Australia Visa Guide - Complete Immigration Information

Australia offers diverse pathways for skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and families seeking to live and work in one of the world's most liveable countries.

Why Choose Australia?

Australia provides exceptional opportunities and quality of life:

• Strong Economy: Resilient economy with low unemployment rates
• High Quality of Life: Consistently ranked among world's most liveable cities
• Multicultural Society: Welcoming environment for immigrants
• Excellent Education: World-class universities and education system
• Healthcare: Universal healthcare system (Medicare)
• Climate: Diverse climate zones and beautiful landscapes

Points-Based Immigration System

Australia uses SkillSelect, an online system that manages applications for skilled migration visas.

Points Categories:

• Age: Maximum 30 points (25-32 years old)
• English Language: Up to 20 points
• Skilled Employment: Up to 20 points
• Education: Up to 20 points
• Australian Study: Up to 10 points
• Specialist Education: Up to 10 points
• Partner Skills: Up to 10 points
• Regional Study: Up to 5 points

Minimum Requirements:

• 65 points for invitation
• Skilled occupation on relevant list
• Positive skills assessment
• English language proficiency

Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

Permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by employer, state, or territory.

Key Features:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Include family members
• Access to Medicare
• Path to Australian citizenship

Requirements:

• Skilled occupation on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Positive skills assessment
• At least Proficient English
• 65+ points

State Nominated visa (subclass 190)

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Key Features:

• Permanent residence
• Must live in nominating state for 2 years
• 5 additional points for nomination

Requirements:

• Skilled occupation on relevant list
• State nomination
• 65+ points (including nomination)

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

Provisional visa for skilled workers in regional areas.

Key Features:

• 5-year provisional visa
• Path to permanent residence
• 15 additional points for sponsorship

Student Visa (subclass 500)

Single visa for all international students in Australia.

Requirements:

• Enrollment: In registered course with education provider
• GTE: Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement
• English: Adequate English language skills
• Finances: Sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel
• Health: Meet health requirements
• Character: Meet character requirements

Work Rights:

• 48 hours per fortnight during studies
• Full-time during scheduled breaks
• Partner work rights may apply

Post-Study Options:

• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485):
  • Graduate Work stream: 18 months
  • Post-Study Work stream: 2-4 years depending on qualification

Working Holiday Visas

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

For young people from eligible countries.

Eligible Countries Include:

• United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more

Features:

• 12-month stay
• Work up to 6 months with one employer
• Study up to 4 months
• Second and third WHV available with regional work

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)

Similar to WHV but with different eligible countries and requirements.

Employer Sponsored Visas

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

For skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers.

Streams:

• Short-term: Up to 2 years (4 years for some nationalities)
• Medium-term: Up to 4 years with path to permanent residence
• Labour Agreement: Varies by agreement

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Permanent employer-sponsored visa.

Streams:

• Direct Entry: For workers outside Australia
• Temporary Residence Transition: For TSS visa holders
• Agreement: Under labour agreement

Family Visas

Partner visas

• Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820/309)
• Permanent Partner visa (subclass 801/100)

Parent visas

• Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143/173)
• Parent visa (subclass 103/804)

Child visas

• Child visa (subclass 101/802)
• Adoption visa (subclass 102)

Processing Times and Costs

Skilled Migration:

• Subclass 189: 8-12 months, AUD $4,640
• Subclass 190: 8-12 months, AUD $4,640
• Subclass 491: 8-12 months, AUD $4,640

Student Visa:

• Subclass 500: 4-12 weeks, AUD $710

Working Holiday:

• Subclass 417: 2-4 weeks, AUD $510
• Subclass 462: 2-4 weeks, AUD $510

Employer Sponsored:

• Subclass 482: 2-4 months, AUD $1,330-$2,770
• Subclass 186: 8-18 months, AUD $4,640

Tips for Success

1. Check Occupation Lists: Ensure your occupation is on relevant skilled occupation list
2. Skills Assessment: Start early as this can take several months
3. English Tests: Achieve highest possible scores for more points
4. Regional Opportunities: Consider regional visas for additional points
5. Professional Advice: Complex cases benefit from migration agent advice

Common Challenges

• High Competition: Popular skilled visas have high point requirements
• Skills Assessment: Can be time-consuming and expensive
• English Requirements: High standards for some visa types
• Health Requirements: Comprehensive health examinations required

Next Steps

1. Skills Assessment: Check if your occupation is eligible and start assessment
2. English Test: Take IELTS, PTE, or other approved tests
3. Points Calculation: Calculate your points score
4. Expression of Interest: Submit EOI through SkillSelect
5. Visa Application: Apply when invited

For the most current information, always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent.