How to Apply for an Australian Visa in Zimbabwe

Part 1: Which Australian Visa is Right for You?

Choosing the correct visa subclass is essential. For temporary visits from Zimbabwe, the main categories are:

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This is the most common visa for tourism, visiting family or friends, or for business visitor activities like negotiations or attending conferences.
• Student Visa (subclass 500): For enrolling in a full-time course of study at a registered Australian educational institution.
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): A work visa that requires you to be sponsored by an approved Australian employer to fill a position they cannot find a suitable Australian to fill.

Part 2: The Online Application (ImmiAccount)

The Australian visa application process is fully digital. You will create an account, fill out the forms, and upload all your documents through the ImmiAccount portal.

1. Create Your ImmiAccount: Go to the official Department of Home Affairs website and create an individual ImmiAccount. Keep your username and password secure.
2. Start a New Application: Once logged in, select "New Application" and choose the correct visa subclass (e.g., Visitor Visa subclass 600).
3. Fill Out the Online Form: The application form is very detailed. You will need to provide extensive information about your personal details, travel history, family members, and financial situation. Answer every question truthfully.
4. Upload Your Supporting Documents: You will be prompted to upload high-quality colour scans of all your required documents directly to the portal. There are specific categories for each document type (e.g., "Passport," "Financial Capacity").
5. Pay the Visa Application Charge: The fee must be paid online using a valid credit or debit card at the end of the application.

Part 3: Required Documents

You must provide evidence to support all the claims you make in your application. For a Visitor Visa, this typically includes:

• Passport: A clear scan of the bio-data page of your valid Zimbabwean passport.
• The GTE Statement: A written statement explaining your reasons for visiting Australia and, most importantly, providing compelling evidence of your strong incentive to return to Zimbabwe.
• Proof of Financial Capacity: Recent bank statements (usually 3-6 months) and a letter from your bank. You must prove you have access to sufficient funds for your trip.
• Evidence of Ties to Zimbabwe: This is a critical part of the GTE requirement.
  • A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, length of employment, and approved leave.
  • Proof of property ownership or other significant assets in Zimbabwe.
  • Evidence of close family ties in Zimbabwe (marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents).
• Purpose of Visit: For tourism, a day-by-day itinerary. For visiting family, an invitation letter from your relatives in Australia, along with proof of their status (e.g., passport, visa).

Part 4: The Biometrics Appointment in Harare

After you have lodged and paid for your application online, you will be required to provide biometrics.

• Notification to Provide Biometrics: You will receive a notification in your ImmiAccount, usually within 24 hours of lodging your application. This letter is required to book your appointment.
• Book Your Appointment: You must book an appointment at the **VFS Global Australian Biometric Collection Centre** in Harare.
• At the Appointment: You will need to bring your passport and the biometrics notification letter. They will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints.