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The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

The purpose of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is to 'enrich Australia through the well managed entry and settlement of people'.

Since its establishment in 1945, DIAC has managed the arrival and settlement in Australia of nearly seven million migrants from 200 countries, including more than 700 000 refugees under the Humanitarian Program.

DIAC's objectives

The department's key objectives, as set out in The DIAC Plan are to:

• Contribute to Australia’s future through managed migration;
• Protect refugees and contribute to humanitarian policy internationally;
• Contribute to Australia’s security through border management and traveller facilitation;
• Make fair and reasonable decisions for people entering and leaving Australia — ensuring compliance with Australia’s immigration laws and integrity in decision making;
• Support migrants and refugees to settle in the community and participate in Australian society; AND
• Promote Australian citizenship and a multicultural Australia.

Some of the visas processed by DIAC include:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and Visitor Visa

• The ETA replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and removes the need for application forms. If you are taking a holiday in Australia for less than 3 months, you are required to obtain a Tourist or Visitor Visa prior to travelling.
   Apply here for an ETA visa
   Information on tourist and travel visas

Working Holiday Maker Visa

• The Australian Working Holiday Visa gives young people between the ages of 18 and 30 the opportunity to work while travelling in Australia for a period of 12 to 24 months.
   Apply here for an Australian Working Holiday
   Information on Working Holiday visas

Skilled Independent

• The Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa for skilled people wishing to live and work in Australia. The visa grants work and settlement rights for anywhere in Australia, but carries the highest points pass mark of any Australian visa.
   Skilled Visa Online Assessment
   Information on Skilled Visas