Obtaining a Visa for Australia as a Foreigner

Types of Visas for Australia

Visitor Visas (Tourist & Business Visas)

Australia Visa (Subclass 600) – For Tourism & Business

• For holidays, visiting family, or short-term business trips.
• Stay duration: 3, 6, or 12 months.
• Options: Multiple-entry and single-entry.
• Cost: $150 – $1,000 AUD, depending on duration and type.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601

• For short-term visits (up to 3 months).
• Available to citizens of eligible countries (e.g., US, Canada, UK, EU, Japan, South Korea).
• Application must be made outside Australia.
• Cost: $20 AUD (processing fee).

eVisitor Visa – Subclass 651

• For citizens of EU & select European countries.
• Allows multiple entries for stays of up to 3 months per visit.
• Free of charge.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• For foreign students enrolled in Australian universities, colleges, or vocational courses.
• Stay duration: Valid for the duration of the course, up to 5 years, afterwards, eligible citizenship.
• Work rights: Part-time (40 hours per fortnight) during term and full-time during breaks.

Requirements

• Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from an Australian institution.
• Proof of sufficient funds (~$24,505 AUD/year for living expenses).
• Health insurance (OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover).
• Cost: $710 AUD.

Working Holiday & Work and Holiday Visas

Australian Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) & Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

• For young travellers (18-35 years) from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia.
• Stay duration: 12 months, renewable for up to 3 years if specific work conditions are met.
• Cost: $635 AUD.

Work restrictions

• Can work for up to 6 months per employer.
• Must complete specific regional work for renewal.

Temporary Work & Skilled Visas

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent Residency Pathway

• For highly skilled workers without employer sponsorship.
• Based on the points system (minimum 65 points required).
• Occupation must be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Cost: $4,640 AUD.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State-Sponsored PR Visa

• For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
• Requires commitment to live in the nominating state for at least 2 years.
• Cost: $4,640 AUD.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• For skilled workers willing to live in regional Australia.
• Valid for 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
• Cost: $4,640 AUD.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS Visa)

• For foreign workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
• Stay duration: 2 to 4 years.
• Requires at least 2 years of work experience in a nominated occupation.
• Cost: $1,455 – $3,035 AUD.

Business & Investor Australia Visa

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

• For entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
• Requires minimum investment of $1.5M AUD.
• Leads to permanent residency (Subclass 888).
• Cost: $6,475 AUD.

Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

• For highly skilled professionals in priority industries (technology, health, engineering).
• Requires nomination by an Australian organization.
• Grants permanent residency.

Family & Partner Visas

Partner Australia Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801 / 309 & 100)

• For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or PR holders.
• Initially grants a temporary visa, leading to permanent residency after 2 years.
• Cost: $8,085 AUD.

Parent Australia Visa (Subclasses 103, 143, 173, & 804)

• For parents of Australian citizens or PR holders.
• Some visas require a long processing time (up to 30 years).
• Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143) require a high financial contribution ($47,755 AUD) but have faster processing times.

Permanent Residency & Citizenship Pathways

Permanent Residency (PR)

Foreigners can apply for PR through:

• Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491).
• Employer Sponsorship (Subclass 186, 187).
• Investor Visas (Subclass 188, 888).
• Family Sponsorship (Partner, Parent Visas).

Australian Citizenship

• Requires 4 years of legal residence in Australia, including 1 year as a PR.
• Pass a citizenship test & English language requirement.

Visa Application Process for Australia

1. Determine the Right Visa
   • Choose based on travel, work, study, or immigration purpose.
2. Submit an Online Application
   • Apply through Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website.
3. Pay Visa Fees
   • Fees vary based on visa type and processing speed.
4. Submit Required Documents
   • Passport, identity documents, proof of funds, health & character certificates.
5. Biometrics & Medical Exam (If required)
   • Some applicants need to undergo a medical exam and police check.
6. Receive Visa Decision
   • Processing time ranges from days to months, depending on visa type.

Visa Extension & Overstay Penalties

• Tourist & Work Visas can be extended via a new application before expiry.
• Overstaying results in fines, visa bans, and potential deportation.
• Long-term visa holders must apply for renewal before expiry.

Conclusion

Australia offers various visa options for tourists, workers, students, investors, and families. While short-term visas are relatively easy to obtain, long-term stays require meeting strict eligibility criteria. Always check Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website for the latest visa policies before applying. If you are interested in buying or renting in Australia, read our article here to get started. When getting your Australian visa, it is important to only work with professionals who can help you at every step of the way.

Use our database to find visa facilitators, real estate agents, and recommended professionals. You will also have the ability to book a time to meet with our expats on the ground. These are individuals just like you who have gone through the immigration process and have been living in your desired country or city.

During these sessions, you can discuss every small detail related to the moving process. It’s like having a trusted friend everywhere you go. Whether you want to plan a short trip, need help finding an apartment, or you want some advice on moving to a particular city, they can help. This is a great way to meet someone with a similar background to help you achieve any of your goals.