Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2025

Jemima Sultana

11 min read

Updated On Feb 27, 2025

Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2025

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Australian Visa Types
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 traveler.

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.

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	Tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 10 years
Business Visa	Business meetings, conferences, or negotiations	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 10 years
Medical Treatment	Seeking medical treatment in Australia	Varies depending on treatment requirements	Multiple entries, up to 12 months
Sponsored Family	Visiting family members in Australia	Up to 12 months	Multiple entries, up to 5 years
eVisitor Visa	Tourism or visiting friends/family	Up to 3 months	Multiple entries, up to 12 months

2. Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

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.

To be eligible for a Student visa,

You'll need to be enrolled in a full-time course of study at an Australian university.
Offer from an approved education provider.
You'll need to provide evidence of your financial capacity to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
Meet English language requirements, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Explore all the details about the Australia Student Visa document checklist here!

3. 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.

4. 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.

A. 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.

B. 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.

6. Australian Business Visa

A business visa is an Australia visa type that allows individuals to travel to Australia for the purpose of engaging in business-related activities. It is typically granted to entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals who intend to establish or expand their business presence in another country.

Business visas often come with certain privileges, such as the ability to attend meetings, conferences, or negotiations, explore investment opportunities, or conduct market research.

Here's a table outlining different types of business visas in Australia:

Business Visa Types	Purpose	Duration
Business Talent	High-value business skills or investment	Permanent residency
Investor (subclass 891)	Make a designated investment in Australia	Permanent residency
Temporary Activity	Undertake specific work-related activities	Varies depending on the activity

7. Australian Parent Visa

A Parent visa in Australia allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. It provides an opportunity for parents to reunite with their children and be close to their families.

The Parent visa typically grants permanent residency to the visa holder, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

It's important to note that Parent visas often have long processing times and can be subject to annual quotas.

Visa Type	Description
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)	For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)	Allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. Requires a higher visa application charge.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)	For aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. Requires a higher visa application charge.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884)	Provides a temporary visa to aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Allows them to live in Australia while waiting for a permanent visa. Requires a higher visa application charge.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)	For aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. Requires a waiting period due to high demand.

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 what is the best way to get PR in Australia? 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.

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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.