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Travel Support

Student Travel Awards

ICCB will be offering a limited number of highly competitive student travel awards. The purpose of these awards is to enable conference participation by SCB student members who would not otherwise be able to attend. 

Applications for Student Travel Awards have now closed. 

Thank you to all who submitted an application. Student Travel Award applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of January, 2025.

Non-student Travel Support

Currently ICCB is only able to offer travel support via a competitive application process for full time students.

If you would like to complete an expression of interest to be notified if other opportunities become available please complete this form. 
 

Visa Information

Most people travelling to Australia from overseas who do not hold an Australian passport will require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the country and attend the conference. 

If you require a letter of support from ICCB for your visa application, please email ICCBTeam@conbio.org with subject "Request for visa application support letter" and provide your name, institution and address in the body of the email. 

FOR STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD APPLICANTS: A condition of accepting a student travel award is to demonstrate that you have initiated your application for a visa.

Please Note: If you have paid for your conference registration but your visa application is unsuccessful, you can cancel your registration and receive a refund if you notify us no later than 15 May. After 15 May no refunds will be issued.

ICCB cannot offer any specific advice on visa requirements to individuals for visiting Australia. However, we have engaged with the International Event Coordinator Network (IECN), a branch of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, to assist our international attendees in navigating the visa process. 

This process helps to expedite applications for eligible participants and adds legitimacy to their visa application. 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE ICCB ORGANISERS TO PROVIDE YOUR NAME TO THE IECN TO INDICATE THAT YOU ARE A LEGITIMATE CONFERENCE DELEGATE TO ASSIST WITH YOUR VISA APPLICATION PLEASE INDICATE THIS WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE.

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.

The most up to date visa information should always be sourced directly from the Australian government (visit this site for information).  

FOR ALL OVERSEAS DELEGATES: If you have had an abstract accepted for the conference and you have paid for your conference registration but your visa application is unsuccessful, we can refund your conference registration fee if you notify us before 15 May, 2024 and if you provide evidence that you have applied for an appropriate visa no later than 1 April 2024. 

Current as of November 2024, the most common types of visas applicable to congress attendees include:

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 one of the following visa options:

Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)

Visitor (subclass 600) Business stream visa

eVisitor (subclass 651) Business stream visa

Speakers, presenters, exhibitors, or other contributors 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:

Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Invited participant visa (where there is an inviting Australian organisation)

Temporary Work (subclass 400) Short Stay Specialist visa (where there is no inviting Australian organisation)

Journalists or other media personnel travelling to Australia to cover an event, at the invitation of an Australian organisation, and where the production or broadcast is intended for Australian audiences may be eligible to apply for:

Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Entertainment visa

Journalists or other media personnel travelling to Australia to cover an event, where the production/broadcast is not intended for Australian audiences may be eligible to apply for a:

Temporary Work (subclass 400) Short Stay Specialist visa

Processing times for all visas and ETAs are impacted by a variety of factors. For more information about visa processing times please visit this page. 

In general, ICCB recommends that visa applications be lodged at least 6 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel. Also please note that your visa application must be lodged by 1 April for you to be eligible for a refund on your registration if your application is not successful.

Additional Information on Visa Types and Support for ICCB 2025 Delegates

1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601

Most ICCB international delegates will apply for an Electronic Travel Authority - Subclass 601. The purpose of an ETA is for short visits for tourism or business, such as attending ICCB. The application is quick and easy for visitors with an eligible passport. Apply online or via the Australian ETA app on a mobile device.

How to apply: Online or via the Australian ETA app

  • Validity: 12 months from date of issue
  • Stay period: Up to 3 months per visit
  • More information: ETA Subclass 601

2. Visitor Visa – Subclass 600 (Business Visitor Stream)

This visa is best for ICCB delegates from countries that are not eligible for an ETA, or those needing a longer stay (>3 months). The purpose of this visa is generally for business visitor activities, including attending conferences such as ICCB. Delegates using the Visitor Visa - Subclass 600 apply online via the Australian Government website. Processing times vary, so apply early. The validity of this visa varies—provided based on individual circumstances.

Supporting Your Subclass 600 Application

Delegates applying for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – particularly from countries not eligible for an ETA – must submit a complete and well-documented application to increase the chance of approval.

Information and Documents to Support a Visa Application May Include:

  • Details regarding any financial support or other support being provided, including airfares, accommodation, meals and travel expenses
  • Evidence the applicant has sufficient funds to support the period of stay and to leave Australia, such as an itemised personal bank statement for a 3-month period
  • Details of economic ties to their home country, such as property ownership or major assets
  • Details of personal ties to the applicant's home country or usual country of residence, which could include family composition or enrolment at a school, college, or university in their home country
  • The applicant's employment and financial circumstances, for example, a letter from their employer confirming their position, salary, length of employment, approved leave for the duration of their trip, and confirmation that they are expected to return to their employment
  • Evidence if they have been invited to participate in a formal role in the event, such as a speaker (e.g. abstract acceptance letter or invitation letter)
  • Evidence of professional qualifications and standing
  • Details of attendance at similar international events – this can include invitations and registrations (which may be supported and evidenced by visas and arrival and departure stamps in the applicant’s passport)
  • Details regarding the applicant’s international travel history, in particular compliant travel to other developed countries
  • Details regarding the reason/s for participating in the Convention and the relevance to their professional and/or personal circumstances
  • Applicants who are not able to provide certain documentation should provide an explanation of their circumstances and why they are not able to provide the documents

Applicants can upload additional documents at any time before a decision is made. See After You Apply – Give us more information.

Additional Support for Delegates from Underrepresented or High-Risk Countries

We acknowledge that delegates from some countries can face greater visa scrutiny—even when they are well-qualified, invited, and supported. ICCB is committed to supporting your participation.

Extra Steps to Strengthen Your Application:

1. Personal Statement (Strongly Recommended) Include a one-page letter that clearly outlines:

  • Your intention to return home after ICCB
  • Your professional role and how ICCB benefits your work
  • Why this event is important for your career and community impact

2. Request a Personalised Letter from ICCB Presenters and invited speakers can request a formal letter confirming:

  • Your role in the conference
  • Your accepted abstract or session participation
  • The legitimacy and scale of ICCB 2025

Email ICCBTeam@conbio.org to request this.

3. Reinforce Your Ties to Your Home Country Submit:

  • A letter from your employer or academic supervisor confirming your return
  • Proof of family obligations, with letters from family members
  • Evidence of property, financial investments, or business ownership

4. Emphasize Past International Compliance Include:

  • Passport stamps, previous visas, and return travel history
  • Past event invitations and attendance confirmations

5. Endorsement from Recognised Institutions Ask your organisation, university, or NGO to provide:

  • An endorsement on official letterhead
  • Confirmation of your position and purpose of travel

Avoiding Refusals

To reduce the risk of refusal:

  • Apply early – allow plenty of time for processing and, if needed, reapplication
  • Submit a complete application with strong supporting evidence
  • Include any explanations for missing documents up front
  • Use official sources to check your requirements (not third-party sites)

Do You Have Questions or Need Help?

Visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder to confirm what type of visa you need based on your passport and situation.