Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)

Sunday 5 November 2023

Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)

This article provides information about the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), which allows foreign crew members on eligible ships to enter Australia by sea for international voyages. It also covers the eligibility criteria, application process, visa conditions, and other important details.

Process

When applying for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), there are several important points to keep in mind:

Notes

Applicants must be outside Australia when applying.
Compliance with Australia's health and quarantine requirements is mandatory.
Applicants must be crew members or have a current offer to be a crew member on an eligible ship.
Ineligible ships include private sector research vessels, most fishing vessels, yachts, and superyachts.
Applicants must not be Australian citizens or holders of a permanent Australian visa.

It is important to note that applicants should seek assistance from authorized individuals or organizations when applying for the visa. Furthermore, applicants can check their Maritime visa status to stay updated on their application progress.

With this visa, you can...

Arrive and depart Australia by sea as a crew member of an eligible ship.
Stay in Australia for as long as you are signed on as a crew member of an eligible ship.
Sign off your ship to join another eligible ship or to leave Australia.
Perform work in Australia that meets the normal operational duties of a crew member.
Note that this visa does not allow entry to Australia by air; a separate valid visa is required for air travel.

Visa Stay

With the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), individuals can stay in Australia as long as they are crew members of an eligible ship that is in Australia.

Visa Cost

The Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) is free of charge.

Visa Processing Time

The processing times for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) can vary. Applicants can use the visa processing time guide tool for an indication of processing times specific to their application.

See All Conditions

To view all the conditions associated with the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), applicants can refer to the official website for detailed information.

Which Ships You Can Work On in Australia

Ships that meet the eligibility criteria for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) include:

Cargo ships carrying goods between Australia and international ports
International cruise ships with paying passengers
Foreign government-owned and operated research ships
Ships granted Public Vessel Status by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Ships registered on the Australian International Shipping Register under specific sections of Australia's Customs Act 1901

Ships that are not eligible for this visa include small marine crafts, yachts, superyachts, petroleum export tankers engaged in both offshore resource activity areas and Australian ports, trawlers and cable laying vessels, most fishing vessels, and research vessels not owned and operated by a foreign government.

Apply From

Applicants must be outside Australia when applying for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988). It is crucial not to travel to Australia without a valid visa.

How Long You Can Stay

The Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) is valid for three years. However, the visa may cease in certain situations such as working on an ineligible ship, performing work unrelated to ship operations, or not signing on to another eligible ship within a specified time frame after signing off the current ship.

Staying Longer

Applicants cannot apply for a new Maritime Crew visa while in Australia. It is essential to apply for another visa before the current one expires if plans change and the applicant cannot leave Australia within five days of signing off their ship.

Include Family

Family members can apply for the Maritime Crew visa if they are traveling on the same ship with permission from the vessel master. However, family members are not permitted to work in Australia on this visa.

Travel

Applicants can enter Australia by sea as a member of an eligible ship as many times as they want while the visa is valid. However, entering Australia by air with only a Maritime Crew visa is not allowed.

Your Obligations

Applicants and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and abide by Australian laws.

Health Insurance

While in Australia, applicants are personally responsible for their healthcare costs. It is recommended to have medical insurance to limit financial liability.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. Applicants can find more information about these agreements from Services Australia.

Visa Label

The Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) will be digitally linked to the passport. There will be no physical label in the passport.

Be Outside Australia

Applicants must be outside Australia when applying for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).

Be a Crew Member on a Maritime Crew Visa Eligible Ship

Applicants must be crew members on eligible ships taking international voyages to Australia. This includes individuals involved in routine maintenance or duties while the ship is at sea, as well as those conducting scientific research on foreign government-owned research ships.

Maritime Crew Visa Eligible Ship

To be eligible for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), the ship must engage in commercial trading of cargo between Australia and international ports, carry paying passengers, be owned and operated by a foreign government for scientific research, be approved for 'Public Vessel Status' by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or be imported or entered for home consumption under specific sections of Australia's Customs Act 1901 and registered on the Australian International Shipping Register.

Meet Our Character Requirement

Applicants must meet the character requirement set by the Australian government.

Pay Your Debts to the Australian Government

Applicants and their family members must have paid any debts owed to the Australian government before applying for the visa.

Not Had a Refused Application or Cancelled Visa

Applicants may not be eligible for the Maritime Crew visa if they have previously had a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia. It is important to check if visa cancellation affects eligibility.

Before You Apply

Prior to applying for the visa, applicants should check the status of their existing Maritime Crew visa if still valid. It is also crucial to apply well in advance of travel and ensure all necessary documents are provided.

Check Your Passport

If planning to get a new passport, it is recommended to do so before applying for the visa. The visa is linked to the passport number used in the application.

