Australia•OceaniaVaries
Free
Valid as long as the prescribed status is held
No
Not Required
Allowed
No
Allowed
The Australian Special Purpose visa is a statutory exemption under the Migration Act 1958, granted automatically with no application or fee to people holding 'prescribed status'. Categories include foreign military personnel under SOFA, airline crew, ship crew, diplomatic guests, and Royal Family members.
The visa remains valid while prescribed status is maintained and ceases immediately if that status ends. Work is restricted to duties tied to the prescribed status. Eligible dependents, such as foreign armed forces family members, may qualify in their own right. No pathway to permanent residency.
This visa is ideal for foreign military personnel, airline crew, ship crew, and official government guests whose entry is a matter of official duty rather than personal migration intent.
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Canada
United Kingdom
Singapore
United StatesMust hold a 'prescribed status' as defined by the Migration Act 1958.
Examples of prescribed status include: members of certain foreign armed forces, crew of non-military ships visiting Australia, airline crew, or official guests of the Australian Government.
Must hold a valid passport or other travel document.
Military personnel must travel with Military ID and movement orders.
Must comply with the laws and conditions associated with the specific status.
Education
none or higher
Valid passport or travel document.
Evidence of prescribed status (e.g., Military ID and movement orders for armed forces, employer documentation for airline crew, seafarer documentation for ship crew).
Any other documentation required by the specific status (e.g., official invitation for government guests).
| Application Steps | No formal application is required.; The visa is granted automatically by operation of law upon arriv… | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Dependent Visa | Certain dependents may be eligible | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Fee Breakdown | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Fees | No fee | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Forms | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Included Nationalities | Canada; Singapore; United Kingdom; United States | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Job Offer Required | false | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Official Info | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/special-purpose-visa | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
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