Business Trip

I would like to visit Australia for a short time to conduct business - a conference, negotiation or an exploratory business visit. What visa do I apply for?

Visitor visas for Business purposes are intended for genuine business visitors seeking short-term entry to Australia for a stay of up to 3 months to undertake business activites such as: official visits; meetings; training; building inspections;or equipment installation. They do not permit the applicant to engage in work that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

There are a range of Short Stay Business visas (including the Business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)). The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term or business entry. It replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and removes the need for application forms. ETAs are faster and simpler to access and are available to passport holders from over 30 countries and locations.

See:
Visiting Australia - ETA.

Passport holders from countries with whom Australia does not have an ETA arrangement should apply for a Business (Short Stay) visa 456.(PDF File)

How do I apply for a Business ETA?

The ETA can be obtained from travel agencies or airlines when making travel bookings or via the Internet.

See:
Visiting Australia - ETA

How do I apply for a Business visa (Short Stay) ?

Contact the nearest Australian diplomatic office overseas in order to obtain a visa application form or download Application Form 456 Application for a Temporary Business Entry Visa (for a stay of up to 3 months) from the Internet at:.

Applications must be lodged at an Australian diplomatic office overseas.

See:
Immigration Costs - Information

Can I extend my Business visa (Short Stay) in Australia?

The Business visa (Short Stay) cannot be extended in Australia.

If you need to stay longer, for business/employment reasons, the visa that will best suit your needs is the Business (Long Stay) visa, valid for between three months and up to four years.

Can I undertake paid employment while holding a Business visa (Short Stay)?

The holder of a Business Short Stay visa has a work condition attached that states that the holder of the visa must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident (condition 8112). Generally, if you are the holder of this visa you should not be employed in Australia.

Can I employ someone who holds a Business visa (Short Stay)?

A Business Short Stay visa is not a 'work rights' visa. This visa allows your business contact to conduct business affairs, but not to take a job in Australia, that is:

• able to be carried out by someone in the Australian labour force; or

• has other adverse consequences for the local labour market.

If you are seeking to employ someone from overseas, the Business (long stay) visa, valid for between three months and up to four years, may suit your needs.

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