Which visa should you check?
Your visa route depends on your purpose, not just your passport. Use the current Home Affairs evidence list and follow biometrics instructions for the country where you apply.
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) tourist stream is a useful first page to review for a visit. Eligibility depends on your exact circumstances. Home Affairs decides applications.
What else should you know?
The Australian High Commission in Colombo says overseas Visitor 600 applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount unless Home Affairs has given written permission for a non-internet form. It also describes biometric collection through VFS Global for applicants in Sri Lanka.
Apply online for the overseas Visitor 600 stream
The Australian High Commission says overseas Visitor 600 applications in any stream have required online lodgement through ImmiAccount since 30 September 2021. A paper application is not valid unless Home Affairs gives written permission to use a non-internet form in exceptional circumstances. Some older High Commission checklists still mention paper lodgement; follow the newer rule and the current Home Affairs visa page.
- Confirm that the overseas Tourist stream matches a temporary holiday or visit to family or friends. It does not permit work; business visits use different activity rules.
- Prepare a clear passport identity scan, travel purpose, accommodation and funding details, and evidence of your circumstances where you live. Use the document prompts in your own application.
- Lodge and pay in ImmiAccount. Watch messages for requests for biometrics, health checks or more documents.
- Wait for a written grant before booking non-refundable travel. Check the permitted stay, entries and conditions on your own notice.
High Commission online lodgement rule · Official overseas Tourist stream · Visitor evidence guide →
Wait for the request, then use the current centre instructions
The High Commission says visa applicants located in Sri Lanka are generally asked to provide a facial image and fingerprints. After an online application, follow the biometrics request letter and book through the current VFS Global service if directed. VFS collects biometrics; Home Affairs makes the visa decision. A biometrics request does not mean the visa is approved.
Apply early enough for follow-up requests, and use the official processing-time guide as an estimate rather than a promised decision date. If you live outside Sri Lanka, check the services for your actual residence instead.
High Commission biometrics guidance · Current overseas services · Our biometrics guide →
Check the course and your own Student 500 document list
For a registered full-time course, confirm the provider and course on CRICOS and obtain a current Confirmation of Enrolment. Use Home Affairs’ Student document tool with your Sri Lankan passport and provider, then check it again before submitting. If it lists English-language or financial-capacity evidence, attach that evidence at lodgement. Prepare your own Genuine Student answers, supporting records and Overseas Student Health Cover.
The High Commission in Colombo says it cannot advise applicants which education institution or course to choose. Check the provider independently, and do not treat a generic agent list as the visa evidence list for your application.
Read our Student 500 guide → · GS answer planner ↓ · Official Student document tool · High Commission Student visa note
Build a clear, consistent application
For a Visitor 600 application, organise the evidence below. For Student 500, use the study section above and the passport-and-provider document tool.
- Passport and identity documents that match your application.
- A simple account of your travel dates, purpose and accommodation.
- Evidence that you can fund the trip, or details of a supporter.
- Relevant work, study, family or residence evidence that explains your circumstances.
- Invitation details if you are visiting someone.
- Clear scans and translations where required.
Home Affairs can request additional evidence, biometrics or health checks. See its document preparation advice and our biometrics guide. For the overseas Tourist stream, use our detailed Visitor 600 evidence guide.
Your step-by-step outline
- Confirm the right visa, fee, eligibility and conditions on Home Affairs.
- Gather evidence and check every answer against your passport.
- Use the official application channel and keep your reference number.
- Follow any requests for biometrics, health checks or more documents.
- Read the decision notice and all visa conditions before travelling.
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