6 Australian Visa Types
The reason why you want to visit will determine which visa you get. Australia has different types of visas, but we’ll talk about the six most important ones.
- Work Visa
- Business Visa
- Visitor Visa
- Student and training visa
- Family Visa
- Transit Visa
Work Visa
An Australian work Visa allows a foreigner to work in Australia for a while. Australia has different types of work visas. The application process varies based on factors such as nationality, sponsorship, and job offers. With a work visa, individuals can open doors to exciting new opportunities and expand their professional horizons.
Eligibility Criteria for Work Visas in Australia
To obtain an employment-related visa for Australia, it is essential to have a sponsoring Australian employer who is willing to support your application for one of the available work visas. In most cases, the job offered by the employer must be included in the list of skilled occupations.
Australia Work Visa Types
Various types of work visas are offered in Australia, but the most commonly applied for are the following.
– Employer Nomination Scheme Visa- subclass 186.
To apply for a 186 visa, a permanent work visa, you need a sponsor and can choose from three different streams including direct entry, labor agreement, and temporary residence transition.
– Permanent Skilled Regional Visa- subclass 191
Visa 191, as of November 16 of 2022 became a permanent work visa. You must have had a previous valid visa to apply for subclass 191.
– Regional Sponsored Migration Visa- subclass 187
If you had a valid work visa before and worked for the same employer during that time, you are eligible to apply for a 187 visa.
– Skilled Independent Visa- subclass 189
To be eligible for a Visa 189, which allows an indefinite stay in Australia, one must score at least 65 points from the skills table.
– Skilled Nominated Visa- subclass 190
If you meet the points eligibility criteria, you can only obtain a permanent work visa called Visa 190 if you are invited to apply for it.
– Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa- subclass 476
Visa 476 is given to Australian graduates who exhibit exceptional abilities in their area of expertise, but it is only a temporary visa that lasts for 18 months.
– Skilled Regional Visa- subclass 887
If you had a temporary work visa before, you are eligible to apply for a permanent visa called Visa 887.
– Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa- subclass 489
If you have had a skilled regional visa before, you are eligible to apply for a temporary visa called 489. This visa can later be converted to a permanent visa after a certain period.
– Skilled Work Regional Visa- subclass 491
To obtain a 491 visa, one must be highly skilled and meet certain point requirements, and submit an expression of interest. Once granted, the visa allows the individual to reside in Australia for three years after which they may apply for permanent residency.
– Temporary Activity Visa- subclass 408
Visa 408 is a visa that was introduced during the pandemic to assist visitors in extending their previous visas. To apply for visa 408, you must demonstrate that you were impacted by the worldwide pandemic.
– Temporary Graduate Visa- subclass 485
To apply for a 485 visa, you must select either the graduate work stream or the occupation-specific stream based on your profession. If you choose the former, your occupation must be included on the skills occupation list. The 485 visa is a temporary visa, valid for up to four years, and to obtain a permanent visa, you must apply for a different work visa.
– Temporary Work Visa for Short Stay Specialist- subclass 400
If you possess a unique expertise that is in high demand in Australia, you may request a visa. Typically, this visa is granted for three months, although it may be extended for six months in certain situations.
– Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa- subclass 494
The 494 visa permits you to work only in the particular field that your sponsoring employer has chosen for you. This visa is temporary and has a duration of five years, but you can apply for permanent residency after three years if you meet the requirements.
– Temporary Work International Relations Visa- subclass 403
There are six different streams for the Visa 403, each with its own set of requirements and specifications. If you meet the eligibility criteria for one of these streams, you can apply for the visa.
– Temporary Skill Shortage Visa- subclass 482
Visa 482 offers three different streams to choose from based on your needs. It is necessary to have your employer nominate and sponsor you to obtain this visa, and it is only a temporary visa. However, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after a certain amount of time.
– Global Talent Visa- subclass 858
The global talent visa has two options for different skill sets. This visa is permanent, allowing for an indefinite stay in Australia.
