Primary Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must meet the following requirements:

• be entering Australia to either:
• undertake work or an activity in accordance with the terms and conditions of an agreement between a Commonwealth or state/territory government and a government of another country
• direct the operations of one of the following organisations:
• the British Council
• the Alliance Francaise
• the Goethe-Institut
• the Italian Cultural Institute.

Government agreement

A Government agreement is a bilateral agreement between a Commonwealth or state/territory government and a government of another country. Government agreements can cover a diverse range of activities.
Example: The agreement could be between the Department of Innovation, Science and Research, and their equivalent in France for the exchange of appropriately qualified scientists to undertake particular research.

Benefit to Australia

Regardless of the purpose of stay, your employment or engagement in Australia must be considered of benefit to Australia.

Financial requirements

You will need to demonstrate that you have adequate means, or access to adequate means, to support yourself during your stay in Australia (taking into account the work rights of you and all accompanying family members).

You may be asked to provide evidence of funds, such as employment contract, bank statements or a letter from your financial institution stating your financial position. Allowances, accommodation and other assistance can also be considered when looking at your ability to support yourself.

Health insurance requirements

You must hold adequate health insurance cover for the entire time you are in Australia. You should ensure your insurance will provide at least the level of coverage required for your purpose of stay. Your health insurance cover does not have to be held with an Australian insurer, arrangements made in your home country may be assessed as being acceptable.

As a guide to the level of health insurance the department will accept as adequate, refer to 'Attachment A' in the health insurance standard template letter.
See: Health Insurance Standard Template Letter (106KB RTF file)

This requirement may not apply to you if your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, and you are enrolled with Medicare.
See: Medicare Australia Health Care for Visitors to Australia

Medicare levy exemption

The Medicare Levy is a tax paid through the personal tax system in Australia. People granted temporary residence visas may be subject to the Medicare Levy. The Medicare Levy is based on the taxable income of the individual for each income tax year.

If you are from a country that has no reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, you and your dependents, who have not been entitled to Medicare benefits can seek an exemption from the Medicare levy in your end of financial year income tax return. Your lack of entitlement to Medicare benefits must be certified by the Minister for Health.

If you are from a country with reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, Medicare assistance is available for immediately necessary treatment. Nationals from reciprocal countries are therefore not exempt from the Medicare levy. You will need to complete a Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Form.
See: Medicare

Supporting documentation

You should provide:

• if entering under a Government agreement, evidence that you meet the terms and conditions of the relevant agreement and that your stay in Australia has been agreed to by both the Australian and foreign signatories to the agreement
• if not stated in the agreement, provide evidence that the Australian signatory to the agreement is satisfied that you will be employed or engaged in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices, and that you have complied with all necessary licensing or registration requirements
• if entering to direct the operations of a listed organisation, a statement of support from the relevant Foreign Ministry.

Health requirements

You must meet health requirements and may need to undergo a health examination.
See: Health Requirements

Character requirements

You must be of good character to enter Australia.
See: Character Requirements

Australian Values Statement

If you are aged 18 years or over, you must declare that you will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. For this visa, the values statement is included in the general declaration section of the application form. When you sign the application form it means you will also be signing the values statement. You will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if you wish.

You are also encouraged to gain an understanding of Australia, its people and their way of life, before applying for this visa.
See: Australian Values - Overview

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility