While many travel to Australia for a short visit, long-term relocation to this beautiful country offers many benefits, such as easy access to world-class healthcare and education.
If you wish to enter Australia for a long-term stay, it’s crucial to understand the visa process and choose the right option. This article will provide additional information on each specific visa type so that you’re ready for the application process.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Australian Visas
Regardless of which entry visa they choose, applicants must ensure that they are eligible based on specific requirements from the Australian government. This includes the following.
Proof of Identity: You must have a valid passport and birth certificate. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, they must have an official English translation.
English Language Proficiency: If you are from a nation where English is not the primary language, you must have your language proficiency assessed via an approved test. Certain visa classes, including skilled workers, will need a higher level of proficiency. Citizens of certain countries, including Americans, are exempt from this test. You can find information on what tests are acceptable at the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Skills Assessment: To obtain a skilled worker visa, you will need to meet the requirements of the subject occupation. This is done by a points system for a maximum of 20 points. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs site provides a list of skilled occupations and the assessment criteria.
Health Examination: You must demonstrate that you will not pose a risk of infectious disease or undue strain on the healthcare system. This is done by a medical exam and chest X-ray.
Good Character: A police certificate shows that you do not have a history of criminal activity. You’re expected to secure this from your local authority; in the US, this would be through the FBI.
Financial Stability: Visitors are required to show that they have enough money to sustain themselves during their stay.
Age: While anyone can apply for a visa, you should be aware that some have cut-offs, typically above 45.
Australia Family Visas
All Australian visas have a specific code, making it easy to determine which best fits your situation.
Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 804
Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are above the pension age should seek this visa. The specific pension time depends on your birth date, and the complete list can be found on the Home Affairs website.
Parent Visa – Subclass 103
These Australian visas are for parents of current Australian residents who wish to settle here permanently. You cannot hold this and the following Subclass 870 simultaneously.
Sponsored Parent Visa – Subclass 870
This temporary visa is valid for 3 to 5 years and allows you to reside with a loved one, but you will be unable to work while staying in Australia. Your child must sponsor you and promise to assist you financially.
Partner Visa – Subclass 820
Subclass 820 is a temporary visa that serves as a gateway to the permanent partner visa. You will need to be sponsored by your partner and have a genuine relationship, proven through documentation or an interview.
Onshore Permanent Partner Visa – Subclass 801
This permanent visa allows you to reside in Australia long-term; you may work, study, and access healthcare. Your partner must refer you and demonstrate a commitment to you.
Australia Study Visas
Study visas are a great way to engage with the world, but selecting the correct one for your needs is crucial.
Student Visa – Subclass 500
If you have been enrolled in an Australian school, you can use this visa to travel and work up to 48 hours in a fortnight. You also must demonstrate you have healthcare coverage for your time in Australia. Your study abroad program will typically provide you with further information and help you with the application.
Student Guardian Visa – Subclass 590
With this visa, parents of children studying at an Australian institution can stay with them for part or all of their study program.
Genuine Temporary Entrant
The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs replaced this with Genuine Student visas, and it allows for an easy transition to permanent residency.
Training Visa – Subclass 407
With this option, an applicant can get work experience through vocational training or workplace-based training for up to 2 years. They are entitled to work up to 40 hours per fortnight.
Australia Work Visas
The most popular subset of Australian visas are those that allow individuals to work, gaining valuable experience that they can take with them back to their homeland.
Work and Holiday Visa – Subclass 462
With this visa, people between the ages of 18 and 30 can stay in Australia for up to 12 months, funding their stay with any work they choose, including manual labor or retail work.
Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 417
Similar to the Work and Holiday Visa, this is an option for those aged 18-30 to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s also possible to renew this visa up to two times for a total stay of 3 years.
Global Talent Visa – Subclass 858
Individuals with outstanding or extraordinary talents in a particular field can apply for permanent residency in Australia through the Global Talent Visa. Their talents can be in the arts, sports, academia, research, or a profession. They must have been internationally recognized, and they must also have an Australian resident sponsor their application, demonstrating why they are worthy of residency.
Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
Those under 45 who have essential skills may receive an invitation to submit an application for the Skilled Independent Visa. Unlike the Global Talent visa, this does not require sponsorship from an Australian resident, but it does require an application. The government will review the person’s skills examined on a points-based system, and then they will invite the individual to submit. This allows for the benefits of permanent residency.
Other Visas in Australia
Other visas that Australia offers include the following.
Digital Nomad Visa: While Australia does not have a specific digital nomad visa, there are still a variety of options for those who would like to live and work in the country for a short period. One of these is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is good for three months and does not require any special skills or relationship with an Australian. There is also the eVisitor Visa, which allows individuals to exit and re-enter the country multiple times for up to three months.
Business Visas: With the Business Innovation and Investment visa, individuals can open their own business and engage in business activities for up to 5 years. There are several different streams, including an investor stream with a minimum investment of AUD $1.5 million. Some of these visas require that the applicant be nominated by a local government on their behalf.
Refugee Visa: Those who have been forced from their homeland can seek an Australian visa for free. However, they must be a registered refugee with the UN.
Humanitarian Visa: Those who have been faced with significant human rights abuses or discrimination in their homeland can receive a humanitarian visa that enables them to live in Australia permanently.