Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2026

Kritika Pandey

11 min read

Updated On Dec 10, 2025

Planning to visit, study, work, or settle in Australia? Explore the key Australian visa types for 2025, including visitor, skilled, student, and business options, with detailed breakdowns below.

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List of Australian Visa Types
2. Studying and Training Visas (Replace Australian Student Visa)
3. Family & Spouse Visas (Replace Australian Parent Visa)
4. Skilled Visa
5. Australian Business Visas
Australian Visa Types: Cost & Processing Time
Australian Visa Types for PR (Permanent Residency)
PR Requirements for Australian Visa Types
Application Process for Australian Visa Types
Get Your Australian Visa with GetGIS!

Planning a trip to Australia for work, study, or a new life? Understanding Australian Visa types is the first step to making your journey smooth and hassle-free. From student visas to skilled migration and visitor permits, there’s a perfect option for every traveller.

Each visa comes with specific requirements, benefits, and pathways to residency. Knowing which one suits your needs can open doors to exciting opportunities in Australia. Let’s explore the different Australian Visa Types and find the right one for you.

List of Australian Visa Types

The Australia visa types offer a wide range of options to cater to different purposes, with each visa type having its own eligibility criteria, conditions, and privileges.Let’s take a look at the different Australian visa types and types of visa subclass in Australia under each of these visa types.

1. Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

A visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of visa that allows individuals to enter and stay in a country for a temporary period for the purpose of tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends.

It is typically granted for a specific duration, and the visa holder is expected to abide by the conditions of their stay, such as not engaging in any employment or study activities.

You can check requirements, fees, and more details about Australia Visitor Visa from India in our latest guide here.

Here's a table outlining some key information related to the Visitor Visa:

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Validity Period
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)	Tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 10 years
Business Visa (Subclass 600)	Business meetings, conferences, or negotiations	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 10 years
Medical Treatment (Subclass 600)	Seeking medical treatment in Australia	Varies depending on treatment requirements	Multiple entries, up to 12 months
Sponsored Family (Subclass 600)	Visiting family members in Australia	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 5 years
eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)	Tourism or visiting friends/family	Up to 3 months	Multiple entries, up to 12 months
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)	Tourism, business short stays	Up to 3 months	Multiple entries, up to 12 months
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)	Work and holiday, cultural exchange	Up to 12 months	Usually single or multiple entries depending on nationality
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)	Work and holiday, cultural exchange	Up to 12 months	Usually single or multiple entries depending on nationality

2. Studying and Training Visas (Replace Australian Student Visa)

Australia is a popular destination for international students, and there are different types of Australian visas available for individuals who want to study in the country. Australia Student visa (subclass 500) is the most commonly used visa for those who want to study at an Australian educational institution, such as a university or college.

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Validity Period
Student visa (subclass 500)	Full-time study in CRICOS-registered courses	Up to 5 years (course length + 1-2 months)	Up to 6 years for packaged courses
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)	Accompanying minor students under 18	Matches student's course duration	Up to 5 years
Training visa (subclass 407)	Workplace-based training or professional development	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years

Explore all the details about the Australia Student Visa Document Checklist for Indian Students in 2025 here!

3. Family & Spouse Visas (Replace Australian Parent Visa)

The Australian Family and Spouse Visas focus on reuniting immediate and extended family members with their eligible Australian relatives and spouses. To be sponsored under the Australian Family Migration stream, the close family relative or spouse must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and at least 18 years old.

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Validity Period
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 & 309/100)	For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens/PRs	Up to 2 years temporary, then permanent	Indefinite after stage 2
Prospective Marriage/Fiancé Visa (Subclass 300)	For intended spouses to marry in Australia within 9 months	Up to 12 months (temporary)	Leads to partner visa
Contributory Parent Visa & Parent Visa	For parents of Australian citizens/PRs (subclasses 143/103 etc.)	Permanent or temporary leading to permanent	Indefinite (permanent options)
Other Family Visas	Remaining Relative, Carer, or Aged Parent visas	Varies (permanent or temporary)	Up to indefinite

4. Skilled Visa

Skilled visas are for individuals or families looking to permanently stay or migrate to Australia to fill Australia’s labour shortage.

