If you’ve been looking to travel to Australia, we would be showing you how to apply for Australian visa in Nigeria. A visa is a formal permission, which is issued to you from the government of a foreign country, allowing you to gain entry into that country. Key information contained in this document includes the duration of your stay in the country; the purpose of your trip and other necessary details. Are you planning on travelling to Australia? Read on to know key details about the country and general requirements for visa application from Nigeria.

In recent times, it is quite common to see Nigerians travelling to various cities in Australia such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, etc. Officially called the Commonwealth of Australia, the country is the 6th largest in the world in terms of total area. As a Nigerian, you would have no problem in communicating with Australians as Australian English is the widely spoken language there. The country — which is located in the continent of Australia — is surrounded by more than 10000 beaches and several oceans. These are spectacular sites you would love to see!

Types of Australian Visa

Australian visas are of various types. These are work visa; visitor visa; student visa; partner visa; medical treatment visa; family visa and Electronic Travel Authority. The major purpose of your visit will determine the visa type that will issued to you.

Requirements for Australian Visa from Nigeria

Individuals that want to apply for Australian visas have to first fulfill the Australian character requirements.  They would be required to prove they don’t have any criminal record which has kept them in prison for a minimum of one year; also, a police certificate will be required to back this claim.

Apart from these, you will also need the following documents as part of the requirements for Australian visa application:

• A Nigerian passport (32 pages or 64 pages) that has a minimum of six months validity period left.
• A passport photograph sized 45mm by 35mm and taken recently, with a white background.
• Photocopies of your ID card and passport.
• A visa application Form 157A that is already filled (this requirement only applies to applicants for the Australian student visa).
• Medical check report.
• Itinerary
• Employment letter.
• Bank statement.
• Hotel reservation.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Australian Visa in Nigeria

To facilitate your visa application process, we have provided a detailed guide on the steps you have to take for your application to be successful. Bear in mind that you can do this application online or offline. The steps for applying online and offline are quite similar; the major difference is that for the online method, you will provide your biometric data through the visa application center, VAC. Before you begin your visa application process, whether offline or online; you should understand your reason for requesting a visa and the visa type you require.

Listed below are the steps you will take to apply for Australian visa online:

• Sign up for an ImmiAccount.
• Complete the online application form.
• Provide the details of your passport.
• Scan every document that is necessary.
• Attach the files you scanned.
• Submit your application
• Supply your biometric data via the visa application center.

However, if — for one reason or the other — you prefer the offline method, here are the steps you should take:

• Download and complete the Australian Visa Application form (Form 1419).
• Get every document necessary to support your application
• Schedule an appointment at VAC
• Make the payment for your visa application in cash.
• Supply your biometric data via the visa application center.

You can pay for your Australian visa in two ways: You can pay in cash at the VAC or at the bank with your credit card through the ImmiAccount. You will be given a receipt, the only proof for the transaction, after making the payment.

How to Track Australian Visa application in Nigeria

Once you follow the due process while applying for Australian visa and there is no issue of inappropriate or missing documents (this may lead to an application being rejected), the processing of the application could take around one month. Once your application is approved, like every other applicant you will be given a Transaction Reference Number, also called TRN. This unique number is necessary for tracking the status of the Australian visa application.

Collecting your Visa – How to Apply for Australian Visa in Nigeria

Applicants that have been issued visas will be notified via email. You will be able to receive your visa via the means you filled in the application form earlier; returning of visas is usually done through courier service.

VAC Offices in Nigeria

There are only 2 offices for the Australian visa application center in Nigeria, both of which operate Monday – Friday.

Lagos Address

5th and 6th Floors, Etiebets Place, 21 Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Abuja Address

5th and 6th Floors, El-Yakub Mukhtar Place, Zakariya Maimakari Str., Abuja.

This is how to apply for Australian Visa in Nigeria. Bon voyage!

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