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About Your Visa

About Your Visa

Introduction of the Visa Evidence Charge

From 24 November 2012, visa holders will need to pay a Visa Evidence Charge (VEC) of AUD 70 to have a visa label placed in their passport. The charge is being introduced as part of the user-pays initiatives and to encourage the use of online immigration services.

Do I need a visa label in my passport?

No. Australian authorities do not require a visa label in your passport to travel to, or enter or remain in Australia.

All Australia bound international commercial airlines and cruise ships are required to verify with Australian authorities that you have an Australian visa before you travel to Australia. Information on your visa status and entitlements is available on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

When you are in Australia you can access this information at any time using the VEVO system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements once they have your consent to do so.
Note: Organisations and individuals need to register to access VEVO.

What if I still need a visa label?

You can only request and pay for a visa label if you have a current Australian visa. Regardless of when your visa application was lodged, or your visa granted, anyone who requests a visa label will be charged.

How much is the charge for a label?

The charge for a visa label is AUD70. There will be exemptions to the VEC for humanitarian, diplomatic and government sponsored visa applicants.

For more information on how to make a request and details of exemptions, refer to Form 1405 Visa label request and payment.
See: Applications, Forms and Booklets

Are there any situations where I could be asked to show a visa label in my passport?

Foreign governments are aware that Australia does not require a visa label.

You should check with the relevant government authorities regarding requirements to show a visa label in your passport when you transit through or exit a country. The Australian Government cannot advise on other countries' requirements.

What is VEVO?

VEVO is a free online facility that allows visa holders and organisations to see details of current visas.

Organisations will only be able to see certain information relating to your status and entitlements.  You as the visa holder are provided with more detailed information including:

  • class and subclass of your visa
  • grant and expiry dates
  • grant number
  • entries allowed
  • all conditions that apply to your visa.

See: Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

What if I'm asked by my prospective Australian employer, school or bank to get a visa label?

A visa label is not required by the Australian immigration authority. Work, study and residence entitlements of visa holders can be verified online using VEVO. With your consent, the enquiring organisation can use VEVO to check your visa status and entitlements.
See: Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

Important things to remember:

Keep a copy of your grant letter with your passport when you travel, this letter contains all the important information about your visa.

Other things to keep in mind include:

  • Australian authorities do not require you to have a visa label in your passport.
  • Confirm requirements for visa labels with relevant authorities if you are transiting through or exiting a country.
  • When you have been granted an Australian visa, you can check your visa information online using VEVO.
  • Employers, schools, banks and other organisations can check your entitlements online with your consent using VEVO.

More information is available on the department's website.
See: Visa Evidence Charge and Travelling without a Visa Label FAQ (132KB PDF file)