Australia Visitor Visa Overview For Vietnamese Citizens
Vietnamese citizens need a visa before entering Australia. For tourism, visiting family or a holiday, you apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream from outside Australia. The stay granted is typically up to 3, 6 or 12 months depending on your case.
Key Differences From Other Visas
- Fully online application: The entire application is lodged through an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website — there is no paper lodgement at the embassy.
- Separate biometrics step: After lodging, you are invited to an AVAC (operated by VFS Global) to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Note: Policy and process can change. Check the latest information at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.
Australia Visa Process Step By Step
- Step 1 — Create an ImmiAccount: Register a free account on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Step 2 — Complete the online form: Fill in the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream application and upload your supporting documents and photo.
- Step 3 — Pay the fee: Pay the base charge by international card directly in ImmiAccount.
- Step 4 — Provide biometrics: After lodging, you receive an invitation to attend an AVAC in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang for fingerprints and a photo.
- Step 5 — Wait for the decision: Track your application status directly in ImmiAccount.
Australia Visa Photo Requirements
Australia visa photos follow Department of Home Affairs standards. Crucially, Australia requires the photo to be unedited — a rule applicants often get wrong.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (3.5 x 4.5 cm) |
| Head size | 32-36 mm chin to crown (~70-80% of photo height) |
| Background | Plain neutral or light-grey, uniform — NOT pure white |
| Glasses | No glasses unless medically required |
| Headwear | No headwear except for religious reasons |
| Validity | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Editing | Must be unedited — do not remove/replace background or retouch |
| File format (ImmiAccount upload) | JPEG, 70 KB to 3.5 MB, about 1200 x 1600 px |
Special Rule: Photos Must Be Unedited
Unlike many countries, Australia requires the photo to be original and unprocessed. You must not remove the background, replace it, or retouch/beautify the skin. Applications with edited photos can be rejected. This means the background must be correct at capture time — not created in software.
Neutral Background, Not Pure White
Australia requires a plain neutral or light-grey background, uniform and without patterns — not a pure white background like many other visas. A light-grey background keeps the outline of the face and hair clearly separated from the backdrop, as the Department of Home Affairs expects.
Documents For The Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Core Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, scan of the bio page
- Visa photo: 35x45mm neutral/light-grey background, unedited
- National ID scan: Front and back
- Travel itinerary: Planned details of your trip
- Invitation letter (if visiting): From relatives/friends in Australia
Proof Of Funds
- Bank statements: Last 3-6 months
- Balance confirmation: Sufficient to cover the trip
- Assets (if any): Savings books, property or vehicle papers
Employment & Ties To Vietnam
- Employees: Labour contract + leave approval
- Business owners: Business registration + tax records
- Students: Student confirmation + sponsor financials
- Retirees: Retirement decision + pension book
Where To Provide Biometrics (AVAC)
After lodging online, you provide fingerprints and a photo at an Australia Visa Application Centre (AVAC) operated by VFS Global:
- Hanoi: AVAC Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City: AVAC HCMC
- Da Nang: AVAC Da Nang
Australia Visa Fee
The base charge for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is set in Australian dollars (AUD) and currently sits at a few hundred AUD. This fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused.
The fee can change. Please verify the current fee directly on ImmiAccount when you apply, as the system shows the exact amount at the point of payment.
Processing Time
- Typical timeline: A few weeks for most applications
- Recommendation: Apply 1-2 months ahead of your travel date as a buffer
Create Your Australia Visa Photo Now
35x45mm size - Correct neutral/light-grey background - Meets Department of Home Affairs rules
Get StartedSee also: Australia visa photo page — full size, background and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't the Australia visa photo have its background removed or edited?
The Department of Home Affairs requires an original photo for accurate identification. Removing the background, replacing it, or retouching to beautify all count as tampering and can lead to refusal. Capture the correct background at the time of the photo instead of fixing it in software.
What background colour does the Australia visa photo need? Can I use white?
The background must be plain neutral or light-grey, uniform and without patterns. Australia does not use a pure white background like many other visas — light-grey keeps the face and hair clearly separated from the backdrop.
Do I need to visit the embassy to submit paper documents?
No. The entire Australia visitor visa application is lodged online via ImmiAccount. You only attend an AVAC to provide fingerprints and a biometric photo after lodging.
What must the photo file uploaded to ImmiAccount meet?
The uploaded photo must be a JPEG, between 70 KB and 3.5 MB, about 1200 x 1600 px. This is the digital photo for the online application, which differs from any printed photo you may need at the biometrics appointment.
How far ahead should I apply for the Australia visa?
Processing usually takes a few weeks but can be longer in peak season. Apply about 1-2 months before your planned departure to allow time for biometrics and the decision.
Is the Australia visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The base charge for the subclass 600 visa is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Prepare a complete and honest application before lodging.