; 600 AUD 145; 500 AUD 620; 482 AUD 2,645; 407 AUD 310.
  • Processing time: ETA often processed within minutes to hours; Visitor visa 600 typically days to weeks; Student 500 and Work 482/407 often several weeks to months depending on case.
  • How approval arrives: You will receive a notification in your ImmiAccount and by email with the granted visa details and conditions.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (AUD): Electronic Travel Authority (601): 20; Visitor visa (600): 145; Student visa (500): 620; Temporary Skill Shortage (482): 2,645; Training visa (407): 310.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Australia; most applicants apply directly online through ImmiAccount.
  • Total cost estimate: If applying for ETA only: AUD 20; If adding a separate 600 visa: AUD 165; If studying or working: cost will include the higher visa charges and any agent or courier fees.
  • Standard processing times: ETA: minutes to hours; 600: typically several days to weeks; 500/482/407: several weeks to months depending on case.
  • Express/priority option: Not generally available for most Australia visa types via official channels; some cases may offer priority processing for certain sponsorships with extra fees.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: For ETA, apply as soon as you know travel dates; For 600 and 500, start 1–4 months before travel; For study/work visas, start 4–6 months before.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants specifically: Insufficient funds or unclear evidence of funds; Incomplete or inconsistent travel plans; Not demonstrating ties to home country; Not providing sufficient documents or correct documents (passport bio page, photo, itinerary, hotel bookings); Passport not valid for required duration; Prior visa refusals not disclosed.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Australia visa applications are submitted online via ImmiAccount; there is no standard VFS/BLS paper channel for most visa types; avoid using third-party agents that promise guaranteed approvals; use official portals to check status.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) travel advisories and your Chinese government's travel advisories for any health, security or consular updates before travel.
  • Extension options inside Australia: In most cases, a Visitor visa cannot be extended from within Australia; you should leave before expiry or apply for a new visa from outside Australia; some visa types allow a second grant if eligible.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.