Visiting Australia with a Criminal Record: Short Stay

Can you go to Australia with a Criminal Record?

If you are planning on visiting Australia with a criminal record, you must note that Australia has very strict rules regarding visas for individuals with prior criminal convictions. So it’s quite appropriate to ask: Can I travel to Australia with a criminal record? The nature of the crime, and the sentence served together with your change of lifestyle and rehabilitation, all play a part in determining whether or not you are granted a visa.

Australia ETA:  Criminal Convictions (eVisitor Visa)

Individuals who wish to travel to Australia – with a criminal record – will not be able to apply for an Australia ETA (eVisitor) visa, which completed online. If you have criminal convictions, with a prison sentence totalling 12 months or more (whether served or suspended), you will fail the character requirements you cannot apply for an ETA visa for Australia. It does not mean that you cannot get a visa, but you will have to supply further information to enable authorities to verify your character.

We have extensive experience in this area, and can provide you with expert advice and assistance to give you the best possible chance of securing your Australian visa, despite your criminal convictions.

Declaring criminal convictions

What criminal convictions do I have to declare?

Any criminal convictions must be declared when applying for an Australian visa, however minor, and regardless of how long ago they were incurred. A minor offence will not prevent you getting a visa. Lying about it, on the other hand, could well result in you being refused a visa. Failure to declare a criminal conviction, even a minor one, could mean that you are denied entry, even if you do have a visa. It is extremely important that you are truthful about criminal convictions.

How to apply for an Australian visitor visa when you have a criminal record

The difference is in how the applications are processed. Most visa applications are processed and issued electronically (ETA or eVisotor visa). However, if you have criminal convictions with a custodial sentence, (irrespective of the country you are from), you cannot apply for an ETA visa using the standard on-line system. When an applicant has criminal convictions, they are usually allocated to an Australian Immigration case officer. The case officer will decide how the application is processed, and what is required for the visa application.

Registering your request to apply for an Australian Visa, when you have criminal convictions

To start the application process, you must first register your request on-line, at which time you pay our professional fee, as above.

Additional Fees:

• You will have to pay an Australian Government application fee for processing the application.
• If the application goes for further character assessment,you will have to pay a further fee
• Additional fees that may apply are for a police clearance certificate.
• There will be additional fees (payable directly to the agencies involved) if any documentation requires verification

Additional requirements when applying for you visa

Being able to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia

Supporting individuals with Criminal Convictions through the Australian Visa Application process

Our team have years of experience in dealing with Australian Visa Applications for individuals with convictions. After accepting your application, a named member of our team will contact you to help you through the process. Because of our experience in processing these applications, we have a good idea of what a case officer will be looking for. Once we understand your circumstances, we can advise you on the information that you need to prepare and present to Australian Immigration. This is what your representative will do:

1. Your representative will assess your circumstances and prepare a checklist of suitable information to support your application
2. They will check through the supporting information that you provide and advise on any changes that may be required
3. Your representative will assist with the preparation the presentation for Australian Immigration

After the application is lodged with Australian Immigration, your case will be assigned to an Australian Immigration case officer who has delegated powers to make a decision on an application.

1. Your representative will inform you of an any queries that occur. They will advise and assist with a suitable response
2. They will present the reply to the case officer.

Australian Immigration may refuse the visa application and there is generally no appeal process. But, unless the case officer puts in place an exclusion notification, you can apply again.

How long will it take to get a visa if you have criminal convictions?

When criminal convictions are involved  it typically takes at least 3 months, but it could be up to 12 months, to obtain a decision on a visa dependent on the severity of the sentence and the exact pathway that is deemed suitable for the application by the Australian immigration case officer assigned to your application.

The time it takes to process your visa application will depend on the nature and severity of the offence(s), and the length of sentence. When we have more information on your specific circumstances, we should be able to provide you with an estimate.

Things to note about your passport:

• On the day that you enter Australia, you must have at least 6 months remaining on your passport before it expires
• The visa is linked to the passport that you use in your application. This means that, if you renew or replace your passport  (for whatever reason), you will have to re-apply for a visa.

Conditions of your visa, once granted:

Depending on your personal circumstances and the reason for your visit, a grant can be issued for a single visit with the time allowed for the trip restricted to less than the normal 90 days.

Otherwise, the normal conditions are:

• Your visa will normally be valid for 12 months from the day it is granted.
• During this time you are normally allowed to visit Australia multiple times, but will be allowed to stay no more than 90 days on each visit.
• You are not allowed payment for work carried out in Australia

Visiting Australia with a criminal record: Frequently Asked Questions