Fact Sheet 57 - International Event Coordinator Network
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What is the IECN?
In October 1999, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship established the International Event Coordinator Network (IECN). This was in recognition of the importance of tourism to the Australian economy, and to demonstrate the ongoing commitment to facilitating the entry of genuine visitors.
The IECN has been instrumental in organising large sporting events in Australia such as the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships.
What services does the IECN offer?
The IECN provides a free visa facilitation service to event organisers and participants. IECN coordinators provide advice on visa requirements and facilitate visa application processing of international visitors invited to speak at, perform in, compete in or attend an event, conference or meeting in Australia.
IECN coordinators are available in each departmental Australian State or Territory office.
All travellers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. They cannot apply for a visa on arrival.
Note: New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders do not need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure as they will receive a visa upon arrival in Australia.
What do IECN coordinators do?
- help you identify the right visas and understand visa requirements
- notify the department's overseas visa offices of:
- an expected event, conference or meeting
- invited or registered international visitors
- seek to resolve any issues with supporting documentation for visa applications
- explain the visa decision process and timeframes.
What event types does the IECN assist?
The IECN offers assistance with the following:
- meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE)
- academic conferences and seminars
- agricultural and economic forums
- business forums and meetings
- cultural and arts-based events
- direct selling conventions
- IT exhibitions
- medical and scientific conventions
- sporting competitions
- training courses of less than three (3) months.
Assistance for event organisers
Event organisers are encouraged to contact the IECN as early as possible in their event planning process to obtain appropriate guidance and assistance in order to facilitate problem-free visa arrangements for intending participants.
IECN assistance does not guarantee visa grant for intending event participants. All participants intending to visit Australia for an event, conference or meeting must meet all visa requirements to be granted the appropriate visa.
Visa options for intending participants
International visitors seeking to attend an event, conference or meeting in Australia are encouraged to apply for the appropriate visa at least four (4) to six (6) weeks before their departure for Australia.
IECN coordinators provide advice on the most appropriate visa.
- Business visitor
See: Business Visit Visa Options
- Entertainment and sporting
See: Special Activities Visa Options
Passports must be valid for travel and the period of intended stay.
Contact us
Complete our online enquiry form.
See: Organising Events, Conferences and Meetings in Australia
| You are calling from... | Telephone |
|---|---|
| outside Australia | +61 1300 550 684 |
| within Australia – for the cost of a local call | 1300 550 684 |
Note: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
What you cannot bring into Australia
For information on what you can and cannot bring into Australia, refer to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) web site.
See: www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/business
Confidentiality
In accordance with the Commonwealth of Australia's Privacy Act 1988, information passed on to the IECN by an event organiser or participant will only be used to facilitate visa processing.
See: Privacy
Further information is available on the department's web site.
See: www.immi.gov.au
The department also operates a national telephone service inquiry line.
Telephone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (recorded information available outside these hours) for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.
Fact Sheet 57. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Revised 30 January 2007.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2007.