Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) – For UK Citizens

Work Legally in Australian Waters as a Maritime Crew Member

If you’re part of a ship’s crew traveling to or from Australia, the Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) allows you to enter the country by sea and stay for as long as you’re employed on a qualifying vessel.

This visa also covers eligible family members traveling on the same vessel — making it the essential document for seafarers working on commercial, passenger, or research ships bound for Australia.

Fast approval: 95% granted within 24 hours

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Phase 1: Understanding the Maritime Crew Visa

The Maritime Crew Visa (MCV – subclass 988) allows UK citizens who work as part of a ship’s crew to enter and stay in Australia by sea while employed on a qualifying vessel.
It also covers eligible family members traveling on the same ship — though they’re not allowed to work while in Australia.

This visa is essential for anyone joining or leaving Australia as part of an international sea voyage on a commercial, passenger, or government research vessel.

Phase 2: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an MCV, UK citizens must:

  • Be employed as a crew member on a ship traveling to or from Australia.

  • Enter and exit Australia by sea as part of the crew.

  • Work on a commercial trading ship, passenger ship, or government research vessel.

  • Hold a valid UK passport and proof of employment from the shipping company.

  • Be outside Australia when applying.

You are not eligible if you:

  • Work on a private yacht or military vessel.

  • Already hold a permanent Australian visa.

Phase 3: What the MCV Allows

Once approved, the MCV lets you:

  • Enter and leave Australia by sea for as long as you’re employed on the vessel.

  • Stay in Australia between voyages without reapplying.

  • Perform all crew-related duties, both onboard and offshore.

  • Undertake volunteer work (unpaid).

The visa remains valid for up to 3 years, as long as you maintain your employment on a qualifying vessel.

Phase 4: Including Family Members

Family members may apply together with the crew member, provided that:

- They travel on the same vessel.

- They’ve received permission from the master of the ship.

- They do not engage in any form of paid work in Australia.

If your employment on the vessel ends, your family’s visa also automatically expires.

Phase 5: Application Process

Applying for the MCV is straightforward and done entirely online:

1. Check eligibility – confirm your vessel and employment qualify.

2. Gather documents, including:

- Passport (color copy).

- Employment letter on company letterhead.

- Proof of relationship (if traveling with family).

- Character documents (if applicable).

3. Submit your application online through the official system.

4. Pay the visa fee (£98.00).

5. Wait for approval – typically within 2–4 business days.

You’ll receive your visa grant number, validity dates, and conditions by email.

Phase 6: Validity and Duration

  • The MCV is valid for up to 3 years.

  • It stays active as long as you’re employed on the vessel.

  • If your employment ends, the visa ends automatically.

  • The visa cannot be extended, but you may apply for a new one when starting employment on another qualifying vessel.

Phase 7: Cost and Processing Time

  • Application fee: £98.00 per applicant (each family member needs their own application).

  • Average processing time: 4 business days (some cases in as few as 2).

  • Faster approval: Ensure your documents are accurate and complete before submitting.

Phase 8: Important Notes

  • You cannot apply while inside Australia.

  • If you plan to visit Australia outside your maritime duties, apply also for a Visitor Visa.

  • Always keep your visa grant notice when entering ports or boarding.

Apply for a VISA

Apply for your Australian Tourist Visa completely online — just a few simple steps and your visa is usually issued within 24 hours.

  • Simple: complete the form in a few minutes.

  • Secure: pay safely by credit card or PayPal.

  • Fast: most applications are approved within 24 hours.

in Collaboration with:

ImmiVisa.org operates under authorisation associated with the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), registration number 1386990, which permits the provision of information and general assistance relating to Australian visa processes. These services are independent of the Australian Government and are not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs. For official information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the MARA public register.