Visiting Academics and Research Students

VISA information

There are currently tight restrictions on Australian borders, and the Department of Home Affairs may not process all 408 visas, there may be a significant delay on Visa processing time. Processing times may be viewed on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Overseas visitors must obtain the correct visa while engaged with training or research. Submit applications at least twelve (12) weeks in advance of the arrival date. Overseas visitors to UNE fall into the below Visa categories. The University’s sponsorship obligations include ensuring the visa most suitable for the purpose of the visit is applied for.

  • Visiting Academic/Student to collaborate on Australian-led research: Individuals who are associated with another institution who are invited by UNE to visit Australia to observe or participate in an Australian research project will apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
  • Visiting Academic/Student to attend Conference or Seminar only: no need to contact People and Culture, UNE. Visitor will apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600, 601 or 651), and will need to provide evidence of Conference/Seminar registration when submitting application.

Application Steps

1. Identify Visiting Academic/Research Student

UNE Academic identifies a potential collaborator with UNE. UNE is not obligated to accept Visiting Academics or Research Students. The Visitor must be invited to attend UNE. The visit must be held at a mutually agreeable time, and provide benefits for both parties.

2. Submit Visiting Nomination Request

Visiting Nomination Request

Please submit a Visiting Nomination Request which requires Head of Cost Centre approval. Please attach the following:

3. VLA assists Visitor with Visa Application

Professional Service Fees

Professional Fees of approximately $900 will be charged to the Cost Centre.

People and Culture will submit a request to Visa Lawyers Australia (VLA) who will then contact the Applicant (Visiting Academic/Research Student) and assist them through the Visa application process. The applicant will receive support and VLA will lodge the Visa application on their behalf and assist with any questions. VLA will notify the applicant and People and Culture/UNE when the visa is approved.

4. Confirm Commencement

UNE Academic notifies People and Culture when the Visitor has arrived, by completing the Confirmation of Commencement form. (PDF, 261.35 KB) People and Culture will email the Visitor with information to enable them to request a UNE email address, system and building access as required.

Foreign Email Addresses

Foreign Email Address Issue - UNE's spam software can occasionally prevent emails being received by peopleandculture@une.edu.au. If you receive emails required by People and Culture, UNE, from a Visitor, please forward these on to peopleandculture@une.edu.au.

Renewals and Extensions

The renewal process for a Visiting Academic/Visiting Research Student is the same as the initial appointment process above.

Any application to extend a current Visiting Academic/Visiting Research Student’s stay must be submitted to People and Culture no later than 4 weeks before their current end date. This allows time for the new visa application to be submitted and assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.