Struggling to find a clear course for your maritime crew’s immigration needs to Australia? Parish Patience can help steer you through the process of obtaining a 988 visa with ease. Our expertise can make it possible for you to have a lawful and hassle-free sailing to Australia. Let’s navigate these waters together and make your entire crew’s Australian voyage a smooth and confident one. Speak to one of our Australian immigration consultants in a scheduled meeting.
The 988 subclass visa is a temporary visa for maritime crew members and their qualified dependent family members to gain lawful entry to Australia together through an eligible ship when on an international voyage. This visa category allows foreign crew members to:
It’s important to note that you can only arrive lawfully in Australia by sea using this visa. Should you intend to fly to Australia for a specific purpose, you need to apply for a different valid visa that best suits your needs.
Do you tick all the boxes for your maritime crew visa? Let’s break down the subclass 988 visa conditions to make sure you’re on the right track:
These conditions are designed to ensure that you are only getting this visa for the purpose of your work as an articled crew member. If you wish to study, work, live in Australia, and travel by air, consider hiring a visa professional to explore other visa options.
Talk to one of our Visa Experts Now.
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to get you started on your 988 visa Australia voyage:
1
First things first. You must ensure that you meet all the requirements before lodging an application. This particularly includes being an eligible foreign crew member and that the ship you will be joining is likewise eligible. Examples of an eligible ship include one transporting commercial cargo or one with paying passengers.
2
Your next best step is to collect all pertinent documents to make sure your application is complete and error-free, and would lead to a visa grant. This shall include papers with your personal details and photo, employment documents and diploma, as well as health and character certificates if requested.
3
Once everything is in place, time to submit your application. Don’t forget to double-check for any missing documents. You can apply either online or via paper, however we recommend applying online using your ImmiAccount. You must be outside Australia when you apply. Notably, you must lodge your application well ahead of your travel.
4
The waiting game begins. Use this time to prepare for your move. If you hire a professional from Parish Patience, we will constantly update you about your application’s progress and communicate with the Department as needed.
The standard processing time for an Australian visa subclass 988 can range from five (5) to ten (10) days. It could be delayed if the Department is dealing with a high volume of applications at the time, or if applicants commit errors in their application or have incomplete documents.
There is no subclass 988 visa fee. However, it’s recommended that you still set aside money for additional requirements such as police certificates, health insurance, and biometrics.
Need professional assistance for your visa application process? Partner up with an Australian immigration agency that values efficiency, transparency, and personalised service.
Our team of visa experts is well-versed in the latest immigration regulations and guidelines so you can be 100% confident your application is not only complete and error free but also compliant.
No two clients have the exact same case and requirements. Our approach is therefore personalised to satisfy your individual needs and provide support that goes beyond just paperwork.
Established in 1888, we lost count of client success stories we’ve helped write through our team’s collective experience and expertise.
You will not be left hanging or in the dark about your application’s status. We’ll keep you in the know at every stage and help simplify the process by clearly responding to your curious queries with clarity.
From initial consultation to the final decision, we provide the assurance that you will receive all the support you need to guarantee not only a hassle-free processing of requirements but your real goal – having your visa granted.
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Navigating the visa application process with Parish Patience means you don’t have to do it all alone. We pride ourselves on making your Australian immigration voyage as smooth-sailing as it can possibly be. With our experienced lawyers and agents, our consulting firm’s accredited and award-winning reputation, and genuine commitment to your dream, we’re the best partner you could choose for your 988 visa application. Ready to take the first step towards your Australian future? Let’s make it all happen by contacting our office today.
The Australia visa subclass 988 is a non-permanent visa intended for articled maritime crew members who are to join an eligible ship to and from Australia.
You can get an Australia subclass 988 visa if you are a maritime crew member sailing to Australia on an eligible ship. You are also eligible to have this visa if you are either the spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child of an articled maritime crew member, provided you are sailing/travelling on the same ship together.
The subclass 988 visa duration typically lasts for up to three (3) years, or for as long as you remain an eligible foreign crew member of an eligible MCV ship in Australia and are fulfilling your normal operational duties.
With permission from the vessel master, and provided you are travelling on the same ship together, you can bring your family members, such as your partner or child. But they must apply separately.
Typically 5 to 10 days. It could take a tad longer if your application is missing some documents or if you don’t respond promptly to requests, if any, from the Department of Home Affairs for additional information.
There is no application charge for this visa but it’s best to have money for other requirements that may be requested, such as health insurance and police clearance.