Schengen visa from Sri Lanka
Schengen Visa
Guidance for Sri
Lankan Applicants
Planning a holiday in Schengen, a visit to family or friends, or a university or vocational course at an European institution? Understand the process clearly before you apply.
A considered approach
Professional Guidance From Kandy, Across Sri Lanka
The Visa Central provides professional Australia immigration guidance for Sri Lankan applicants, helping tourists, families and students prepare well-organised applications for the Visitor visa (Subclass 600) and Student visa (Subclass 500).
We assist with visitor applications, Confirmation of Enrolment guidance, Genuine Student statement support, financial evidence preparation and application support through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system.
Our goal is simple: to help you understand the Australian immigration process clearly before you apply.
Requirements can change with nationality, purpose of travel, financial circumstances, documentation, travel history and visa category. We provide professional guidance, document preparation support and application assistance tailored to your position.
FREE Visa checklist's
Australia visa from Sri Lanka
Professional Guidance From Kandy,
Across Sri Lanka
The Visa Central provides professional Australia immigration guidance for Sri Lankan applicants, helping tourists, families and students prepare well-organised applications for the Visitor visa (Subclass 600) and Student visa (Subclass 500).
We assist with visitor applications, Confirmation of Enrolment guidance, Genuine Student statement support, financial evidence preparation and application support through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system.
Our goal is simple: to help you understand the Australian immigration process clearly before you apply.
Why Choose The Visa Central for Your Australia Application?
Student Visa Consultation Australia Visitor Visa Consultation Sponsored Family Stream Guidance ImmiAccount Application Support CoE and Institution Selection Support Biometrics Guidance Financial Evidence Guidance Invitation Letter Guidance OSHC Guidance Refusal Case Review Student Visa Consultation Document Checklist Preparation |
Compare pathways
Two Main Pathways to Australia
Subclass 600
Visitor Visa
Who it is for
This type of visa is for Tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips.
Important considerations
Sri Lankan citizens require a visa before travel. Stay length and conditions depend on the stream, circumstances and assessing officer’s decision.
Subclass 500
Student Visa
Who it is for
Full-time study in a CRICOS-registered Australian school, college or university.
Important considerations
Applicants need a Confirmation of Enrolment and must address study intentions, financial capacity, health cover and other relevant requirements.
Visitor visa · Subclass 600
Australia Visitor Visa
The Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is the main visa category for tourism, business visitor activities or visiting family. It does not permit paid work in Australia; limited business activities are allowed only under the Business Visitor stream.
Tourist Stream
For holidays, sightseeing, leisure travel, or visiting relatives and friends.
Sponsored Family Stream
For applicants sponsored by a close eligible family member in Australia, with stronger sponsor documentation generally required.
Business Visitor Stream
For meetings, negotiations or conferences without entering the Australian labour market.
Visitor Visa Requirements
Genuine temporary intent
Show that you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and comply with visa conditions.
Valid travel document
Provide a valid passport, ideally with sufficient validity beyond planned travel dates.
Sufficient funds
Show funds reasonably supporting your stay and return journey; there is no fixed published minimum for everyone.
Health and character
A medical examination or police clearance may be requested in some cases.
Ties to Sri Lanka
Evidence of employment, business, family or property may help demonstrate your intention to return.
Visitor Visa Requirements
Health and character
- Passport
- Previous passports, if available
- National identity card
- Passport-size photographs meeting Department specifications
Financial Documents
- Personal bank statements
- Salary slips
- Fixed deposit documents
- Business bank statements, if self-employed
- Proof of property or other assets, if applicable
Employment / Business Documents
- Employment letter confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Business registration and company profile, if self-employed
- Evidence of active business operations
Travel & Purpose Documents
- Travel itinerary
- Accommodation booking or address in Australia
- Invitation letter from host, if applicable
- Evidence of relationship with host, where relevant
Invitation Letter Guidance
An invitation letter is not compulsory for every Tourist stream application, but it is expected for the Sponsored Family stream and can strengthen family-visit applications. It should state the host’s name and status, address, relationship, purpose and dates of the visit, support being provided, and the applicant’s intention to return.
An invitation letter does not guarantee approval and should be supported by relevant host documents.
Student visa · Subclass 500
Australia Student Visa
The Student visa (Subclass 500) is for international students undertaking a full-time, CRICOS-registered course. Before applying, you must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment issued by your Australian education provider through PRISMS.
Confirmation of Enrolment
For holidays, sightseeing, leisure travel, or visiting relatives and friends.
Genuine Student requirement
For applicants sponsored by a close eligible family member in Australia, with stronger sponsor documentation generally required.
Financial capacity
For meetings, negotiations or conferences without entering the Australian labour market.
