Australia offers a wide range of visa options that suit different goals, from short holidays to long-term stays. Whether someone plans to explore its coastlines, study at a top university, or build a career, the visa system provides clear pathways to make that possible. The best visas to travel and stay in Australia depend on the purpose of the visit, qualifications, and how long the person intends to remain in the country.
Tourist visas allow short visits for leisure or family trips, while working and skilled visas open opportunities for those seeking employment or permanent residency. Students and recent graduates can also find specific visas that support study and post-study work experience.
Understanding each visa category helps applicants match their goals with the right option and avoid delays or rejections. This guide outlines the main visa types, their requirements, and practical tips to choose the most suitable one. Australian visa agents should be consulted to make sure your visa is granted.
Overview of Australian Visa Categories
Australia offers multiple visa pathways designed for tourism, work, and study. Each category has distinct eligibility rules, permitted activities, and durations that affect how long a person can stay and what they can do while in the country.
Tourist Visas
Tourist visas allow travellers to visit Australia for holidays, family visits, or short-term non-work purposes. The most common option is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which permits stays of up to 12 months depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Applicants can choose between tourist, business visitor, and sponsored family streams. The visa cost starts around AUD 190, and most applications receive a decision within a few weeks. Citizens of certain countries may also qualify for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, both suitable for shorter stays of up to three months.
Applicants must show evidence of sufficient funds, a return travel plan, and meet health and character requirements. These visas do not allow paid work but may permit short-term study for up to three months.
Work Visas
Work visas cover temporary and permanent employment pathways. The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) allows employers to sponsor skilled workers when no suitable Australian is available. It can lead to permanent residency through employer nomination after several years of work.
For highly skilled professionals, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) operate under a points-based system that considers age, qualifications, and work experience. These visas grant permanent residence and the right to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Short-term options include Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 and 462), which let young adults from eligible countries work while travelling for up to two years. Each work visa type has specific occupation lists, English language standards, and sponsorship or nomination requirements.
Student Visas
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in registered courses at Australian institutions. Applicants must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of financial capacity, and evidence of English proficiency.
This visa generally lasts for the duration of the course, with permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Dependants may accompany the student if they meet financial and relationship criteria.
Graduates can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) after completing eligible qualifications, allowing them to gain work experience in Australia. Maintaining valid health insurance and compliance with visa conditions is essential to remain lawful during the stay.
Tourist Visas for Australia
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Australia offers several short‑term visa options designed for leisure, family visits, and limited business activities. Each visa type differs in eligibility, application process, and permitted duration of stay, so travellers should choose based on nationality, purpose, and intended length of visit.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) suits travellers who wish to visit Australia for tourism, visiting relatives, or short business activities. It allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, with flexibility depending on individual circumstances and the decision of the Department of Home Affairs.
Applicants can apply from inside or outside Australia, but conditions vary. Those applying onshore must ensure they hold a valid visa without a “no further stay” condition. The visa can be single or multiple entry, depending on what the applicant requests and what is granted.
This visa is open to most nationalities, but Australian citizens cannot apply. Applicants must meet health and character requirements and demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay. The processing time varies, often taking several weeks, so early application is recommended.
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Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is a digital authorisation linked electronically to a traveller’s passport. It is available to citizens of specific countries, mainly from Western Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
The ETA permits multiple entries to Australia within 12 months, with each stay limited to 3 months. It is suitable for tourism or short business visits such as attending conferences or meetings but not for work or study beyond minor training.
Applications are made online or via the official app, and approval is usually quick. Travellers must be outside Australia when applying. The ETA is convenient for frequent visitors who meet nationality and eligibility requirements.
eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) is free of charge and designed for citizens of the European Union and select European countries. It allows tourism, visiting friends or family, and short business activities such as attending meetings or seminars.
This visa permits multiple entries over 12 months, with each stay limited to 3 months. Applicants must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted. The process is entirely online and typically processed within a few days.
Unlike the ETA, the eVisitor cannot be extended or renewed while in Australia. Travellers wishing to stay longer must apply for another visa before their current one expires.
Working and Skilled Visas
Australia offers several visa options for skilled professionals who want to work and live in the country. These visas differ in purpose, eligibility, and the level of employer or state involvement required but all aim to attract individuals with skills that support Australia’s labour market needs.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) allows employers to sponsor skilled workers when no suitable Australian worker is available. It supports short- and medium-term skill needs across various industries.
There are three main streams:
- Short-Term Stream – up to 2 years (or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies).
- Medium-Term Stream – up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
- Labour Agreement Stream – for employers with a negotiated labour agreement.
Applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience, meet English language requirements, and work in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List. Employers must also meet sponsorship obligations, including paying market salary rates and covering certain costs.
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It suits applicants with qualifications and experience in occupations that Australia needs.
To apply, individuals must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Invitations are issued based on the applicant’s points score, which considers age, English proficiency, education, and work experience.
Successful applicants can live and work anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, and sponsor eligible family members. Because it does not rely on employer or state nomination, it offers flexibility for those seeking long-term settlement and career freedom.
If you’re wondering if you qualify for this visa, consider using the 189 visa points calculator, which will estimate your points score.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It targets occupations in demand within specific regions.
Applicants must first receive a state or territory nomination, which grants additional points in the SkillSelect system. Each jurisdiction sets its own occupation list and criteria, often requiring a commitment to live and work in that region for a certain period.
This visa provides permanent residency, allowing holders to work, study, and access public healthcare. It suits skilled professionals who meet regional demand and prefer a defined pathway to living in Australia permanently.
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Student and Graduate Visas
Australia offers pathways for international students to study, work, and gain post-study experience. These visas provide structured options for temporary residence, allowing graduates to build professional skills and explore long-term opportunities.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to live in Australia while enrolled in a registered full-time course. It covers higher education, vocational training, and English language programmes. Applicants must receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an approved institution before applying.
Holders can generally stay for the duration of their course, up to five years. They may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks. Dependants, such as partners or children, can be included in the same application.
To qualify, applicants must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), meet financial and English language requirements, and satisfy genuine temporary entrant criteria. The visa also allows limited travel in and out of Australia, offering flexibility for study and personal commitments.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) enables recent graduates of Australian institutions to stay temporarily after completing eligible qualifications. It supports practical work experience and skill development in Australia.
This visa has two main streams:
- Graduate Work stream – for those with skills related to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, usually valid for up to 18 months.
- Post-Study Work stream – for higher education graduates, allowing stays of two to four years, depending on the qualification level.
Applicants must apply within six months of completing their studies, hold an eligible student visa, and meet health, character, and English language requirements. The 485 visa offers a valuable bridge between education and skilled employment, often serving as a step toward permanent residency.
Assessing Your Eligibility
Eligibility varies by visa category. Applicants should review age limits, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and health or character requirements before applying. For instance, skilled visas often require a minimum points score based on age and occupation, while visitor visas focus on travel purpose and financial stability.
Checking official eligibility tools or occupation lists can prevent wasted time and application fees. Those applying for partner or family visas must show evidence of genuine relationships or sponsorship.
Applicants should also consider their intentions after arrival. A short-term visitor may not need a work visa, while someone planning to study or settle must meet additional conditions. Matching visa purpose with future goals ensures compliance and reduces the risk of refusal.
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