If you’re a crew member on a ship that travels to Australia, this guide is for you.
The Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) allows individuals working on non-military ships to enter and stay in Australia for a short period while the ship is in Australian waters.
Let’s break it down in the easiest way possible.
🌊 What is the Maritime Crew Visa?
The Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) is a free visa for people working on ships (like sailors, engineers, chefs, and officers). You can use this visa to:
- Enter Australia by sea
- Stay in Australia while your ship is here
- Leave when your ship leaves or your job ends
It’s not for tourists or people who want to live in Australia long-term — it’s just for the ship crews on duty.
✅ Who Can Apply?
You can apply for this visa if you:
- Work on a commercial ship (not a military one)
- Will enter Australia by sea
- Have a valid passport
- Are you outside Australia when applying
- Meet the health and character rules
- Don’t owe money to the Australian Government
📋 What the Government Checks (Selection Criteria)
Here’s what the visa office checks before approving your visa:
| ✅ They check | 📌 Why it matters |
|---|---|
| If you work on a ship | This visa is only for real crew members |
| If you’re staying temporarily | You should only stay while your ship is in Australia |
| Health and police records | You must not be a risk to others |
| Valid documents | Passport, seafarer ID, job letter, etc. |
🪜 How to Apply – Step-by-Step
Here’s how you apply in 5 simple steps:
1. Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Passport (scanned copy)
- Letter from your shipping company (job confirmation)
- Seafarer ID or logbook
- Health insurance (if required)
- Police certificate (if asked)
2. Make an Online Account
Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount.
3. Fill Out the Application
Log in to your ImmiAccount and choose the Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) application.
4. Attach Your Documents
Upload all your required documents (e.g., passport, job letter).
5. Submit and Wait
Click submit. You’ll get an email once your visa is approved.
⏳ Processing time: Around 10–14 working days.
🧾 Document Checklist
| 📄 Document | ✅ Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Passport | Prove your identity |
| A Job letter from your company | ✅ Why it’s needed |
| Seafarer ID or logbook | Shows you working on a ship |
| Health insurance (if needed) | Covers you during your stay in Australia |
| Police certificate (if required) | Confirms your good character |
💰 Visa Fees and Timing
| 💡 Details | 🔍 Info |
|---|---|
| Visa costs | $0 — It’s completely free! |
| Processing time | About 10 to 14 working days |
💵 Do You Need to show money?
Not really.
You don’t need to show bank statements or prove income, but:
- Your employer should cover your food and stay
- You should have some money for personal expenses if needed
🌟 What Are the Benefits?
Here’s why people love this visa:
- ✔️ It’s free
- ✔️ It allows entry to Australia by sea
- ✔️ You can stay as long as your ship is docked
- ✔️ The process is fast and simple
- ✔️ You can use it multiple times if your ship comes in and out
⚠️ What Are the Limitations?
This visa has rules you must follow:
- ❌ You can’t work on land in Australia
- ❌ You can’t bring family members
- ❌ You can’t stay after your ship leaves
- ❌ You don’t get free public healthcare (Medicare)
🔗 Where to Get Help or Apply
| 📍 Service | 🔗 Details |
|---|---|
| Visa info website | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Start application (ImmiAccount) | immi.gov.au login |
| Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultant | Visas Adviser |
| For more information and queries | +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com |
📝 Sample Documents (Made Easy)
✅ Employment Letter Sample
❓ Common Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply from inside Australia?
A: ❌ No. You must be outside Australia when you apply for and receive your visa.
Q: Can my wife or kids come with me?
A: ❌ Not on this visa. They need to apply for a different visa.
Q: Can I work somewhere else in Australia during my stay?
A: ❌ No. You can only work on your ship.
Q: Can I stay after my ship leaves?
A: ❌ No. You must leave when your ship leaves or your job ends.
🧠 Easy Tips to Get It Right
- ✅ Apply 2–4 weeks before your ship arrives
- ✅ Make sure your documents are clear and correct
- ✅ Ask your company to give you a proper job letter
- ✅ Keep your passport valid for your whole trip
- ✅ Don’t break the visa rules — it can lead to a ban
⛴️ Final Words – Smooth Sailing Ahead
The Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) is an easy, fast, and free way to work in Australia as part of a ship’s crew. If you follow the steps, provide the required documents, and comply with the visa rules, your journey should be stress-free.