Here are the types of Australian skilled visas, along with their purpose, duration of stay, and more:

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Validity Period
SkillSelect – Independent Visa (Subclass 189)	Points-tested permanent residency for skilled workers without sponsorship	Indefinite	Permanent (travel facility 5 years)
SkillSelect – Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)	State/territory nominated permanent residency for skilled workers	Indefinite	Permanent
SkillSelect – Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491)	Provisional family/state sponsored regional skilled migration	Up to 5 years	Leads to permanent residency
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)	Permanent residency for regional provisional visa holders after 3 years	Indefinite	Permanent
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)	Post-study work rights for international graduates	18 months to 4 years	Up to 4 years
Global Talent – Independent program (GTI)	Fast-track permanent residency for exceptional talent in priority sectors	Indefinite	Permanent

5. Australian Business Visas

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Validity Period
Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132) (Closed)	High-calibre business talent for significant economic contribution	Indefinite	Permanent
Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)	Provisional visa for business innovation, investment streams	Up to 5 years	Leads to permanent residency (Subclass 888)

6- Australian Work Visa

A work permit visa is an official authorization granted to individuals who intend to work in a foreign country. It can be categorized into permanent or temporary visas, depending on the duration of stay.

The process of applying for a work permit visa may differ based on factors such as the applicant's nationality, sponsorship, job offer, and the specific requirements of the country.

Here's a table for different visas in Australia: Work Visa and under each of them are the types of visa subclass in Australia.

Work Visa Category	Description
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482)	Allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an approved Australian employer for up to 2 or 4 years, depending on the occupation.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186)	Enables skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to work and live in Australia permanently. It has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Agreement.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (Subclass 187)	Provides an opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia on a permanent basis, based on employer sponsorship.
Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)	Designed for young individuals from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)	Allows highly skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently without requiring employer sponsorship. It is based on meeting specific points-based criteria.
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)	Enables international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to work temporarily in the country to gain practical experience.
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)	Provides skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government the opportunity to work and live in Australia permanently.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400)	Allows individuals with specialized skills or expertise to work in Australia for up to 3 months for specific projects or assignments.
Distinguished Talent visa (Subclass 124)	Provides a pathway for individuals with exceptional talent or achievements in a particular field to work and live in Australia permanently.

Australian Permanent Entry Visa

An Australia Permanent Resident (PR) visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live, work, and study in the country on a permanent basis.

It is a pathway towards Australian citizenship and provides various benefits such as access to healthcare, social security benefits, and the ability to sponsor family members for migration.

To obtain a PR visa in Australia, applicants need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which may include factors such as age, English language proficiency, skills assessment, and meeting health and character requirements.

Once granted, a PR visa holder enjoys the rights and privileges similar to Australian citizens, except for voting rights.

You can read about the benefits of Australia PR in detail here.

There are 2 major Australian visa categories migration under Australia PR with types of visa subclass in Australia.

Skilled Migration

This Australia visa category is for individuals with skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. It includes subcategories such as:

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)

These visas require meeting specific eligibility criteria, including relevant work experience, a nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list, and certain points based on age, education, language proficiency, and more.

Family Migration

This category is for individuals who have eligible family members in Australia, such as a spouse, partner, child, or parent who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

It includes visas such as:

Partner Migration (subclass 820/801)
Parent Migration (subclass 103)
Child Migration.

The eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific visa subclass and the relationship with the Australian family member.

Learn how to get a visa for parents in Australia here!

5. Australian Temporary Entry Visa

A temporary entry visa in Australia is a type of permit that allows individuals to enter and stay in the country for a temporary period. These visas are designed for various purposes, such as tourism, business visits, study, work assignments, or participating in specific events.

Temporary entry visas have specific eligibility criteria and conditions that applicants must meet, including providing evidence of sufficient funds, health insurance, and a valid reason for the visit.

Australian Visa Types: Cost & Processing Time

When planning to travel or migrate to Australia, understanding the cost and processing time for various Australian Visa Types is crucial for your planning. Each visa category has its own requirements and timelines, which can vary depending on your purpose of visit. Here’s a quick overview of the costs and processing times of different Australia visas.

Visa Type	Cost	Processing Time
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)	From AUD 195	Tourist: 50% processed in 7 days 90% Processed in 26 days
		Business Visitor: 50% processed in 5 days 90% Processed in 15 days
		Sponsored Family: 50% processed in 24 days 90% Processed in 41 days
Student Visa (Subclass (500)	From AUD 1,600	Higher Education Sector: 50% processed in 10 days 90% Processed in 4 months
		Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector: 50% processed in 10 days 90% Processed in 27 days
		Postgraduate Research Sector: 50% processed in 15 days 90% Processed in 5 months
		Schools Sector: 50% processed in 15 days 90% Processed in 5 months
		Independent ELICOS Sector: 50% processed in 26 days 90% Processed in 6 months
		Non-Award Sector: 50% processed in less than 1 day 90% Processed in 21 days
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)	AUD 650	50% processed in less than 1 day 90% Processed in 52 days
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)	From AUD 4,765	50% processed in 74 days 90% Processed in 4 months
PR Visa (Subclass 191)	From AUD 490	50% processed in 9 months 90% Processed in 10 months
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)	From AUD 5,125	A new Parent visa application may take at least 29 years to process

Explore the latest Australia Visa processing time for different visa types here!

