Australian visas explained
On this page
Which type of visa fits what I want to do?
| If you want to... | Start here |
|---|---|
| Work in Australia using your skills | Skilled visas |
| Work for an employer who sponsors you | Work visas |
| Study at an Australian school, college or university | Student visa (500) |
| Join a partner, child or parent | Family and partner visas and partner visa |
| Visit for a holiday, family or business | Visitor visas |
| Travel and work for a year or more | Working holiday visas |
| Stay while another visa application is processed | Bridging visas |
| Settle in Australia permanently | Permanent residence |
How do I choose?
Start with what you want to do, then check who can apply. Many visas depend on your age, your passport, your job, your English or your family. The visa finder asks a few questions and points you to the right guides. It does not tell you whether you qualify.
What should I check before I apply?
- The cost. See the visa fees table.
- How long it may take. See processing times.
- The documents and checks you may need. See requirements.
- That you are on an official website.
FAQ
How many Australian visa types are there?
There are many. We group the ones most people look for into the sections above. The full list is on the Home Affairs website.
Which visa is the easiest?
It depends on your situation. We do not rank visas by difficulty. Each guide says who can apply and what to check.
Can I apply for more than one visa?
Sometimes. It depends on the visas. See migration agents.
Where can I check a visa I already hold?
Use VEVO. See check your visa.
In this section
- Bridging visas explainedBridging visas A, B, C and E explained: who gets each one, your work and travel rights, the BVB fee and how long each one lasts.
- Family and partner visasCompare Australian family visas: partner (820/801 and 309/100), Prospective Marriage (300) and the parent visas, with costs and wait times.
- Permanent residence in AustraliaThe main routes to Australian PR: skilled (189, 190, 491), employer (186), partner, parent and the Resident Return visa for existing PR holders.
- Partner visa AustraliaHow the Australian partner visa works: the two stages, who can apply, sponsor rules, costs and wait times.
- Skilled visas for AustraliaCompare Australia's main skilled visas: 189, 190, 491, 482 and 485. See who each suits, how the points test and SkillSelect work, and where to start.
- Student visa Australia (subclass 500)Student visa Australia guide: who can apply for the 500 visa, funds, work limits, OSHC, English requirements and the 2 October rule changes.
- Visiting Australia: which visitor visa do you need?Which tourist visa you need for Australia: Visitor 600, ETA 601 or eVisitor 651. Who is eligible, how long you can stay and the costs.
- Work visas for AustraliaCompare the main Australian work visas: 482, 186, 494 and the skilled visas, and how sponsor obligations work.
- Working Holiday visa Australia (417 and 462)Working holiday visa Australia guide: eligible countries, age limits, the A$840 charge, work limits and the second and third year rules.