How to apply

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 should 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 applied electronically and have both your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and passport details you can access your grant letter.
See: Access Your Grant Letter

If you obtain a new passport after your Maritime Crew visa (MCV) has been granted, your new passport details will be entered into departmental systems upon arrival and verification in Australia.

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 five working days from the date of online lodgement.
By post	Four weeks from the date that the Maritime Global Processing Centre receives the application.

Note: These times are to be used as a guide only. Applications may take longer if the Maritime 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 Maritime 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

Check if a Maritime Crew Visa is held

Use this facility to check if you have a valid Maritime Crew visa.
See: MCV Online Status Enquiry

Further information – contact the department

Detailed information about the Maritime Crew visa is available.
See: Maritime Crew Visa

You can contact the department for further information on the Maritime Crew visa.
Email: mcv@immi.gov.au