Australia Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Australia as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: required documents, current fee of AUD 200, processing times of 3 to 5 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With stricter scrutiny for Pakistani applicants, thorough preparation is essential.

Visa Application process

Pakistani citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.1 Unlike citizens of some countries, Pakistanis are not eligible for the simplified ETA or eVisitor visas and face additional scrutiny during processing.

Create an ImmiAccount

Register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to create your account. You will use this account to submit your application, upload documents, and track your application status.1

Complete the Application

Select the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream and fill out all sections. You will need to provide:2 • Personal details and passport information • Travel plans and intended dates • Employment and financial information • Details of any previous visa applications or refusals • Health and character declarations

Upload Supporting Documents

Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Key documents include your NADRA Family Registration Certificate, bank statements, employment evidence, and polio vaccination certificate.4

Provide Biometrics

You will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a VFS Global Biometric Collection Centre. Centres are located in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.4

Pay the Fee

The application fee of AUD 200 is payable online via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Wait for Processing

You will receive an acknowledgment with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Use this to track your application status in ImmiAccount. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.3

Receive Decision

Once decided, you will receive notification via email and in your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker.

Visa Application Steps

1. Create an ImmiAccount
2. Complete the Application
3. Upload Supporting Documents
4. Provide Biometrics
5. Pay the Fee
6. Wait for Processing
7. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): AUD 200	Biometric collection: Included	Health examination (if required): Varies by provider	The AUD 200 fee applies to stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. There is no separate fee for longer validity.1 Payment is non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn.

What you need to prove

Australia uses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Case officers must be satisfied that you:

Have a genuine purpose: Your reasons for visiting are legitimate tourism, family visit, or business
Will leave Australia: You have strong reasons to return to Pakistan and will not overstay
Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working
Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk to Australia

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application via ImmiAccount
Passport-Sized Photograph
NADRA Family Registration Certificate
Bank Statements
Employment Evidence
Travel Plans
Ties to Home Country
Polio Vaccination Certificate

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia • At least 6 months validity recommended; • At least two blank pages; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include scanned copies of all pages] (Tip: Include copies of old passports showing previous travel historyPrevious Australian, US, UK, or Schengen visas significantly strengthen your application)

Online Application via ImmiAccount

Complete the visa application online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal • Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; • Select Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream; • Complete all sections accurately; • Upload supporting documents; • Pay the application fee online] (Tip: Save your application and complete it in multiple sessions if neededUse a personal email address you check regularly)

Passport-Sized Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Australian specifications • Size: 45mm x 35mm; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White background; • Face clearly visible without shadows] (Tip: Digital photo upload is required for online applications)

NADRA Family Registration Certificate

Family Registration Certificate (FRC) issued by NADRA showing your family details • Must be issued by NADRA; • Form B is acceptable if FRC is unavailable; • Marriage Registration Certificate if applicable] (Tip: Ensure all names match exactly with your passportRecent certificates are preferred)

Bank Statements

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Australia without working • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Account holder name must match passport; • Bank account maintenance letter from your bank; • Include savings accounts and fixed deposits] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateAUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of stay is a reasonable guidelineInclude credit card statements showing available creditFixed deposits and property investments strengthen your case)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Recent salary slips (last 3 months); • National Tax Number (NTN) Registration Certificate; • Employment contract] (Tip: Self-employed applicants should provide business registration (SECP) and recent tax returnsStudents should get a letter from their institution confirming enrollmentLonger employment tenure significantly helps your application)

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within Australia • Day-by-day itinerary of planned activities; • Accommodation bookings or arrangements; • Internal flight or travel plans within Australia; • Purpose of each destination visit] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations with free cancellation are sufficientBe realistic about travel distances in Australia)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Pakistan after your visit • Property ownership documents (land registry); • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business or employment commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable; • Recurring financial obligations in Pakistan; • Vehicle registration documents] (Tip: This is critical for Pakistani applicantsStronger ties significantly reduce refusal riskInclude evidence of family members staying in PakistanProperty and asset ownership is highly valued)

Polio Vaccination Certificate

Valid polio vaccination certificate as Pakistan is a polio-endemic country • Must be administered at least 4 weeks before travel; • Valid International Certificate of Vaccination; • Required for all travelers from Pakistan] (Tip: Get vaccinated well in advance of your applicationCertificate must be in the international format)

Optional documents

Cover Letter | Travel Insurance | Invitation Letter | Health Declaration | Police Clearance Certificate

