New eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa introduced for visitors from the European Union.

As part of its 27 October legislative changes, the Australian Government has introduced a new eVisitor (subclass 651) visa.  This visa  has been introduced as part of the Government’s commitment to support a uniform visa product for short-stay visitors from the European Union.

To be eligible to be granted an eVisitor (subclass 651), amongst other things, an applicant must hold an eVisitor eligible passport and genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily as a tourist or for business purposes.

Successful applicants can visit Australia on multiple occasions for 12 months immediately after the eVisitor (subclass 651) is granted. They can remain in Australia for up to three months on each occasion.

The amendments apply in relation to an application for an eVisitor made on or after 27 October 2008.

New application form 1362 (internet) must be used to apply for an eVisitor visa.

Other legislative changes introduced on 27 October include:

• Amendments to the Merits Review and Authorised Recipient Provisions and Section 193 of the Migration Act 1958
• Amendments to Create the New eVisitor
• Amendments to Create the New Superyacht Crew Visa
• Amendments to Adjust Certain Fees and Charges in Schedule 1 to the Migration Regulations 1994
• Evidence of Language Ability for Subclass 485 Visas
• Changes to Maritime Crew (Subclass 988) Visa to Enhance the Integrity of the Visa
• Amendments to Clarify Requirements for Working Holiday (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas

Further information is available from the DIAC website.