​

Visa and Immigration to Australia

Australia offers various visa options depending on your purpose of visit. Understanding the requirements and processes will help you choose the right pathway.

​

Tourist and Visitor Visas

​

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) - Subclass 601

• Duration: Up to 3 months per visit
• Validity: 12 months from grant date
• Eligible countries: 34 countries including US, Canada, UK, most of Europe
• Cost: $20 AUD
• Processing: Usually instant
• Activities: Tourism, business meetings, visiting family

​

eVisitor - Subclass 651

• Duration: Up to 3 months per visit
• Validity: 12 months from grant date
• Eligible countries: European Union citizens, some other European countries
• Cost: Free
• Processing: Usually instant
• Activities: Tourism, business meetings, visiting family

​

Visitor Visa - Subclass 600

• Duration: 3, 6, or 12 months (sometimes longer)
• Multiple entry: Usually allowed
• Eligible: All nationalities not covered by ETA/eVisitor
• Cost: $190-$1,065 AUD depending on stream
• Processing: 15-40 days
• Streams: Tourist, Business, Family sponsored

​

Working Holiday Visas

​

Working Holiday Visa - Subclass 417

• Age: 18-30 years (35 for some countries)
• Duration: 12 months initially
• Work limitation: 6 months with one employer
• Extension: Possible for 2nd and 3rd year
• Eligible countries: UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and others
• Cost: $640 AUD
• Requirements: Sufficient funds ($5,000), health insurance, no dependents

​

Work and Holiday Visa - Subclass 462

• Age: 18-30 years (35 for some countries)
• Duration: 12 months initially
• Work limitation: 6 months with one employer
• Education: Tertiary qualification required
• Annual caps: Limited numbers for most countries
• Eligible countries: Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam
• Cost: $640 AUD

​

Student Visas

​

Student Visa - Subclass 500

• Duration: Length of course plus additional time
• Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study
• Dependents: Can include family members
• Cost: $1,600 AUD (plus additional for dependents)
• Requirements:
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
  • English language proficiency
  • Health insurance (OSHC)
  • Financial requirements
  • Health and character checks

​

Student Guardian Visa - Subclass 590

• Purpose: Care for student under 18
• Duration: Matches student’s visa period
• Work rights: Very limited
• Cost: $1,600 AUD
• Requirements: Relationship to student, adequate health insurance

​

Skilled Migration Visas

​

Skilled Independent Visa - Subclass 189

• Points-based: Minimum 65 points required
• Permanent residence: Immediate
• Sponsor: Not required
• Occupation: Must be on skilled occupation list
• Age: Under 45 years
• English: Competent level minimum
• Cost: $4,115 AUD
• Invitation: Required through SkillSelect

​

Skilled Nominated Visa - Subclass 190

• Points-based: Minimum 65 points + state nomination (5 points)
• State nomination: Required from Australian state/territory
• Permanent residence: Immediate
• Occupation: Must be on state occupation list
• Commitment: Live in nominating state for 2 years
• Cost: $4,115 AUD

​

Skilled Work Regional Visa - Subclass 491

• Points-based: Minimum 65 points + nomination (15 points)
• Duration: 5 years
• Pathway to PR: After 3 years in regional area
• Regional requirement: Live and work in designated regional areas
• Nomination: State/territory or eligible relative
• Cost: $4,115 AUD

​

Employer-Sponsored Visas

​

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa - Subclass 482

• Duration: 2-4 years depending on occupation
• Employer sponsor: Required
• Occupation: Must be on skilled occupation list
• Pathway to PR: Available for medium and long-term streams
• Cost: $1,455-$2,690 AUD
• Work: Only for sponsoring employer initially

​

Employer Nomination Scheme - Subclass 186

• Permanent residence: Immediate
• Employer sponsor: Required
• Occupation: Must be on skilled occupation list
• Age: Under 45 years (exceptions apply)
• Experience: Minimum 3 years relevant work experience
• Cost: $4,640 AUD

​

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme - Subclass 187

• Permanent residence: Immediate
• Regional employer: Required
• Occupation: Must be on skilled occupation list
• Regional requirement: Live and work in regional Australia
• Cost: $4,640 AUD
• Note: Being replaced by new regional visas

​

Family Visas

​

Partner Visas

• Subclass 820/801: Onshore application (temporary to permanent)
• Subclass 309/100: Offshore application (temporary to permanent)
• Relationships: Spouse, de facto partner (including same-sex)
• Cost: $8,850 AUD
• Processing: 12-24 months typically
• Requirements: Genuine relationship, sponsor requirements

​

Parent Visas

• Contributory Parent: Subclass 173/143 (faster processing, higher cost)
• Non-Contributory Parent: Subclass 103 (longer wait, lower cost)
• Aged Parent: Subclass 804/864
• Cost: $4,630-$48,490 AUD depending on visa type

