We recommend that applicants apply for their visa at least 6-8 weeks before their intended travel date to Australia.
Please note, the implementation of the new Biometrics Program for visa applicants lodging a paper-based application in the following countries; France, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/biometrics/offshore/countries.htm

Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival). For more information, see the fact sheet: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm
There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa option will depend, amongst other things, on the person's purpose for visiting Australia.

Please see the attachment below for guidance on the Visa Options

All visa applicants will be required to meet certain character and health requirements as part of their visa application process. These requirements exist to uphold the safety and security of the Australian community. The following links provide further information on these requirements, see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/ and http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/

If you require an invitation letter for visa purposes please contact the Conference secretariat as below. Please note this procedure is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference. It is not an official invitation covering fees and other expenses. It does not imply any financial support from the Conference.

Belinda Bucknell
Personal Assistant to the Directorate of CIAO
School of Science, Information Technology & Engineering
University of Ballarat Mt Helen Campus
PO Box 663 Ballarat Victoria 3353
AUSTRALIA

Fax: + 61 3 5327 9289
Tel: +61 3 5327 9949
Email: b.bucknell@ballarat.edu.au