Australia visa guide
The main Australian visas in plain English, and who each one is for. General guidance to help you understand your options.
General guidance only, not migration advice
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. We are not registered migration agents, so we can’t give advice on your circumstances or prepare or lodge an Australian visa application for you. Visa rules, fees and processing times change often, so check the Department of Home Affairs visa list for current details.
Visiting Australia
For holidays, seeing family, or short business visits such as meetings and conferences.
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Tourism, visiting family and friends, or business visitor activities. Streams include Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor and Frequent Traveller.
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
Short tourist or business visits for holders of eligible passports, applied for through the AustralianETA app.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Short tourist or business visits for holders of eligible European passports.
Studying
For full-time study at a registered Australian course, and for parents who come to care for a young student.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Full-time study in a registered course. Family members can often be included.
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
A parent or relative who comes to care for a student under 18.
Working
For young travellers, recent graduates, and workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462)
Holiday and work for up to a year for young people from eligible countries, generally aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for some countries).
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Recent graduates of Australian qualifications who want to stay and work after study.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer for an eligible occupation.
Skilled migration
Points-tested permanent and provisional visas. You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and apply once invited.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residence without a sponsor, for invited workers with an occupation on the relevant list.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Permanent residence with nomination from a state or territory government.
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
Provisional visa to live and work in regional Australia, with nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
Family
For partners, parents and children of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
Partner visa (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100)
Married or de facto partners. 820/801 is applied for in Australia, 309/100 from outside Australia.
Parent visas (including subclasses 103 and 143)
Parents of settled Australian children. Contributory options cost more but are generally processed faster.
Child visas (including subclasses 101 and 802)
Dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
Need advice on your situation?
Only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can give advice on your own visa application. Check an agent is registered before you pay them.
Visa sorted? Book the trip
Once a visa is granted, we can book flights for family coming to visit, or your own trip home.