Australian Visa Guides
Structured, easier-to-read guides built from current Home Affairs visa information across skilled, family, visitor, student, humanitarian, and other pathways.
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a registered migration agent before applying.
Working and skilled visas
71 visasAustralian Government Endorsed Events
lodge an application online have a letter of endorsement from an approved organisation Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read info
Read guide →Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888)
for entrepreneurs, investors and business owners to continue their activity in Australia.
Read guide →Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)
This visa allows you to own and manage a business in Australia, conduct business and investment activity in Australia or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia
Read guide →Business Innovation Extension stream
hold, or in certain cases must have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation stream for at least three years or hold, or in c
Read guide →Business Innovation stream
hold, or in certain cases must have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa in the Business Innovation stream, a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisiona
Read guide →Business Innovation stream
AUD1.25 million if you were invited to lodge this visa application on or after 1 July 2021 AUD800,000 if you were invited to lodge this visa application before 1 July 2021 score at
Read guide →Core Skills Stream
be nominated to work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and no less than the Core Skills Inc
Read guide →Direct entry stream
have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations have an Australian employer nominating you to work in a position in regional Australia depending on your occ
Read guide →Direct Entry stream
be under 45 years old on the date you lodge your application, unless exempt be nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List have at least 3 years relevant work ex
Read guide →Domestic work for executives
be 18 years old or older be invited to work in the household be experienced in domestic work be supported or sponsored Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, b
Read guide →Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
be outside Australia when you lodge an application and when we decide on your first visa application be 18 years old or older have an employment contract that meets Australia’s wor
Read guide →Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, live and work in Australia permanently.
Read guide →Employer Sponsored stream
be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation have a relevant skills ass
Read guide →Entertainment Activities
have a contract or other proof of your engagement have access to enough money to support yourself and any dependents who travel with you during your remain in Australia lodge an ap
Read guide →Entrepreneur stream
hold, or, in some cases, must have held, a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa in the Entrepreneur stream have demonstrated overall a successful re
Read guide →Entrepreneur stream
be nominated by a State or Territory government agency undertake, or propose to undertake, a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia show us a business plan for your entrepren
Read guide →Exchange Arrangements
have the skills and experience to exchange jobs with an Australian citizen or permanent-resident have a sponsor or a supporter lodge an application online Help with your visa If yo
Read guide →Extended stay pathway
hold a subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496 visa (Extended Stay pathway) Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can he
Read guide →Foreign Government Agency stream
be supported by a foreign government agency if you will be teaching a foreign language, be supported by an Australian school lodge an application online. Help with your visa If you
Read guide →Government Agreement stream
comply with licensing or registration requirements as part of your employment be supported by the signatories to the agreement lodge an application online. Help with your visa If y
Read guide →Hong Kong stream
hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport meet certain visa and residence requirements. Help with your visa Before you pay for help with your visa applica
Read guide →Hong Kong stream
hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport meet certain visa and residence requirements Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before
Read guide →Investor stream
hold, or, in some cases, must have held, a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Investor stream meet certain investment requirements related
Read guide →Investor stream
AUD2.5 million that meets certain requirements if you were invited to lodge an application on or after 1 July 2021 AUD1.5 million in an Australian State or Territory if you were in
Read guide →Invited for other social and cultural activity (Invited Participant)
be invited to take part in the event lodge an application online have a sponsor or supporter Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, rea
Read guide →Invited pathway
be nominated to lodge an application by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list ha
Read guide →Labour agreement stream
currently work, or be preparing to work, for your nominating employer who is party to a labour agreement. meet the age, skills and English language requirements of the labour agree
Read guide →Labour agreement stream
Be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement. Unless otherwise specified in the Labour Agreement, have gained at least 12 months relevant fu
Read guide →Labour Agreement stream
be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a labour agreement have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation have a relevant ski
Read guide →Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)
be selected in the MATES ballot to lodge the visa application lodge an application online on or before the date specified in your Notification of Selection letter. The cut-off time
Read guide →National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
a profession a sport the arts academia and research. an Australian citizen an Australian permanent-resident an eligible New Zealand citizen an Australian organisation. be invited t
Read guide →New Zealand stream
This visa lets eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.
Read guide →Pacific Australia Labour Mobility stream
be a citizen and resident of a participating PALM scheme country be sponsored by a temporary activities sponsor, that is approved by DEWR as a PALM scheme employer lodge an applica
Read guide →Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192)
From 1 May 2025, there are two streams of the Pacific Engagement visa (subclass 192) – the Pacific Engagement stream and the Treaty stream.
