Primary Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.

You must:

• be invited by an approved Special Program organisation to participate in an approved Special Program
• have a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia to undertake the approved Special Program, and to comply with the conditions of your visa.
  

For youth exchange programs and the School Language Assistants Program (SLAP) you must also:

• be under 31 years of age.

Financial requirements

You should be able to demonstrate that you have adequate means of support to cover all expenses associated with your stay in Australia, including the ability to pay for return air fares to your home country and school fees for dependent children if applicable. You may be asked to provide documentary evidence such as:

• bank statements
• a letter from your financial institution stating your financial position
• a guarantee of financial support from a family member who can demonstrate that they have adequate funds to support you.

Note: Allowances, accommodation and other assistance can be considered when looking at your ability to support yourself and the secondary applicants included in the application.

Health requirements

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

Health insurance requirements

You must hold adequate private medical and hospital 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.

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

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 eligibility requirements.
See: Other eligibility