ETA (Business Entrant) Visa (Subclass 956 & 977)
Visa Details
There are two different types of ETA (Business Entrant)
- ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
- ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
These ETA types are designed for business people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for short-term business purposes, including:
- attending educational or business related meetings, seminars, conventions, conferences, or networking
- informal studies or training.
ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
There is no visa application charge. A service charge of $20 applies.
ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
You must pay a visa application charge when you apply.
If you apply for this ETA and you have a child included in your passport, you will only be required to pay one visa application charge.
ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
You can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit within a 12 month period from the date of grant, or for the life of the passport if it is less than 12 months (single or multiple entry).
ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
You can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit for the life of the passport (multiple entry).
There are two different types of ETA (Business Entrant)
- ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
- ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
These ETA types are designed for business people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for short-term business purposes, including:
- attending educational or business related meetings, seminars, conventions, conferences, or networking
- informal studies or training.
Note: Short-term work is only permitted in strictly limited circumstances.
ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
There is no visa application charge
ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
You must pay a visa application charge when you apply.
If you apply for this ETA and you have a child included in your passport, you will only be required to pay one visa application charge.
ETA (Business Entrant - Short Validity) subclass 977
You can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit within a 12 month period from the date of grant, or for the life of the passport if it is less than 12 months (single or multiple entry).
ETA (Business Entrant - Long Validity) subclass 956
You can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit for the life of the passport (multiple entry).
An ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia. ETA information is accessible by airlines, travel agents and Australian border agencies. You do not need to visit a departmental office to submit an application and you will not receive a stamp or label in your passport. However, you will be provided with a confirmation for your records.
Passport details
Your ETA is linked to the passport number you used in your application and you must use the same passport to travel to Australia.
If you obtain a new passport and are outside Australia, you must obtain a new ETA, or another type of visa, before travelling to Australia otherwise you will experience significant delays at the airport and could be denied permission to board your plane.
If you obtain a new passport and are in Australia, you do not need to make an application for another visa so long as the ETA is still valid.
If you leave Australia within the validity of your ETA you may travel on your new passport, however keep your old passport with you as your ETA is attached to that passport. If you do not intend to leave Australia within the validity of your ETA you will need to obtain another type of visa. Please contact the nearest office of the department to discuss your options.
If you leave Australia on your ETA, you will not be able to re-enter until you have obtained a new ETA, or another type of visa, on your new passport.
Bringing family
A separate ETA is required for each family member travelling with you to Australia, including those who are under 18 and are included on your passport.
Extending your stay
An ETA cannot be granted while the holder is in Australia. ETA(s) cannot be extended.
If you intend to extend your stay after arriving in Australia, you should allow at least two weeks before your ETA expires to apply for a different type of visa. A visa may be granted if you:
- have complied with the conditions of your ETA
- meet all the eligibility criteria for the grant of the visa for which you are applying
You may be required to undergo a health examination.
Notes:
- If you are granted a different visa, it will cease your ETA and its entitlements.
- If a decision has not been made on your application before your ETA expires, you will be able to remain lawfully in Australia until the visa application is finalised.
- If your visa application is refused, and you have not appealed this decision, you must depart Australia before the expiry date of your authorised stay period.
ETA (Business Entrant – Short Validity) subclass 977
To be eligible to apply for an ETA (Business Entrant – Short Validity), subclass 977, you must:
- be outside Australia
- hold an ETA eligible passport
ETA eligible passports to apply for an ETA online
The following eligible passports are able to apply for an ETA online.
- Brunei
- Canada
- Hong Kong (SAR)
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States of America
European passport holders who are eligible to apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider should apply for an eVisitor if applying online.
ETA eligible passports to apply through other means
The following eligible passports can apply through a travel agent, airline, specialist service provider or an Australian visa office outside Australia.
|
Andorra |
Malaysia |
* A Hong Kong Document of Identity (HKDI) cannot be used to apply for an ETA. Residents of Hong Kong require a passport to apply for this visa.
** Holders of Taiwan passports can only be processed for an ETA if residing in and applying in Taiwan. Applications can be lodged with an approved ETA Travel Agent in Taiwan or Australian Visa Services office in Taipei.
ETA (Business Entrant – Long Validity) subclass 956
To be eligible to apply for an ETA (Business Entrant – Long Validity) subclass 956, you must:
- be outside Australia
- hold an ETA eligible passport
ETA eligible passports
The following eligible passports can apply through a travel agent, airline, specialist service provider or an Australian visa office outside Australia.
|
Andorra |
Malaysia |
* Holders of Taiwan passports can only be processed for an ETA if residing in and applying in Taiwan. Applications can be lodged with an approved ETA Travel Agent in Taiwan or Australian Visa Services office in Taipei.
You must only intend to visit Australia temporarily for business purposes.
Example: attending educational or business related meetings, seminars, conventions, conferences or networking.
ETA (Business Entrant) conditions
You must comply with your ETA conditions while in Australia. A breach of these conditions may result in your ETA being cancelled and you may have to leave Australia.
- You must not engage in work in Australia that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident
- Work is generally not allowed, however, you may be able to engage in limited work if for example it is highly specialised and non ongoing (generally less than six (6) weeks).
Note: To fill an ongoing position or if your main reason for coming to Australia is to work, you should apply for a Business (Long Stay) subclass 457 visa or another appropriate visa. - You must not engage in any studies or training for more than three months.
- If you are at least 11 years of age and you intend to study in a class-room environment for a period greater than 4 weeks, you may be required to pass a chest x-ray examination before commencing your studies.
- You must be free from tuberculosis at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.
- You must not have any criminal convictions, for which the sentence or sentences (whether served or not) are for a total period of 12 months duration or more, at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.
Criminal convictions
If you have had any criminal convictions in any country, you may wish to consider applying for a Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456), rather than an ETA. If arriving on an ETA with criminal convictions, you could be refused entry into Australia.
Repeat visits
An ETA is not designed to allow repeated extended stays in Australia. If you wish to spend long periods in Australia for business purposes, you may wish to consider applying for an alternate visa that suits your purposes.
Health insurance
It is recommended that you take out health insurance for yourself and your family members each time you travel to Australia. You will not be covered by Australia’s national health scheme, unless your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia. Reciprocal medical arrangements exist with some countries.
The Visa Application Charge must accompany your application and is generally not refunded if the application is unsuccessful.
Fees may be subject to adjustment at any time. Visa Application Charges may be subject to adjustment on 1 July each year. This may increase the cost of a visa.
| Visa | Charge Amount |
|---|---|
|
ETA (Business Entrant – Short Validity) (subclass 977) |
Nil |
|
eVisitor (subclass 651) |
Nil |
|
Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456) |
$100 |
|
Business (Short Stay) – Foreign Government Representative |
Nil |
|
Business (Short Stay) – Nationals of EU Member States |
Nil |
|
Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa (subclass 459) |
$100 |
|
APEC Business Travel Card |
$200 |
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