Read guide →Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
This visa allows workers who hold an eligible visa and meet an income requirement to live and work in Australia permanently.
Read guide →Points tested stream
have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation be invited to lodge this visa application satisfy the points test He
Read guide →Post-Higher Education Work stream
be aged 35 years or under when you lodge an application. *Exceptions lodge an application be in Australia when you lodge this visa application hold an eligible visa have held a Stu
Read guide →Post-Vocational Education Work stream
be 35 years of age or under when you lodge an application. *Exceptions lodge an application be in Australia when you lodge this visa application hold an eligible visa have held a S
Read guide →Premium investor stream
hold a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa in the Premium Investor stream meet certain investment requirements related to your provisional visa hav
Read guide →Premium Investor stream
be nominated by Austrade be invited to lodge this visa application invest at least AUD15 million in Australian investments and/or philanthropic contributions that meet certain requ
Read guide →Privileges and Immunities stream
get a letter of support from DFAT recommending that you should be granted this visa have, or expect to have, the privileges and immunities listed under the International Organisati
Read guide →Regional provisional stream
hold an eligible visa for at least three years provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of your eli
Read guide →Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
This visa allows skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.
Read guide →Religious Work
have an agreement to work full time for a religious institution in Australia be supported or sponsored depending on your circumstances lodge an application online Help with your vi
Read guide →Research activities
have a sponsor or supporter depending on your circumstances be invited to observe or take part in research at an Australian research or tertiary institution lodge an application on
Read guide →Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
be aged 35 years or under when you lodge an application. *Exceptions lodge an application be in Australia when you lodge this visa application hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the
Read guide →Significant Investor Extension stream
hold a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Significant Investor stream and have held that visa for at least 3 years or hold a Business Innov
Read guide →Significant Investor stream
hold, or for some people, must have held, a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Significant Investor stream or Significant Investor Extensio
Read guide →Significant Investor stream
be invited to lodge this visa application be nominated by a State or Territory government agency or Austrade to invest at least AUD5 million that meets certain requirements and hav
Read guide →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled
Read guide →Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
This visa is designed for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills we need, to settle in Au
Read guide →Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
have an occupation on the relevant skilled list have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation be invited to lodge this visa application satisfy the points test Help with you
Read guide →Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489)
For skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia You may bring your family If you are granted this visa, you might be able to lodge an application for the Skille
Read guide →Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)
hold an eligible visa or have held an eligible visa that expired outside Australia during the concession period have lived for at least 2 years and worked full time for at least 1
Read guide →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - Main applicant
be nominated to lodge an application by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list ha
Read guide →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent entrant
be a member of the family unit of a person who holds a subclass 491 visa on the basis of satisfying the primary criteria for the grant of that visa. Help with your visa If you are
Read guide →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
A visa for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia
Read guide →Skills in Demand (subclass 482)
This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
Read guide →Special Program
have an invitation to participate in an approved special program be supported or sponsored depending on your circumstances lodge an application online Help with your visa If you ar
Read guide →Specialist Skills stream
be nominated to work in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) occupation listed in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6 with a salary that meets the Sp
Read guide →Sporting Activities
have a sponsor or supporter have a contract and a letter of support from a peak sporting body not work outside your specified sporting activities Help with your visa If you are get
Read guide →Subsequent entrant
be a member of the family unit of a primary SESR visa holder Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help wi
Read guide →Subsequent entrant
Be a partner or dependent of a subclass 482 or 457 visa holder Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help
Read guide →Subsequent entry pathway
be one of the members of the family unit, of a subclass 475, 487, 489, 495 or 496 visa holder. Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, r
Read guide →Superyacht Crew
have a contract to work as a superyacht crew member a letter from the owner of the superyacht confirming the person's employment as a member of the crew of the vessel have a suppor
Read guide →Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
This visa allows you to come to Australia to do specific types of work on a short-term, temporary basis.
Read guide →Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
A temporary visa that allows international students to live, study and work after you have finished your studies.
Read guide →Temporary Residence Transition stream
hold a subclass 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa usually, have worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years full time while holding a subclass 457 or 482 visa hav
Read guide →Temporary Residence Transition stream
be a transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 worker, see definition under eligibility “Have this visa” hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C in association with a
Read guide →Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
A temporary visa to work in specific circumstances that improve Australia’s international relations.
