How to apply
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Important: The person who is to receive the visa must be outside Australia at the time the application is submitted.
Passport details
Your visa will be linked to the passport number you use in your application and you must use the same passport to travel to Australia. You must hold a valid national passport. A seafarer’s identity document is not acceptable.
If you obtain a new passport, you must advise the Brisbane Global Processing Centre of the new passport details before you travel to Australia. Otherwise, you may not be permitted to enter Australia.
See: Maritime Crew Visa Enquiry Form
Seafarer Passports
Some foreign nationals such as citizens of the People's Republic of China, Russia and Vietnam are issued Seafarers' Passports. If they hold both National and Seafarers' Passports, they should apply for the Maritime Crew Visa using their National passport.
Application charge
There is no charge for a Maritime Crew visa application.
Processing time
The table below provides guidance on processing times for applications.
| Lodgement method | Normal processing time |
Online |
One to three (3) days from the date of online lodgement. |
By post |
Four (4) weeks from the date that the Brisbane Global Processing Centre receives the application. |
Note: These times are to be used as a guide only. Applications may take longer if the Brisbane Global Processing Centre requires additional information as part of the assessment. You must respond to a request for further information within 28 days, or your application may be refused.
How to apply
The quickest and easiest way to apply is to lodge your application online. Online applications are encouraged as they require just one simple electronic form to be completed and are lodged and processed much faster than paper applications.
If you wish, you may complete a paper application form and send it by post or courier to the Brisbane Global Processing Centre in Australia.
With your knowledge and consent, a third party, such as a shipping agent, can complete and lodge your application on your behalf from information that you provide to the third party.
With your consent the third party may also be the contact person and authorised recipient for written communications about your application for a Maritime Crew visa.
Please ensure that all information requested in the application is complete, accurate and up to date.
See:
Applying Online
Applying with a paper application
Contacting the department
If you require additional information before lodging an application, contact the Brisbane Global Processing Centre.
Email: mcv@immi.gov.au