Visas and Immigration
The Australian Embassy in Harare does not provide visa advice or services
Visa applications for Australia are processed in various locations following lodgement through an online ImmiAccount. Below is a general guide to the visa lodgement Process.
- Make use of the Home Affairs website to determine which visa subclass is most appropriate for your intended travel. You should be aware that you may not be eligible to apply for some subclasses. The webpage Explore Your Options will help you explore available subclasses.
- Make use of the Details tab against each visa option to determine which option is best for you. Please read all of the information and follow the step by step guide. Click Apply when you have chosen your visa subclass.
- You will need to create an ImmiAccount to be able to lodge your online application. Information on the ImmiAccounts page will help you create your ImmiAccount and lodge your application.
- Once your application has been lodged please check your ImmiAccount regularly for any requests for additional action or information. Your application decision letter will also be recorded in your ImmiAccount.
- If you receive a request for further action please ensure that you meet the deadline listed within the request letter.
- If your visa is granted the details of the grant will be listed in your grant letter. Please do not lose this letter as it contains important information. You will not receive a visa label as your grant will be linked electronically to your passport.
Submitting biometrics
Once you have applied for your visa and if you receive a Biometric requirement letter from the Department of Home Affairs, you will need to book an appointment through Home Affairs' Service Delivery Partner, VFS Global to submit your biometric information during which your fingerprints and photo will be captured at the Biometric Collection Centre.
To book an appointment, you will first need to register on the VFS Global website. A confirmation email with your login ID and password will be sent to you. Thereafter you will be able to schedule an appointment using these login credentials.
You will need to pay the VFS Global service fee at the Biometric Collection Centre. The service fee is per person, inclusive of all taxes, and must be paid at the centre. Fee once paid will not be refunded.
The Australian Biometric Collection Centre is located at:
Block 6 West Wing Celestial Office Park, Borrowdale Road, Borrowdale, Harare
Need further information?
For information regarding visa requirements please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
For application specific information please call the Home Affairs Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, open Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700 (local time).
To update information on your visa application please upload documentation via your ImmiAccount. You may also use the online Enquiry Form.
Emails sent via incorrect email accounts will not be responded to. The Consular mailboxes will not respond to visa enquiries.
To make an appointment to provide your biometrics please contact our Service Delivery Partner, VFS Global. More information can be found using the following link - VFS Global.
Have a technical problem with your ImmiAccount?
If you experience any technical difficulties with your ImmiAccount please refer to the following advice on the Home Affairs website: ImmiAccount Technical Help.
If you are still unable to resolve your issue submit your enquiry via the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form
Visa Lodgement Scams
There are increasing reports of persons intending on travelling to Australia being scammed during the visa application process. The victims are paying large amounts of money to ‘travel agents’ to lodge Australian visa applications on their behalf. In many cases an application is never lodged or bogus information and documentation is provided to the Department of Home Affairs resulting in a visa being refused and the applicant potentially being excluded from applying for a further Australia visa for a period of up to 10 years.
A number of people have been scammed, having lost their money and will not receive a visa to Australia.
For further information on visa scams please see the below links.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/visa-scams/overview
Applicants are urged not to use unregistered third party providers to lodge visa applications. Persons wishing to travel to Australia can lodge their own visa applications through their own Immi Account. Guidance is provided on the Home Affairs website. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online
Alternatively, applicants can seek to engage the services of a migration agent. The Office of the MARA maintains registration for Migration Agents. Please see https://www.mara.gov.au/ for details on how to verify an agents registration.
Please note that the Department of Home Affairs will never send unsolicited communication including emails and letters. All email addresses and websites for Australian Government Departments, such as the Department of Home Affairs or the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), will always end with the domain ‘.gov.au’. Caution should be exercised if correspondence claiming to come from a Government Department does not conform to this forma
Citizenship
If you are interested in apply for Australian citizenship, please see the following website for information on eligibility and how to apply:
Home Affairs web links
Below are a number of links to frequently asked questions. The Home Affairs website should be your first option when planning any travel to Australia.
See: Visit Australia if you would like to visit Australia for tourism or for business meetings
See: Work in Australia if you would like to work in Australia
See: Skill Select if you would like to migrate as a skilled migrant
See: Study in Australia if you would like to study in Australia
See: Family Migration if you would like to bring your family or partner to Australia
See: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen- There are a number of pathways to become an Australian citizen
See: General information and enquiry forms
See: What is an ImmiAccount and how does it work
See: My visa is about to expire – what do I do?
See: Information on Biometrics
See: Where do I book an appointment for my biometrics?
See: General Refund Provisions
See: How do I update my passport or other details on my application?
See: Where can I go to complete my medicals?
See: How long will it take to process my application and is my application within the 90% processing time frame?
See: FAQs