Read guide →Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can help Australian business and can't reasonably be found in Australia only do the work or activities for which your v
Read guide →Family and partner visas
27 visasAdoption visa (subclass 102)
have been under 18 years of age when adopted, when they lodge an application and when we make a decision be outside Australia when the application is made and when we make a decisi
Read guide →Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114)
be outside Australia when you lodge this visa application and when we decide your application be sponsored by your relative or relative's partner. Help with your visa If you are ge
Read guide →Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838)
be inside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you lodge this visa application and when we decide on your application be sponsored by your relative or your relative's
Read guide →Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia not
Read guide →Carer visa (subclass 116)
be outside Australia when you lodge an application and when we decide your application be sponsored by your relative or their partner for your first 2 years in Australia provide ca
Read guide →Carer visa (subclass 836)
be in Australia when you lodge the visa application and when we decide your application be a carer for your Australian relative who needs care or a member of their family who lives
Read guide →Child visa (subclass 101)
be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa be under 18 years, a full-time student aged ov
Read guide →Child visa (subclass 802)
be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa be under 18 years, a full-time student aged ov
Read guide →Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia not
Read guide →Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia not
Read guide →Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian
Read guide →Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent-resident or Eligible New Zealand citizen meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law not hav
Read guide →Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
be a dependent child of the visa-holding parent be sponsored by the nominator or sponsor of the visa-holding parent. Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, bef
Read guide →New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461)
not be a New Zealand citizen at the time of application meet certain eligibility criteria Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read i
Read guide →Orphan Relative (subclass 117)
be under 18 years of age, single and with no parent to care for them have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent-resid
Read guide →Orphan Relative (subclass 837)
be under 18 years of age, single and with no parent to care for them have a relative who is a settled Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent-resid
Read guide →Parent visa (subclass 103)
have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian
Read guide →Partner (Migrant) visa
hold a temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) or Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) in most cases, continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your spon
Read guide →Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309 100)
This pathway allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain in Australia. You lodge an application f
Read guide →Partner (Provisional) visa
be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen have your spouse or de facto part
Read guide →Partner visa (Permanent)
hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) or Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) in most cases, continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your sponsor. Help with
Read guide →Partner visa (subclass 820 801)
This pathway allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to remain in Australia. You lodge an application f
Read guide →Partner visa (Temporary)
be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen have your spouse or de facto part
Read guide →Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
be 18 years old or older have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent-resident or eligible New Zealand citizen intend to marry your prospective spouse before the visa per
Read guide →Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)
be outside Australia when you lodge this visa application and when we decide your application be a remaining relative of an Australian citizen or permanent-resident or an Eligible
Read guide →Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)
be in Australia when you lodge this visa application and when we decide your application be a remaining relative of an Australian citizen or permanent-resident or Eligible New Zeal
Read guide →Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)
have an approved Parent Sponsor before you may lodge an application for this visa lodge an application online for this visa lodge your visa application within 6 months of the spons
Read guide →Studying and training visas
3 visasStudent Guardian visa (subclass 590)
be the student's parent, custodian or relative who is 21 years or older have and show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and the student during your stay have adequat
Read guide →Student visa (subclass 500)
lodge an application online in or outside Australia be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when we decide your visa hold Ove
Read guide →Training visa (subclass 407)
be sponsored be nominated (unless your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency) be invited (if your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency) Help with your visa If you are
Read guide →Visitor visas
18 visasApproved Destination Status stream
be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China intend to travel to Australia as part of a tour organised by an approved travel agent contact an approved travel agent to ask for the
Read guide →Business visitor stream
be a genuine visitor travelling to Australia for business visitor activities be outside Australia when you lodge an application and when we decide your application Help with your v
Read guide →Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
lodge an application from outside Australia have an eligible passport use the Australian ETA app watch the ETA video guides.