Business Visa
Government authorities issue business visas to travelers who plan to engage in business-related activities that are not considered to be work or a means of earning. These activities may include attending meetings, and conferences, and conducting research on company prospects and projects.
Basic criteria for an Australian business visa
- You must be younger than 55 years old.
- Some visa streams may require you to have a successful business background or strategy.
- You must plan to move a certain amount of assets depending on your visa streams after relocating to Australia.
Types of Australian business visas
Australia offers two main types of business visas, with four different streams for applicants.
It is possible to transition from a temporary subclass 188 visa to a permanent subclass 888 visa if all requirements are met. Meeting the necessary qualifications is key to obtaining a business visa.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Business Visitor Visa?
The Business Visitor Visa allows multiple entries to Australia within one year, with each visit not exceeding three months. Chinese business visitors have the option to obtain a Frequent Traveller Visa for up to ten years with multiple entries.
Can I Extend My Stay?
If you are a temporary business visitor in Australia, you can prolong your stay by requesting another visa at least 14 days before your current one expires.
Visitor Visa
This Australian visa type is for people who are visiting Australia temporarily and have no plans to stay permanently.
Australian visitor visa types
The four types of Australian Visitor Visas are categorized based on the reason for your visit.
- Australian Tourist Visa
If you want to go to Australia for fun and sightseeing, you need to apply for this visa that is specifically for tourists.
- Australian Business Visa
On the condition you want to go to Australia for work reasons like going to meetings or signing contracts, you need to apply for an Australian Business Visa.
- Australian Family-Sponsored Visa
If you want to go to Australia to be with your family, you should apply for this visa. However, they have to invite you and take care of you while you are there. As well as ensure you follow the rules, and leave before your paper expires.
- Australian Medical Treatment Visa
If you go to Australia to see a doctor or get medical help, you need a special visa called a Medical Treatment Visa.
Student and training visa
Here are two main types of Australian student and training visas:
- Student visa subclass 500
- Training visa subclass 407
- Student visa subclass 500
If you want to go study in Australia and you’re from another country, you need to get something called a student visa. This is like a permission slip that lets you go to school there. To get the permission slip, you have to follow the rules that the Immigration Office has made.
- Training visa subclass 407
People from other countries who want to get better at their job can apply for a special visa to go to Australia for training. The visa helps them find the right training program for what they want to learn.
Family visas
A family and relative visa lets people who live in Australia bring their family members from other countries to live with them. This includes kids, brothers and sisters, and other close family members who meet eligibility requirements.
Australia Family and Relative Visa Types
If you want to move to another country with your family, there are different rules you have to follow depending on which type of visa you are eligible for.
Here are the Australian family and relative visa types
- Australia Adoption Visa- subclass 102.
- Australia Aged Dependent Relative Visa- subclass 114, 838.
- Australia Carer Visa- subclass 836, 116.
- Australia Child Visa- subclass 101, 802.
- Australia Dependent Child Visa- subclass 445.
- Australia Family Visa for New Zealand Citizens- subclass 461.
- Australia Orphan Relative Visa- subclass 117, 837.
- Australia Remaining Relative Visas- subclass 115, 835.
Transit Visa
An Australian transit visa lets someone go through the airport in Australia without actually entering the country. It only lasts for a little while and not everyone who visits needs one.
Countries that don’t require an Australian transit visa
Unless you are a citizen of the following countries, you will require a transit visa.
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (including all commonwealth), United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City.
Can I Stay Longer?
A transit visa does not allow for a longer stay and cannot be extended. To remain in Australia, a different visa must be applied for.
To learn more about Australian visa types, visit the Australian Immigration official website.
Conclusion
If someone wants to go to Australia, they need a complete Visa regardless of why they are going. There are various types of Visas available depending on the purpose of the visit. We discussed these Visa options and hope it was helpful.