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover for the full visa duration.
English requirements
IELTS, PTE Academic or another approved test, depending on course and provider.
Health and character
Medical examinations and police clearance may apply depending on circumstances.
Financial Capacity
Acceptable evidence may include sustained bank funds, a recognised loan, scholarship funding, sponsor evidence and tuition-payment proof. Confirm the current official benchmark before applying.
Work Rights
Work is generally capped while a course is in session and unrestricted during official breaks. Exact limits are reviewed periodically; confirm your current visa conditions before working.
Temporary Graduate Visa
Subclass 485 eligibility, age limits, English requirements and duration are reviewed periodically. Confirm suitability for your course before enrolling.
Student Visa Documents
Academic Documents
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, or equivalent)
Financial Documents
- Proof of funds covering tuition and living costs
- Tuition payment receipt, where applicable
Health & Personal Documents
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy confirmation
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photographs
- Genuine Student (GS) statement
Other Supporting Documents
- Police clearance certificate, if requested
- Medical exam results, if required
- Evidence of relationship, for accompanying family members
Prepare carefully
Common Refusal Reasons
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Weak ties to Sri Lanka
Documents do not clearly show stable work, studies, business, property or family responsibilities.
Step by step
A Clear Process, From First
Conversation to Follow-Up
Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount, with biometrics collected in person in Colombo through the Australian Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global.
1.0
Consultation
We understand your goals, background, financial situation and timeline.
2.0
Pathway & Document Checklist
We confirm the pathway and prepare a personalised checklist.
3.0
Document Review
We identify gaps, inconsistencies or areas needing clarification.
4.0
Application Preparation
We assist with accurate, consistent ImmiAccount preparation.
5.0
Biometrics & AVAC Appointment
We guide you through the biometrics appointment in Colombo.
6.0
Application Tracking
We help monitor status and requests for additional documents.
7.0
Follow-Up & Next Steps
We provide guidance on relevant next steps after the process
Australian Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
No. 675, Dr Danister De Silva Mawatha, Colombo 09. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM for submission; appointment required.
Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka
No. 21, Srimath R. G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.
Current information matters
Processing Times
Times vary by stream, volume and individual circumstances. Straightforward Tourist stream applications may be decided within a few weeks, Sponsored Family cases can take longer, and Student visa timing can range from weeks to months.
Always check the Department of Home Affairs’ current processing-time guidance and apply well before travel or course commencement.
Plan for the full cost
Fees
Full-time study in a CRICOS-registered Australian school, college or university.
Government charges are reviewed periodically and should be confirmed using the official Visa Pricing Estimator. Additional costs may include biometrics, medical examinations, police clearance, English tests, OSHC, translation and VFS Global service charges.
Visa Approval Disclaimer
The Visa Central does not guarantee visa approval. Final visa decisions are made by the relevant government immigration authority. Our role is to provide professional guidance and application support based on the information and documentation provided by the applicant.
Free Australia visa checklist
Understand the Documents Generally Required
The checklist covers personal, financial, employment or academic documents, invitation-letter guidance and common mistakes. Contact us to request your copy.
A considered approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sri Lankan citizens generally require a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) before travelling to Australia; Sri Lanka is not currently on Australia’s eVisitor or ETA-eligible passport list.
Most tourists apply under the Tourist stream of the Visitor visa (Subclass 600).
Yes, either under the Tourist stream or the Sponsored Family stream, provided the purpose and supporting documents are clear and, where relevant, an invitation letter is included.
Most visitor visas are granted for 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on the stream and the assessing officer’s decision.
It is a stream of the Subclass 600 visa for applicants being sponsored by a close relative who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder. It generally requires more sponsor documentation than the Tourist stream.
There is no single fixed amount published for everyone. Your funds should reasonably support your travel plan, duration of stay, and personal circumstances.
It is not always mandatory for the Tourist stream, but it is expected for the Sponsored Family stream and strengthens most family-visit applications.
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Only courses and providers listed on CRICOS can issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that supports a student visa application.
You must demonstrate access to funds covering tuition, an annual living-cost benchmark set by the Department, and travel costs. This figure is reviewed periodically, so applicants should confirm the current amount before applying.
It is a written response within the online student visa application explaining your study choice, your circumstances in Sri Lanka, and your intentions during and after your course. It replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement in March 2024.
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory visa condition for the full duration of a Subclass 500 visa.
Most Subclass 500 holders can work a capped number of hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Exact limits are set by visa condition and reviewed periodically.
Many graduates become eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), subject to meeting age, English language, and qualification requirements, which are reviewed periodically by the Department.
IELTS and PTE Academic are commonly accepted, along with other approved tests. Required scores vary by course level and provider and should be confirmed before booking a test.