Read guide →eVisitor (subclass 651)
lodge an application from outside Australia hold a passport from a particular country lodge an application
Read guide →First Work and Holiday visa
have a passport from an eligible country be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) lodge an application from outside Australia not be accompanied by dependent children lodge an application
Read guide →First Working Holiday visa
hold a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction be 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) lodge an application online from outside Australia not be accomp
Read guide →Frequent traveller stream
You need to hold a passport from and be a citizen of one of the following countries: The People’s Republic of China Brunei Cambodia Philippines Laos Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Th
Read guide →Second Work and Holiday visa
have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa. If you haven’t, see the first Work and Holiday visa if in Australia, hold a substantive visa or your last substantive visa
Read guide →Second Working Holiday visa
have previously entered Australia on a subclass 417 visa. If you haven’t, see the first Working Holiday visa if in Australia, hold a substantive visa or your last substantive visa
Read guide →Sponsored family stream
have a sponsor intend to come to Australia as a visitor only. Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help w
Read guide →Third Work and Holiday visa
have previously held 2 subclass 462 visas in Australia. If you haven’t, see the first Work and Holiday visa or second Work and Holiday visa if in Australia, hold a substantive visa
Read guide →Third Working Holiday visa
have previously held 2 subclass 417 visas in Australia. If you haven’t, see the first Working Holiday visa or second Working Holiday visa if in Australia, hold a substantive visa o
Read guide →Tourist stream (lodge an application in Australia)
intend to remain in Australia to visit only have enough money for your remain in Australia be in Australia when you lodge an application and when we decide your application Help wi
Read guide →Tourist stream (lodge an application outside Australia)
intend to come to Australia to visit only have enough money for your remain in Australia not work in Australia you need to be outside Australia when you lodge an application and wh
Read guide →Transit visa (subclass 771)
be outside Australia be transiting Australia, have evidence of a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arriving in Australia with the correct documents
Read guide →Visitor (subclass 600)
for tourists, business visitors or to visit family for 3, 6 or 12 months
Read guide →Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
for young adults who want an extended holiday and to work here to fund it
Read guide →Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
for young adults who want an extended holiday and to work here to fund it.
Read guide →Refugee and humanitarian visas
6 visasGlobal Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)
have a proposer enter Australia by the date on your visa you and your family members must obey all Australian laws. Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, befo
Read guide →Protection visa (subclass 866)
engage Australia’s protection obligations (or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does) have arrived legally in Australia on a valid visa meet all other visa require
Read guide →Refugee visas (subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204)
enter Australia by the date on your visa you and your family members must obey all Australian laws We usually grant this visa to people referred to us by United Nations High Commis
Read guide →Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851)
be in Australia at time of application lodgement be in Australia at time of visa grant meet the visa requirements including health, character and security Note: Persons with any co
Read guide →Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
engage Australia’s protection obligations (or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does) meet all other visa requirements, such as health, character, identity and sec
Read guide →Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
engage Australia's protection obligations (or be a member of the same family unit of someone who does) meet all other visa requirements, such as health, character, identity and sec
Read guide →Other visas
13 visasBridging visa A – BVA - (subclass 010)
be in Australia when you lodge an application if you meet all the eligibility requirements, be in Australia at time of grant Help with your visa If you are getting help with your v
Read guide →Bridging visa B – BVB – (subclass 020)
be in Australia when you lodge this visa application be the holder of a BVA or a BVB have applied in Australia for a substantive visa that can be granted while you are in Australia
Read guide →Bridging visa C – BVC – (subclass 030)
be in Australia when you lodge an application if you meet all the eligibility requirements, be in Australia at time of grant Help with your visa If you are getting help with your v
Read guide →Bridging visa E – BVE – (subclass 050 and 051)
This visa allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while you make arrangements to leave, finalise your immigration matter or wait for an immigration decision.
Read guide →Bridging visa E (BVE)
comply with all Australian laws be in Australia when the application is lodged and in order to be granted this visa, you need to be in Australia when a decision is made. Help with
Read guide →Bridging visa E (BVE)
comply with all Australian laws Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help with your visa application.
Read guide →Crew Travel Authority visa (subclass 942)
be registered as crew by your air carrier be travelling on a commercial or chartered passenger flight, freight or cargo flight as an airline crew member, airline positioning crew m
Read guide →Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
meet our age and long residence requirement or defence service requirement lodge an application on paper Help with your visa If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay
Read guide →Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
be outside Australia when you lodge an application comply with Australia's health and quarantine requirements be a crew member, or have a current offer to be a crew member, on an M
Read guide →Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
comply with all visa conditions and follow Australian laws leave before your visa ends have the financial capacity to support yourself in Australia Help with your visa If you are g
Read guide →Resident Return visa (subclass 155 157)
an Australian permanent-resident a former Australian permanent-resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced Australian cit
Read guide →Special Category visa (subclass 444)
remain a New Zealand citizen continue to meet the character requirements.
Read guide →Special Purpose visa
have a 'prescribed status'. This includes but is not limited to being: a member of certain foreign armed forces a person on board a ship of a foreign armed forces an airline, or ai
Read guide →