Visa Information

The Department of Home Affairs has advised the organising committee on the following visa advice.

DISCLAIMER:

The visa information provided on this website is for general reference only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice.

The WEC 2026 organising committee does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the visa information presented. Changes in laws, regulations, and policies can occur at any time.

The WEC 2026 organising committee is not responsible for the outcome of any individual visa application or the decision made by immigration authorities. The final determination of visa eligibility rests solely with the relevant government agencies.

Users are advised to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or authorized representative before submitting a visa application. The WEC 2026 organising committee disclaims any liability for decisions made based solely on the information provided here.

Visa options

Participants, attendees, and speakers that will not be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:

NB: Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds.

Visitor (subclass 600) Business stream visa applicants should include as much information as possible to support their visa applications (see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/business-visitor-stream#HowTo). In addition, visa applicants should include the following information:

  • evidence of any international travel outside of their own country (for example, copies of visas and passport pages containing entry and departure stamps)
  • information and evidence of attendance at similar events of this type/nature.

NB: Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601) applicants from Malaysia should note that there may be additional information and documentary requirements. For more information please see: https://malaysia.highcommission.gov.au/klpr/Visas_and_Migration.html

New Zealand Citizens:

New Zealand passport holders are eligible to apply for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) (SCV) on arrival in Australia. If they satisfy the eligibility requirements (including health (tuberculosis) and character) the SCV will be granted.
New Zealand passport holders need to present the following documents to Australian Border Force (ABF) officers or SmartGate machines) in immigration clearance:

  • a valid New Zealand passport
  • a completed and signed IPC, including a health and character declaration.

New Zealand citizens with criminal convictions (that resulted in an imprisonment term, and whether or not this was suspended) should complete the enquiry form prior to their intended date of travel to receive guidance on whether they may not be eligible for the SCV. This will help to avoid delays or being refused entry at the border – Enquiry Form – New Zealand passport holders travelling with a criminal conviction (Home Affairs). See Special Category visa (Home Affairs) for further information.

NB: These are the visa options available presently, but the Department reserves the right to change regulations.

Biometrics:

Visa applicants outside of Australia will need to provide biometrics when they apply for a visa that is part of the Australian biometrics program, or where they are from a country, or located in a country at time of application that is part of the Australian biometrics program.

For information regarding Australia’s biometric program including visas and countries that are part of the program, please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

Health and Character Requirements:

Most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before they can be granted ​a visa, and the department may assess your health as part of the visa application process. This is referred to as ‘meeting the health requirement’. For more information regarding health requirements please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

Applicants must be of good character to visit Australia and must meet the character requirements to be granted ​a visa. For further information regarding character requirements please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

Visa Application Process and Processing Times:

Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

  • whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
  • how promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
  • how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
  • how long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
  • when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account

Processing times are impacted each month by cases that are complex, changes to volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions. More information about visa processing times please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/overview. For this reason, we would advise that visa applications be lodged at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel.

NB: IECN assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.

Travellers should familiarise themselves with Australia’s border and entry requirements. For further information, see ‘Entering and leaving Australia’ at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia