The Most Common Australian Visa Types

Australia is a popular destination for many people looking to study, work, and settle in. With over 100 different Australian visa types available, Australia provides various opportunities for those who wish to live in one of the world’s most developed countries.

This article will provide an overview of the most common Australian Visas, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Do I need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Foreigners need a visa to enter Australia, except for citizens of EU countries, Andorra, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Norway, and Vatican City.

To apply for an Australian visa, you need to prepare and submit your application to the Australian Embassy or Consulate in your country. The process involves filling out the required visa application form and providing documents that prove the purpose of your trip, as well as financial information and other personal details as requested.

In addition, the visa application fee should be paid as required. For further information, you can contact VEM.

Types of Australian visas

Our extensive list covers the most popular Australian visas, including Visitor visas, Partner visas, Family visas, Skilled visas, and Student visas as below:

Visitor visa

A Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia for a specific period.

• Visitor visa – Subclass 600: This visa allows you to travel to Australia for tourism, visiting family, or business purposes. The duration of the visitor visa ranges from 3 months to 3 years, depending on the specific type of visa.
• Work and Holiday visa – Subclass 462: This is a temporary visa that allows you to both travel and work for a salary in Australia for up to 12 months. In addition, visa holders may extend their visa if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Partner visa

A Partner visa allows you and your partner to settle in Australia. There are 3 types of Partner visas:

• Prospective Marriage visa – Subclass 300: This is a temporary visa for those engaged to be married. The applicant is allowed to stay in Australia for 15 months to get married. After that, they can prepare for permanent residency through a permanent Australian partner visa.
• Partner visa (apply overseas) – Subclass 309 and 100: This is a marriage visa applied for outside Australia. If you meet the requirements and are granted the 309 visa, you can stay temporarily in Australia for 2 years. After this period, you may be eligible to apply for the 100 visa, which allows you to settle in Australia with your spouse.
• Partner visa (apply in Australia) – Subclass 820 and 100: Unlike the 309/100 visa, the 820/801 visa is applied in Australia. After being granted the temporary 820 visa for 2 years, you will need to submit additional documents to apply for permanent residency under the 801 visa.

Student visa

A Student visa allows students (and their dependents) to come to Australia.

• Student visa – Subclass 500: Allows international students to come to Australia for study. The length of stay with the subclass 500 visa can be up to 5 years, depending on the length of the chosen course.

In addition, if the student is under 18, their family members can apply for a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa to support the student.

Graduate Temporary visa – Subclass 485: Allows graduated students to continue to stay in Australia after their subclass 500 expires. This visa helps graduates gain work experience and become eligible for skilled visas, leading to permanent residency in Australia.

Skilled visa

Skilled visa allows international workers to come to Australia to work in their skilled field.

Permanent skilled visas

• The Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189: For international workers who meet the points requirements (for the points tested stream). Subclass 189 visa does not require applicants to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190: For workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This skilled visa allows highly skilled workers to work and settle in Australia.

Skilled Regional stream

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491 and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494 are temporary visas for skilled workers who want to work in regional areas of Australia. After holding one of these visas for 3 years and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a subclass 191 visa to live permanently in Australia.

Employer-Sponsored stream

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa – Subclass 482: Temporary residence visa for workers sponsored by an employer. The duration of the visa 482 ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on the occupation on the subclass 482 visa occupation list.
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa – Subclass 186: Allows nominated workers to live permanently in Australia. After holding a temporary 482 visa, you can apply for the subclass 186 visa to settle in Australia.

Family visa

A Parent visa allows parents of an Australian citizen/ permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to come to and live in Australia:

• Contributory Parent visa – Subclass 143: The most common choice among Parent visas, allowing parents to live in Australia permanently with their children.
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary visa) – Subclass 870: Parents can be sponsored and visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. The subclass 870 allows visa holders to extend their stay for up to 10 years.

Other Parent visa categories include:

• Parent visa – Subclass 103:The applicants don’t need to pay a significant amount of contributory money when applying for the visa.
• Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa – Subclass 173: A temporary visa with an initial application fee.
• Aged Parent visa – Subclass 804: Allows aged parents to live in Australia permanently.
• Contributory Aged Parent visa – Subclass 864: Allows parents to stay permanently in Australia.

Child Visa helps children come to Australia and live with their parents:

• Child visa – Subclass 101: The applicant can either be a biological child or a stepchild of the parents (the sponsor).
• Adoption visa – Subclass 102: Allows an overseas adopted child to live with their parents in Australia.

Business and investment visas

Business and Investment visas offer investors attractive opportunities to invest in Australia. Currently, the Australian Government has closed the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) – Visa 188 as of the end of July 2024.

However, those who already hold a 188 visa and meet the requirements to apply for the subclass 888 visa (Permanent Residency) can continue to follow this pathway after July 2024.