Delegates are responsible for ensuring appropriate visas are obtained for attending the conference.

If unsure whether a visa is required or which visa is required, check the visa options page. The tool will also provide information on cost associated with the relevant visa types and link to apply for the visa through an online portal if applicable.

Most short term visitors to Australia will have to apply for a visitor visa, eVisitor, or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

For an indication of processing times for a visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. Note that the processing times will vary for different reasons.

Ensure visa details and conditions are understood.

Invitation Letter

If required, you can make a request to obtain an invitation letter for your visa application. Invitation letters will only be provided to registered and paid delegates.

Submission of an invitation letter as part of a visa application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It is the responsibility of the visa applicant to demonstrate that they meet all legislative requirements for the grant of an Australian visa.

Information for Visitor (subclass 600) Business visa applicants

Use the contact information provided in your invitation letter as the organization contact for your application. This contact doesn't have to be in Australia.

Follow the step by step guide and details under "Gather your documents" heading to prepare evidence and documents to support your visa application. Under the "Genuine visitor documents" heading, you'll find instructions for proof to show you are visiting Australia as a temporary visitor only.

The following are a non exhaustive list of information and documents that may support your visa application:

• details regarding any financial support or other support being provided including airfares, accommodation, meals and travel expenses
• details of economic ties to your home country such as property ownership, or major assets
• proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to support the period of stay and to leave Australia, such as an itemised personal bank statement for a 3 month period
• details of personal ties to applicant's home country or usual country of residence, which could include family composition, enrolment at a school, college or university in your home country
• the applicant's employment and financial circumstances for example, a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, length of employment, approved leave for the duration of your leave, and confirmation that they are expected to return to your employment
• enrolment at a school, college or university in your home country. The letter from the school, college or university should provide details of the course of study, the length of the course or subject, whether course fees have been paid, that the applicant has been granted a period of leave from your studies, and is expected to return to your studies.
• details of attendance at similar international events - this can include invitations and registrations (which may be supported and evidenced by visas and arrival and departure stamps in the applicant's passport)
• details regarding the applicant's international travel history, in particular compliant travel to other developed countries
• details regarding the reason/s for participating in the symposium and the relevance to your professional and/or personal circumstances
• applicants who are not able to provide certain documentation should provide an explanation of your circumstances and why they are not able to provide the documents

There may be other factors to consider depending on an applicant's individual circumstances. Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to visit Australia as a genuine visitor, and provide incentives and reasons to return to their home country.

Health and Character Requirements:

Most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before they can be granted a visa, and the department may assess your health as part of the visa application process. This is referred to as 'meeting the health requirement'. For more information regarding health requirements please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

Applicants must be of good character to visa Australia, and must meet the character requirements in order to be granted a visa. For further information regarding character requirements please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

Visa Application Process and Processing Times:

Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

• whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
• how promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
• how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
• how long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
• when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account

Processing times are impacted each month by cases that are complex, changes to volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions. More information about visa processing times please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/overview. For this reason, we would advise that visa applications be lodged at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to a person's intended date of travel.

Entering Australia

Travellers should familiarise themselves with Australia's border and entry requirements. For further information, see 'Entering and leaving Australia' at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia