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Visa Types

Overview of the different visa categories available for entry into Australia, including tourist, student, work, and family visas.

Sections

1. Visitor Visas

Visitor visas are for short-term stays in Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.

Key Visa Options:

  • Subclass 600 (Visitor Visa): For tourism, visiting family, or business purposes (up to 12 months).
  • Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority - ETA): For passport holders from eligible countries, allowing short visits for tourism or business (up to 3 months).
  • Subclass 651 (eVisitor): A free visa for citizens of certain European countries for tourism or business (up to 3 months).

Costs:

  • Subclass 600: AUD 150
  • Subclass 601: AUD 20 (service charge)
  • Subclass 651: Free

Application Process:

  • Apply online via the ImmiAccount portal.
  • Provide proof of financial capacity, travel itinerary, and health insurance.
  • Processing times vary (typically 1–4 weeks).

Unique Considerations:

  • Some nationalities may require health checks or additional documentation.
  • Overstaying a visitor visa can lead to penalties or bans on future travel.

2. Work Visas

Work visas allow individuals to work in Australia temporarily or permanently.

Key Visa Options:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): For skilled workers sponsored by an employer.
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462): For young people (18–30/35) from eligible countries to work and travel for up to 12 months.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): For skilled workers nominated by an employer for permanent residency.

Costs:

  • Subclass 482: From AUD 1,330 to AUD 2,770
  • Subclass 189/190: AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 417/462: AUD 635
  • Subclass 186: AUD 4,640

Application Process:

  • Check eligibility via the SkillSelect system (for skilled visas).
  • Obtain a skills assessment from a relevant authority.
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
  • If invited, apply online via ImmiAccount.

Unique Considerations:

  • Australia uses a points-based system for skilled visas, with points awarded for age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
  • Some occupations are listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL), which determines eligibility.

3. Student Visas

Student visas allow international students to study in Australia.

Key Visa Option:

  • Student Visa (Subclass 500): For full-time study in a registered course.

Costs:

  • Subclass 500: AUD 650

Application Process:

  1. Enroll in a course registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
  2. Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution.
  3. Apply online via ImmiAccount.
  4. Provide proof of financial capacity, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and English proficiency.

Unique Considerations:

  • Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and unlimited hours during breaks.
  • Dependents (spouse/children) can accompany the student under certain conditions.

4. Family and Partner Visas

Family and partner visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor family members or partners.

Key Visa Options:

  • Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Parent Visa (Subclass 103/143): For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Child Visa (Subclass 101): For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Costs:

  • Partner Visa: From AUD 8,850
  • Parent Visa: From AUD 4,425 (Subclass 103) or AUD 47,955 (Subclass 143)
  • Child Visa: AUD 2,710

Application Process:

  • Submit sponsorship and visa applications online via ImmiAccount.
  • Provide evidence of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, joint financial documents).
  • Processing times can be lengthy (e.g., 12–24 months for partner visas).

Unique Considerations:

  • Partner visas are typically granted in two stages: temporary (820) and permanent (801).
  • Parent visas have long waiting periods unless applying for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), which has a higher cost but faster processing.

5. Permanent Residency (PR) Visas

Permanent residency allows individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Key Visa Options:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-tested visa for skilled workers.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
  • Regional Visa (Subclass 191): For individuals who have lived and worked in regional Australia on a temporary visa.
  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888): For business owners and investors.

Costs:

  • Subclass 189/190: AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 191: AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 888: From AUD 2,590

Application Process:

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
  • Receive an invitation to apply.
  • Apply online via ImmiAccount.

Unique Considerations:

  • PR holders can sponsor family members and access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
  • After 4 years of residency, PR holders may be eligible for Australian citizenship.

6. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

These visas are for individuals seeking protection in Australia.

Key Visa Options:

  • Refugee Visa (Subclass 200): For individuals referred by the UNHCR.
  • Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202): For individuals sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Costs:

  • No application fee for most humanitarian visas.

Application Process:

  • Apply through the Department of Home Affairs or via referral by the UNHCR.
  • Provide evidence of persecution or humanitarian need.

Unique Considerations:

  • Australia has an annual humanitarian intake quota.
  • Refugees may access settlement services, including housing and language support.

General Application Process for Most Visas

  1. Create an ImmiAccount: All visa applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal.
  2. Check Eligibility: Review visa-specific requirements, including health, character, and financial criteria.
  3. Gather Documents: Prepare supporting documents, such as identity proof, financial statements, and health insurance.
  4. Submit Application: Complete the online application and pay the visa fee.
  5. Biometrics and Health Checks: Attend appointments if required.
  6. Wait for Processing: Processing times vary depending on the visa type.
  7. Receive Decision: If approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notification.

Unique Considerations for Australia’s Visa System

  • Health and Character Requirements: Most visas require applicants to meet health and character standards, including police checks and medical exams.
  • Regional Migration: Australia encourages migration to regional areas through specific visas (e.g., Subclass 491) with incentives like additional points and faster pathways to PR.
  • Visa Conditions: Many visas come with specific conditions, such as work restrictions or mandatory health insurance.
  • Visa Overstay Penalties: Overstaying a visa can result in bans on re-entry and difficulties obtaining future visas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.