Cover Letter

A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to Pakistan • State the purpose of your visit clearly; • Outline your travel itinerary; • Explain your ties to Pakistan; • Mention who is funding your trip] (Tip: Keep it concise: 1 page maximumAddress any potential concerns proactivelyHighly recommended for Pakistani applicants)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay • Minimum coverage of AUD 50,000 recommended; • Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation; • Valid for entire duration of stay] (Tip: While not mandatory, it strengthens your applicationAustralia has expensive healthcare for visitors)

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in Australia inviting you to stay with them • Host's full name and address in Australia; • Their relationship to you; • Their Australian visa status or citizenship; • Details of accommodation being provided; • Host's financial evidence if sponsoring your stay] (Tip: Include a copy of the host's Australian visa or passportInvitation should specify the duration of your stayHost's evidence of funds adds credibility)

Health Declaration

Health examination or declaration may be required in certain circumstances • Applicants with certain health conditions may need examination; • Required if staying longer than 3 months in some cases; • Must use approved panel physicians] (Tip: ImmiAccount will notify you if health examination is requiredComplete within 28 days if requested)

Police Clearance Certificate

Character certificate showing no serious criminal history • PCC from Pakistan and any country you have lived in for 12+ months; • Must be issued within the last 12 months] (Tip: Not always required for standard tourist applicationsImmiAccount will request if needed)

Comparison

Service	Cost
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)	AUD 200
Biometric collection	Included
Health examination (if required)	Varies by provider

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
30%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
28%	Weak Ties to Pakistan
20%	Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns
12%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
7%	Previous Immigration Issues
3%	Unverifiable Information

30% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. A balance of AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay is recommended. Include property and investment evidence.

28% - Weak Ties to Pakistan

How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment (1+ years), property ownership (land registry), family dependents in Pakistan, ongoing business commitments, or educational enrollment. This is especially critical for younger, unmarried applicants.

20% - Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns

How to avoid: Be consistent across all documents. Your stated purpose, itinerary, and financial capacity should align logically. Previous positive travel history to Western countries helps significantly. Include a clear cover letter addressing your temporary visit intentions.

12% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits. Include NTN certificate.

7% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues in your application. Provide evidence of changed circumstances. Wait at least 6 months and strengthen your profile before reapplying if previously refused.

3% - Unverifiable Information

How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents. Australian immigration has sophisticated verification systems and shares data with other countries. Fraudulent documents result in long-term visa bans.

Frequently asked questions

Can Pakistani citizens get an ETA or eVisitor for Australia?

No. Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. You must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which requires a full application with supporting documents.

How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?

The Subclass 600 visa can be granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration is determined by the case officer based on your application. Most first-time applicants from Pakistan receive 3 or 6 month visas.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

There is no official minimum, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and activities for your entire stay. A guideline is AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay, plus return flights.

Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?

No. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) strictly prohibits any work, including remote work for Pakistani employers. If caught working, your visa will be cancelled and you may face a ban on future applications.

How long does the Australia visa take from Pakistan?

Most applications are processed within 3 to 5 weeks. According to available data, 75% of Tourist Stream applications are decided within 20 days, and 90% within 33 days.

Do I need a polio vaccination for Australia?

Yes. As Pakistan is classified as a polio-endemic country, all travelers must have a valid polio vaccination certificate. The vaccination should be given at least 4 weeks before travel.

What is the Australia tourist visa fee for Pakistanis in 2026?

The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is AUD 200 (approximately PKR 55,000 to 60,000). This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Can I extend my Australian tourist visa?

You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in Australia, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must continue to meet all visa requirements.

What if my Australia visa is refused?

If refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. There is no appeal right for Visitor Visa refusals made outside Australia. Wait at least a few months and improve your application before reapplying.

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Subclass 600 visa, but it is strongly recommended. Australia has expensive healthcare, and visitors are not covered by Medicare. Insurance also strengthens your application.

Can I apply through VFS Global in Pakistan?

Yes. VFS Global operates Biometric Collection Centres in Pakistan for Australian visa applications. You can submit biometrics and documents through their centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

What happens at the Australian border?

At the border, you may be asked to show return flight bookings, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and details of your travel plans. Immigration officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions.

Apply for Australia tourist visa online

Sources

Australian Government - Visitor Visa

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600

Australian Government - Tourist Stream

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/tourist-stream-overseas

Australian Government - Visa Processing Times

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

VFS Global - Australia Visa Pakistan Tourist Checklist

https://www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Pakistan/pdf/Tourist-checklist-Pakistan-Latest.pdf

Australian High Commission Pakistan

https://pakistan.embassy.gov.au/islm/120822pg3diac.html

At a glance