​

Child Visas

• Child Visa: Subclass 101/802
• Adoption Visa: Subclass 102
• Dependent Child: Subclass 445
• Cost: $3,055 AUD

​

Business and Investment Visas

​

Business Innovation and Investment Visas

• Subclass 188: Temporary visa (1-4 years)
• Subclass 888: Permanent visa (after meeting requirements)
• Streams: Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Premium Investor, Entrepreneur

​

Global Talent Visa - Subclass 858

• Target: Exceptional talent in priority sectors
• Permanent residence: Immediate
• Nominator: Required (Australian citizen/PR/organization)
• Priority sectors: Technology, healthcare, energy, agribusiness, etc.
• Cost: $4,115 AUD

​

Application Requirements

​

Common Requirements

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
• Character checks: Police clearances from countries lived in
• Health examinations: Medical and chest X-ray
• English language: Evidence of proficiency (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
• Financial requirements: Evidence of funds
• Insurance: Health insurance for temporary visas

​

Skills Assessment

• Required for: Most skilled migration visas
• Assessing authorities: Different for each occupation
• Cost: $500-$1,500 AUD typically
• Validity: Usually 3 years
• Processing: 6-20 weeks

​

Points Test (for skilled migration)

• Age: Maximum 30 points (25-32 years = 30 points)
• English: Maximum 20 points (Superior = 20 points)
• Education: Maximum 20 points (Doctorate = 20 points)
• Experience: Maximum 20 points (8+ years = 15 points)
• Partner skills: 10 points if applicable
• Study in Australia: 5 points for 2+ years
• Professional year: 5 points
• Community language: 5 points
• Regional study: 5 points
• State nomination: 5 points (subclass 190)

​

Application Process

​

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine eligibility: Check requirements for your visa type
2. Skills assessment: If required, complete before applying
3. English test: Take approved test if required
4. Gather documents: Collect all required documentation
5. Health examinations: Complete medical checks
6. Character documents: Obtain police clearances
7. Submit application: Through ImmiAccount online
8. Wait for decision: Processing times vary
9. Visa grant: Receive visa grant notification

​

Document Checklist

• Identity documents: Passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate
• Education documents: Degrees, transcripts, skills assessment
• Employment documents: References, payslips, contracts
• Financial documents: Bank statements, tax returns
• Character documents: Police clearances
• Health documents: Medical examination results
• Relationship documents: For partner/family visas

​

Processing Times and Costs

​

Current Processing Times (approximate)

• Tourist visas: 1-30 days
• Working holiday: 20-40 days
• Student visa: 4-12 weeks
• Skilled migration: 8-16 months
• Partner visa: 12-24 months
• Parent visa: 2-30 years (depending on type)

​

Visa Application Charges (VAC)

• ETA: $20
• eVisitor: Free
• Visitor: $190-$1,065
• Working Holiday: $640
• Student: $1,600
• Skilled migration: $4,115-$4,640
• Partner: $8,850
• Business: Varies widely

​

Migration Agents and Lawyers

​

When to Use Professional Help

• Complex cases: Multiple visa refusals, complex family situations
• High-stakes applications: Significant investment or career implications
• Legal issues: Character concerns, health issues
• Time constraints: Urgent applications

​

Choosing a Representative

• MARA registration: Check Migration Agent Registration Authority
• Experience: Specific to your visa type
• Fees: Understand all costs upfront
• Communication: Responsive and clear communication

​

Tips for Success

​

Application Tips

• Start early: Allow plenty of time for preparation
• Be honest: Provide accurate information throughout
• Complete documentation: Submit all required documents
• Professional translations: Use NAATI-certified translators
• Keep copies: Maintain records of all applications

​

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete applications: Missing documents cause delays
• False information: Can result in permanent visa bans
• Wrong visa type: Research thoroughly before applying
• Expired documents: Ensure all documents are current
• Poor English test: Take test seriously and prepare well

​

After Visa Grant

• Visa conditions: Understand and comply with all conditions
• Initial entry: Enter Australia before initial entry date
• Residence requirements: Maintain if seeking citizenship
• Visa expiry: Plan for renewal or permanent residence applications

​

Pathways to Permanent Residence

​

Common Pathways

1. Skilled migration: Direct application or state nomination
2. Employer sponsorship: After temporary skilled visa
3. Partner visa: Through Australian citizen/PR spouse
4. Student to skilled: Graduate visa then skilled migration
5. Working holiday to skilled: Gain experience then apply
6. Business investment: Through business/investment programs

​

Australian Citizenship

• Residence requirement: 4 years as PR, including 12 months immediately before application
• Absence limitations: Not absent for more than 12 months total
• Character requirement: Good character assessment
• Knowledge test: Australian values and knowledge
• English requirement: Basic English competency

Remember that immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information, and consider professional advice for complex situations.