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: 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: 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: 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: 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
- Determine eligibility: Check requirements for your visa type
- Skills assessment: If required, complete before applying
- English test: Take approved test if required
- Gather documents: Collect all required documentation
- Health examinations: Complete medical checks
- Character documents: Obtain police clearances
- Submit application: Through ImmiAccount online
- Wait for decision: Processing times vary
- 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: 1,065
- Working Holiday: $640
- Student: $1,600
- Skilled migration: 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
- Skilled migration: Direct application or state nomination
- Employer sponsorship: After temporary skilled visa
- Partner visa: Through Australian citizen/PR spouse
- Student to skilled: Graduate visa then skilled migration
- Working holiday to skilled: Gain experience then apply
- 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