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Visa Information

Please read the below information carefully and be sure to make your visa application in a timely manner.

You can click here to download a useful spreadsheet that can be used for any delegate who is struggling to have their visa processed or processed.

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:

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

Attendees, speakers and exhibitors that will be working, or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event may be eligible to apply for one of the following visa options:

Please note that a the letter of support from an Australian organisation is a legislative requirement for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Invited participant visa.

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

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 4 to 6 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel.

Visitor (subclass 600) Business 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: IECN assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.

To assist timely processing by Australia's visa offices overseas, you can complete the attached bio-data collection sheet as event participants are invited to your event and email it to: [email protected]

NB: In accordance with Australia's Privacy Act 1988, any information an event organiser or participant provides to the IECN will only be used to facilitate visa processing with the relevant Australian visa office overseas.  

Travellers should familiarise themselves with Australia’s border and entry requirements.  For further information, see ‘Entering and leaving Australia’ at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/entering-and-leaving-australia

Please feel free to contact the IECN team if you need any further assistance or to discuss our service in more detail.  For further information regarding the International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/bringing-someone/bringing-for-activities.

Registration Cut-off and Cancellation Policy

Please note the registration cut off is 31st May.

We will not be offering refunds for delegates who cancel their registration after this date.
 

The DFK International Conference is sold to delegates as a package and it will not be possible to offer refunds to delegates that opt out of the core elements, which include the welcome reception and dinner; all business sessions; and the social activities and meals. Some activities are optional and are at an additional cost – this is clearly indicated where applicable.

Other than in exceptional circumstances, refunds to delegates who need to cancel will only be provided to the extent to which DFK is able to recover costs from suppliers. 

Cancellations must be notified in writing to [email protected] no later than 31st May 2024 to avoid charges. After this date, charges will apply. Members are permitted to allocate their place to another delegate from their firm to avoid cancellation charges.

All travel and hotel costs are the responsibility of delegates and guests. DFK take no liability for these costs.

Minimum numbers are applicable to some activities and if we do not reach that minimum number, we reserve the right to cancel the activity before we go on-site. In this instance, you will be pre-notified.

Delegate obligations

  • Delegates agree to comply with any requirements communicated by DFK or Event venue employees, contractors or agents, including instructions relating to health and safety, fire safety or consumption of food and drinks.
  • Delegates must inform DFK of any specific access or other requirements (e.g. dietary requirements) as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any case before the date of the Event.
  • Delegates agree to conduct themselves appropriately in their attendance at the Event. DFK reserves the right to exclude or remove from the Event any person for disruptive, inappropriate, or abusive behaviour, at its absolute sole discretion.

Indemnity

  • Delegates shall indemnify DFK in full for any direct or indirect loss or damage it incurs as a result of the delegate’s acts or omissions, including any losses arising from damage to the venue, DFK or third-party property or failure to comply with any requirements specified by DFK.

Limited Liability

  • DFK will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of delegates, but will not be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of use, costs or expenses, or other claims whether caused by DFK, its employees, contractors or agents arising from delegates taking part in an Event. 

Nanny Agency

Little Lovelies Nanny Agency

If you require babysitting services during your stay you can contact Little Lovelies Nanny Agency.

DFK is not responsible for booking or vetting this service. This is the delegates own responsibility.