If Your Previous Maritime Crew Visa is Still Valid

If the previous Maritime Crew visa is still valid and the applicant plans to join a non-military ship in Australia, there is no need to apply for another visa unless it will expire before entering Australia or during the voyage. However, if flying to Australia to join a ship, a separate visa is required. It is also possible to hold a Maritime Crew visa simultaneously with another visa, but the Maritime Crew visa will be in effect while signed on to a non-military ship. If signing off the ship in Australia without another visa, the applicant has five days to depart, apply for another visa, or the Maritime Crew visa will cease.

Get Help With Your Application

Applicants can seek assistance from registered migration agents, legal practitioners, or exempt individuals when applying for the Maritime Crew visa. Written notification or specific forms should be provided to authorized recipients or immigration assistants.

Gather Your Documents

Applicants should gather all necessary documents, including identity documents, character documents, employment documents, education/qualification documents, partner documents, and dependent documents. These documents should be accurate and meet the requirements specified in the application.

Provide Accurate Documents

It is important to provide accurate information and ensure that all non-English documents are translated into English by qualified translators. Translators must include their full name, address, and contact details in English on each translation.

Identity Documents

Applicants should provide color copies of the relevant pages of their current passport, as well as a copy of their national identity card if applicable. Proof of change of name should also be provided if applicable.

Character Documents

Police certificates and any applicable military service records or discharge papers should be provided to meet the character requirements.

Employment Documents

Applicants should provide documentary proof of their employment on an eligible ship, including a statement from the vessel's local shipping/handling agent stating relevant details.

Education/Qualification Documents

Evidence of the highest recognized qualification related to employment as a crew member, such as educational certificates, should be provided.

Partner Documents

For partners applying for the visa, identity documents, character documents, and documents proving the relationship, such as marriage certificates or evidence of a de facto relationship, should be provided.

Dependants Under 18 Documents

For dependents under 18, identity documents, proof of the relationship, and copies of adoption papers if applicable should be provided. Parental responsibility documents should also be submitted if necessary.

Dependants 18 or Older Documents

To include dependents over 18 in the visa application, proof of the dependent's relationship, financial dependency, and any applicable character documents should be provided. Medical reports may also be necessary for dependents with physical or cognitive limitations.

Tell Us You Are Getting Help

If someone is appointed to receive correspondence or provide immigration assistance, written notification or specific forms should be submitted to inform the authorities.

For Online Applications

Applicants can apply online through ImmiAccount, attach the required documents, and submit family applications together. Each person traveling to Australia must complete an individual application.

For Paper Applications

If unable to apply online, applicants can complete Form 1273 (Application for a Maritime Crew (Temporary) visa) and send it by post, courier, or fax to the specified address. The envelope should be marked as 'Attention: Maritime Global Processing Centre'.

After You Apply

Applicants will receive confirmation of their application receipt. Status updates can be checked through ImmiAccount, and additional information may be requested if necessary.

Send Us More Information

If requested, applicants should provide any additional information as requested by the authorities.

Stay Lawful

While the application is being processed, applicants must ensure they hold a valid visa to stay lawful in Australia. Visa expiry should be closely monitored.

Mistakes on Your Application

If any mistakes are identified on the application, Form 1023 (Notification of incorrect answers) should be completed and attached through ImmiAccount.

Help With Your Application

If assistance is no longer required from authorized recipients or immigration advisors, written notification or specific forms should be provided to inform the authorities.

Tell Us If Things Change

Applicants should notify the authorities of any changes to their phone number, address, passport, marital status, the birth of a child, or if they wish to withdraw their application.

Visa Outcome

Applicants will receive a written decision regarding their visa application. If the visa is granted, the visa grant number, start date, and conditions will be provided. If the visa is refused, the reasons for refusal and the right to review the decision will be explained.

Coming to Australia

Check Your Travel Documents

Prior to travel, applicants must ensure they have a valid passport or travel document, the passport used in the application, and a valid visa if entering Australia by air.

Check That Any Ship That You Will Be On in Australia Is a Maritime Crew Visa Eligible Ship

Before joining a ship in Australia, applicants should verify that the ship is eligible for the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).

In Australia

What You Must Do on Your Visa

While in Australia, applicants must follow all visa conditions and abide by Australian laws.

Staying Longer

Applicants cannot apply for a Maritime Crew visa while in Australia. It is crucial to hold a valid visa for the entire duration of stay and apply for another visa before the current one expires if necessary. Extensions may be granted in limited circumstances, and applicants should contact the authorities for more information.

Working

Maritime Crew visa holders can only work as crew members on eligible ships. Workplace rights and entitlements should comply with the regulations and standards set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.