Maritime Crew visa 988
Free visa for foreign crew arriving by sea on an eligible ship on an international voyage.
In force
Who it is for
Articled crew members of an eligible ship (such as a cargo or passenger ship) on an international voyage to Australia, and their partner or dependent child travelling on the same ship with the master's permission.
Main requirements
- Be outside Australia when you apply.
- Be a crew member, or have a current offer to be one, on a Maritime Crew visa eligible ship; some ships are ineligible.
- Meet health and quarantine requirements and character.
Where you apply from
Outside Australia. You can be in or outside Australia when it is decided. Do not travel without the visa.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Apply online
Apply before the voyage.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent usually not needed. - Arrive by sea
Stay while signed on to an eligible ship; sign off only to join another eligible ship or leave.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent advises if you need to stay after signing off. - Stay longer
You cannot apply for a new Maritime Crew visa in Australia; apply for another visa before this one ceases.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | Nil |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Maritime Crew | 50% in less than 1 day, 90% in 3 days |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Ship not eligible, or not an articled crew member.
- Character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.