Australian Visa Types for PR (Permanent Residency)

The following are the three different types of visas in Australia for PR. These pathways provide different opportunities for individuals to obtain permanent residency in Australia based on their family relationships, employment sponsorship, or business and investment ventures.

1. Family-Stream Permanent Visa

This pathway is designed for individuals who have eligible family members in Australia who are willing to sponsor them.

Examples include the Partner Visa, which allows spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to apply for PR.

2. Work-Stream Permanent Visa

This pathway is for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an Australian employer or have obtained a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.

Examples include Employer-Sponsored Visas, such as the Subclass 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) or the Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated Visa).

PR Requirements for Australian Visa Types

To be eligible for an Australia PR visa, you need to meet certain criteria, with a minimum score of 65 points being required. However, scoring higher on the eligibility calculation increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Australian PR.

Here is the table for Australia PR requirements:

Category	Points
Age (18-24 years) Age (25-32 years)	25 30 points
English proficiency (Superior) English proficiency (Proficient)	20 points 10 points
Work Experience outside Australia (8-10 years)	15 points
Work Experience in Australia (8-10 years)	20 points
Education (outside Australia) – Doctorate degree Education (outside Australia) - Bachelor’s	20 points 10 points
Niche skills such as Doctorate or master’s degree by research in Australia	10 points
Study in a regional area	5 points
Accredited in community language	5 points
Professional year in a skilled program in Australia	5 points
State sponsorship (190 visa)	5 points
Skilled spouse or de facto partner (Age, Skills & English language requirements to be met)	10 points
Spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English.	5 points
Applicants without a spouse or de facto partner or where a spouse is an Australian citizen or PR holder	10 points
Relative or regional sponsorship (491 visa)	15 points

Wondering Best Way to Get PR in Australia for Indians in 2025 Read here!

Application Process for Australian Visa Types

Applying for an Australia visa type involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to the Australia visa process.

Step 1 Determine the type of visa: Identify the specific visa subclass that corresponds to your purpose of travel, such as a student visa, work visa, visitor visa, etc. Visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs to gather information about the visa subclass requirements and eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents: Review the document checklist provided for your chosen visa subclass. Collect all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, identification documents, proof of financial capacity, educational qualifications, employment records, health and character certificates, and any other supporting documents required.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form: Register for an ImmiAccount and fill out the online application form accurately and provide all the required information. Double-check the form for any errors or missing details before submitting it.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee: Upload all the required documents to the online portal as per the specifications mentioned and pay the applicable visa application fee online using a valid payment method. The fee amount will vary depending on the visa subclass and other factors. Keep the payment receipt for reference.

Step 5: Biometrics and Health Checks: Depending on your nationality and visa subclass, you may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) and undergo health examinations. Follow the instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs regarding these requirements.

Step 6: Track the Application: Once you have submitted the application, you can track its progress through your ImmiAccount. The processing time may vary based on the visa type and other factors. Be patient and wait for a decision from the authorities. In the meanwhile, the Immigration officer may request additional information.

Step 7: Visa Outcome: Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified through your ImmiAccount. If your visa is approved, carefully read the grant notification and note the conditions and validity period of the visa.

Get Your Australian Visa with GetGIS!

Choosing the right Australian Visa Type depends on your purpose, budget, and timeline. Understanding the visa types, costs, and processing times helps you plan better for a smooth application process. Explore your options and take the next step toward your Australian journey.

Connect with GetGIS to choose the right Australian visa and navigate the application process with ease. The immigration experts here will help throughout the process, from selecting the best visa option to securing approvals and settling in Australia.

Useful Links

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Issues Australia Visas?

All visa applications are assessed and decided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Can I Appeal for a Visa Refusal?

In the event that your Australian visa application is denied, you have the option to lodge an appeal for a review of the decision through the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). It is important to initiate the appeal process promptly after receiving the rejection letter, as delays may impact its consideration.

Do I need Travel Medical Insurance for Australia?

For extended stay visas, it is mandatory to possess adequate health insurance coverage in Australia. However, visitor visas typically do not require health insurance, although the Australian government highly recommends travelers to obtain it.

Which Visa is Best for Australia?

Australian Skilled Migration Visa is the best pathway to attain permanent residency in Australia. This visa follows a points-based system where points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, Australian study, close relatives residing in designated areas, and various other criteria.

Can I apply for PR in Australia after 5 years?

After 5 years, your travel facility expires, and individuals who wish to re-enter Australia as permanent residents will need to apply for and obtain a Resident Return Visa. This visa allows eligible individuals to maintain their permanent residency status and continue residing in Australia.