Australia visa types
Explore Australia visa categories — work, study, family, visit, and more. Compare options, check requirements, and find the right visa for your situation.
38 visa types across 8 categories
Australia visa types each have different requirements, timelines, and eligibility rules. Browse by category to find the right option, with processing times and links to official Australia sources.
Not sure which visa you need?
Select your goal and we'll highlight the most relevant visa types.
Work visas
Guide to the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), including employer sponsorship, work experience planning, fees, and processing times.
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without employer or family.
This visa grants permanent residence to skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) allows you to take an extended holiday in Australia and support your travels with short-term work.
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows you to visit Australia for cultural exchange and tourism while working to support your stay.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) allows you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years.
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) lets you live and work in Australia permanently if you’ve already lived and worked in a.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows you to stay in Australia temporarily after you complete your studies.
The Global Talent Visa (subclass 858), also called the National Innovation visa, grants permanent residence to individuals with internationally recognised.
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) allows you to enter Australia for short-term.
The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) is for people coming to Australia for short-term, specific work or participation in approved activities.
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lets a regional employer sponsor you when there isn't a suitably skilled Australian.
Study visas
The Student Visa (subclass 500) allows you to study full-time in Australia in a registered course.
The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) lets you stay in Australia to care for a student visa holder.
The Training Visa (subclass 407) lets you complete structured, workplace-based occupational training in Australia.
Family visas
The onshore Partner Visa lets you stay in Australia with your Australian partner while Home Affairs processes your application.
The Australia partner visa offshore lets you apply from outside Australia as the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen.
The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) allows you to enter Australia to marry your fiancé(e) and then apply for a permanent Partner visa.
The Parent Visa (subclass 103) lets you move to Australia permanently to live with your child.
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) lets you live in Australia permanently if your child is settled there as an Australian citizen, permanent resident.
The Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) allows you to stay in Australia permanently as the parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) allows you to live in Australia permanently if you are an aged parent of a settled Australian citizen.
The Child Visa (subclass 101) lets a child outside Australia move permanently to live with a parent.
The Child Visa (subclass 802) lets your child stay in Australia permanently with you if you’re an eligible parent.
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) lets you stay in Australia for a set period to visit your child.
The Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) allows your child to stay in Australia temporarily while Home Affairs decides your permanent Partner visa application.
Visit & tourism
The Australia tourist visa allows you to visit for tourism, limited business activities, or to see family.
The Australia ETA lets eligible passport holders travel to Australia for short-term purposes without a traditional visa label.
The eVisitor (subclass 651) lets you travel to Australia for short-term tourism or business without paying a visa fee.
The Transit Visa (subclass 771) lets you pass through Australia for a short, defined period while travelling to another country.
Other pathways
The Refugee Visa (subclass 200) allows you to settle in Australia permanently if you’re outside your home country and have been referred for resettlement.
The Protection Visa (subclass 866) lets you seek permanent protection while in Australia.
Other
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) lets you conduct business or investment activity in Australia on a temporary basis.
The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888) lets you stay in Australia permanently after you meet the business or investment.
Australian citizenship by conferral allows you to move from permanent residence to full membership in Australia’s civic framework.
The Special Category Visa (subclass 444) lets eligible New Zealand citizens enter Australia and stay on a temporary basis.
This visa lets you keep or regain your ability to travel to and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
Tips for choosing a visa type
- Match your purpose of travel to the right visa category before comparing options.
- Check official processing times — they vary by visa type and location.
- Review required documents early; some visas need employer or school sponsorship.
- Understand the difference between nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas.
- Use official government sources to verify eligibility — VisaMind provides guidance, not legal advice.
Looking beyond Australia? Visa requirements vary by destination. Start from the homepage to explore other countries.