Online applications
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Time of application
The date and time you lodge your application will be according to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) in the Australian Capital Territory (incorporating daylight savings time, if in effect). In some cases, this may result in the date of lodgement recorded on your receipt being different to the date in the country in which you lodge your application.
Important: This may affect your eligibility for this visa. For example, if you lodge your application on the day before your 45th birthday, the difference in date may mean you are already 45 years of age according to Australian Eastern Standard Time. For points tested visas it may also affect your points score if your application is lodged on the day before your 30th, 35th or 40th birthday (because points for age reduce on these birthdays).
Saving online applications
You can use the 'save' function to save your incomplete online application and return to it at a later time. Saved applications will generally be stored for 28 days. Applications not lodged after this time may be automatically deleted from the system. If this happens, you will need to start your online application again.
Transaction reference number
The Transaction Reference Number (TRN) is a unique number assigned to each online application lodged. When you have lodged your application, a receipt for your payment and a TRN will appear on the screen. You should print the payment receipt for your records. When your application has been successfully lodged, you will not be able to receive a refund of the visa application charge. The TRN is important as you can use it to:
- identify your application when communicating with the department about your application
- access information about the progress of your application at any time prior to finalisation.
See: Check the progress of an application
Visa Entitlement Verification Online
If you apply online and your visa is granted, the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service will allow you to check the following:
- visa details
- visa entitlements
- visa grant number
- visa conditions.
Note: You must provide a password for VEVO in your online application to access the VEVO service.
The VEVO service may also be used by government agencies to help assess your eligibility for Government services.
The department will disclose information about your visa to an employer or other party only with your consent. You can give your consent to an enquiry about your visa entitlements by providing the employer or other party with your name, date of birth, passport number and passport country of issue. Important: If you do not wish the employer or other party to find out about your visa entitlements, do not give them this information.
See: Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for eVisa Holders
Application information
This information helps you with the requirements for certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, and more.
See: Additional information for your application
Important: Applicants who provide false or misleading information may either have their applications refused, or their visa to remain in Australia cancelled.
After you lodge your application
Information about what happens after you lodge your application.
See: After you lodge your application
Starting your online application
When you start your online application, you will be asked a series of questions to determine whether you are eligible to apply online. If the eVisa system indicates you are not eligible to apply online, you will need to post or courier a 'paper' application to the department instead of continuing with your online application.
See: Online Applications – Professionals and other Skilled Workers