7 Most Popular Australian Visa Types You Should Know in 2024
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Australia is a popular destination for both tourists and migrants, and the country offers a range of visas to meet the needs of different individuals and their circumstances. Whether you are visiting for a holiday, studying, working, or looking to permanently relocate, there is an Australian visa that can meet your needs.
An Australian visa is an official document issued by the Australian government that allows foreign nationals to enter, stay, and travel within Australia for various purposes, such as tourism, work, study, or to join family members.
An Australian visa serves as permission to enter the country and outlines the conditions and duration of the stay. Unlike traditional visa stamps or stickers, Australia uses an electronic system to verify visa status upon arrival.
The visa policy of Australia outlines the requirements for obtaining a visa, which serves as a travel authorization with potential additional privileges like work or study opportunities.
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.
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. The 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.
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. |
|
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 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. |
|
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
A Permanent Resident (PR) visa in Australia 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. Check top 10 benefits of Australia PR.
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.
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 Innovation and Investment (Subclass 888 & 188) | Establish or manage a new or existing business | Up to 4 years (renewable) |
Business Talent | High-value business skills or investment | Permanent residency |
Investor (subclass 891) | Make a designated investment in Australia | Permanent residency |
Business Innovation and | Establish or manage a new or existing business | Up to 4 years (renewable) |
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 apply for a visa to Australia, it is essential to consider both the cost and processing time associated with the visa application.
The cost and processing time of an Australian visa can vary depending on the visa type, duration of stay, and other factors. Check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
To provide a comprehensive overview, the following table presents different visas in Australia, types of visa subclass in Australia, along with their estimated costs and processing times.
Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time |
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | AUD 380.00 | 25% of applications: 5 Days 50% of applications: 10 Days 75% of applications: 18 Days 90% of applications: 28 Days |
Student Visa (Subclass (500) | AUD 650, unless exempt. | Varies as per the level of assessment required, and the volume of applications being processed. |
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) | AUD 510 | 25% of applications: Less than 1 day 50% of applications: Less than 1 day 75% of applications: 7 Days 90% of applications: 21 Days |
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | AUD 4,240.00 | 25% of applications: 3 Months 50% of applications: 5 Months 75% of applications: 5 Months 90% of applications: 5 Months |
PR Visa (Subclass 191) | AUD 435 | Application are assessed case to case basis and hence the processing time can vary |
Business Innovation & Investment Visas (Subclass 188) | AUD 3,025.00 | 25% of applications: 27 Months 50% of applications: 29 Months 75% of applications: 32 Months 90% of applications: 34 Months |
Parent Visa (Subclass 103) | AUD 4,560.00 | A new Parent visa application may take at least 29 years to process |
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).
3. Business or Investor-Stream Permanent Visa
This pathway is designed for individuals who wish to invest or start a business in Australia. Examples include the Subclass 188 Visa (Business Innovation and Investment Visa), which offers various streams such as Business Innovation Stream, Investor Stream, and Significant Investor Stream.
Successful applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 Visa (Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) 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 with categories and points under Australia visa requirements
|
Category |
Points |
|
Age (18-24 years) |
25 |
|
English proficiency (Superior) |
20 points |
|
Work Experience outside Australia (8-10 years) |
15 points |
|
Work Experience in Australia (8-10 years) |
20 points |
|
Education (outside Australia) – Doctorate degree |
20 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 |
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!
There are different types of Australian visas to meet the needs of different individuals and their circumstances. Whether you are visiting, studying, working, or looking for Australian PR, an Australian visa can meet your needs.
It is important to research and understand the different Australian visa options available to you and the cost and process to ensure that you make the right choice for your circumstances.
If you are looking for Australian immigration visa types, then GetGIS is here to help you. Not only the visa but GetGIS can also help you immigrate to Australia from India by optimizing your job profile and assisting you in your job search through experts.
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Useful Links
- Australian PR after your studies
- Benefits of studying in Australia for Indian students
- How to get Australia visit visa
- Top 10 best Regional Areas in Australia for PR
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Frequently Asked Questions
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