Primary Applicant Eligibility

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

• be sponsored by an approved visiting academic sponsor
• have been nominated by your sponsor to fill a position
• have been invited to observe or participate in an Australian research project
• have qualifications and experience which match those required for the nominated position
• have a significant record of achievement in your field
• have adequate means to support yourself and any accompanying secondary applicants while in Australia
• have health insurance for yourself and any secondary applicants.

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 school fees for dependent children if applicable.

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

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

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.
See: Medicare > Medicare Forms > Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Form

Health

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

Character

You and your secondary applicants 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