Special Category -Crew/Military/Others

Every non-citizen wishing to enter Australia must first obtain a visa to lawfully enter, exit from, or transit through the Australian territory. There are different types of visas one can apply for, depending on the purpose of the visit and stay duration. Certain categories are very popular and most sought after, and then some are uncommon and very infrequently used.

The Department has structured visa categories and subclass, keeping in mind all possible scenarios where a visa permit can be required or requested by a non-citizen. A very wide variety of visa classes and subclasses have been established to meet the rising need for immigrants’ visa permits. The purpose of your intended visit to Australia and your circumstances and other facts will help determine the need and type of visa required under Australian immigration law.

In order to receive a positive outcome, you will need to establish that you meet the required eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for. When you apply at an Australian embassy or consulate, or if your immigration case is in the hands of an officer, the respective officer will determine, based on existing laws, whether you are eligible to receive a requested visa, and if not, if the refusal is appropriate.

There are many other migration visas to Australia that are available, depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances. The Department has framed specified processes and criteria to ascertain one’s eligibility.

If you are a non-citizen and seeking to travel to Australia for certain reasons on a Transit visa or you land yourself in circumstances where you need a Border visa to bail you out or if you simply want to apply for a Maritime Crew visa or a Confirmatory Residence visa, please check out the relevant information below for a better understanding:

Subclass 771 Transit Visa– This visa is structured to allow eligible passport holders transiting via Australia by air or sea route to another location to apply for the Australian transit visa. This visa allows the applicant and their dependents to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours. This visa is also available for the possessor of a Maritime Crew visa (Subclass 988) if the applicant is trying to enter by air to join the crew of a non-military ship.

Subclass 773 Border Visa– There can be instances and exigencies where an individual finds himself in unforeseen circumstances and must be in Australia but cannot obtain an appropriate visa for Australia. Border visa (subclass 773) or Border (Temporary) Class TA (subclass 773) visa is a subclass that comes into the picture in such exceptional circumstances. This visa subclass is a saviour for those who arrive in Australia without a valid visa or individuals whose visa gets cancelled in immigration clearance.

Subclass 988 Maritime Crew Visa– This visa is a temporary visa in Australia and allows foreign crew members of a ship to be in Australia as long as they are crew members of a commercial (non-military) ship that is in Australia. The applicants are only allowed to arrive and depart by sea under this visa category.