Visa applications
All international delegates require an Australian visa or travel authority before travelling. Australia operates a universal visa system, meaning every visitor must hold a valid visa to enter the country. The information below summarises the main visa options relevant to forum attendees. Full details and current application forms are published by the Australian Border Force.
Begin your application through the official Australian Border Force portal. Applications are made online via ImmiAccount, where you can create a profile, lodge your application, upload supporting documents, and track progress.
Visitor visas
The Visitor visa is the most common pathway for short-term business visitors attending a conference. Delegates travelling for tourism, short business visits, or to attend the forum may apply under the Visitor visa program. The Visitor visa framework covers tourism, business visitor, and sponsored family visitor streams.
For the full Visitor visa page, including eligibility, documentation, and application steps, refer to the Australian Border Force:
Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
For delegates whose primary purpose is to participate in specific activities connected with the forum, the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) may be appropriate. This visa covers short-stay, highly specialised work, including invited speakers and presenters participating in approved events.
General information for visa applicants
All applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements before a visa can be granted. Prepare your documentation ahead of lodging, and review the relevant fact sheets below before submitting your application.
| Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|
| Health requirements | border.gov.au — Visa health requirements |
| Character requirements | border.gov.au — Visa character requirements |
| Special Category visa (New Zealand passport holders) | border.gov.au — Fact sheet 17nz |
| Lodge online via ImmiAccount | border.gov.au/immiaccount |
Conference enquiries
Conference administration is handled by Leishman Associates. For visa-related questions connected to your attendance, contact the conference office at samantha@foa2019.com or by phone on +61 3 6234 7844. Office address: 227 Collins St, HOBART TAS 7000.
For general visa policy and application status, please contact the Australian Border Force directly.
When preparing to travel internationally for a scientific meeting, understanding visa requirements is an essential early step in the planning process. Delegates should allow generous lead time before departure, since application procedures can involve documentation, identity checks, and processing windows that vary by country of origin. Familiarising yourself with the official immigration guidance well in advance helps avoid last-minute disruptions to travel arrangements and ensures a smoother journey overall.
For short stays focused on attending a conference or forum, a visitor visa is commonly the most appropriate pathway for international participants. Applicants are typically asked to demonstrate the purpose of their visit, the duration of their stay, and their intention to return to their home country. Supporting materials such as event confirmation details and proof of accommodation can strengthen an application, although exact requirements are set by the relevant immigration authority.
The Temporary Activity visa category is designed for individuals travelling to participate in specific, time-limited activities, including certain international events and professional engagements. This option may suit delegates whose attendance involves defined roles within the programme, such as presenting research, contributing to workshops, or supporting organisational tasks. As with all visa types, eligibility is assessed against the criteria published by the issuing department, and applicants should review the latest guidance carefully.
General information for visa applicants usually includes practical advice on completing forms accurately, gathering supporting evidence, and attending any required appointments at visa application centres. Many applicants also benefit from understanding processing times, potential interview requirements, and the need to maintain clear communication with immigration offices throughout the process. Organisers often provide reference materials to help participants prepare, though the final responsibility for a compliant application rests with the traveller.
Beyond the visa itself, delegates are encouraged to consider broader travel preparations alongside their application. This includes reviewing entry conditions, understanding customs expectations, and confirming any health or character declarations that may form part of the arrival process. Careful preparation allows international attendees to focus on the scientific content of the forum rather than administrative concerns, contributing to a productive and welcoming experience for participants travelling from around the world.