The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.V.10 Visa

Definition

For the purposes of FA, a visa is an authority to travel to and remain in a country. Australian visas may allow a person to remain in Australia (1.1.A.120) temporarily or permanently.

Increasing amounts of the Department of Home Affairs' services no longer involve the physical exchange of paper forms and letters and alternatively encourage the use of online immigration services.

Australian visas are recorded electronically and the Australian Government no longer requires visa holders to have an Australian visa label in their passport. Most non-citizens of Australia who now travel to and reside in Australia do not have visa labels in their passports.

Online visa verification provides more timely and secure information as to the entitlements of a visa holder.

Some visa holders may continue to present with a printed visa label affixed to their passport.

Policy reference: SS Guide 9.1.2 Visas

Last reviewed: