Visa Information

The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to live and study full-time at a registered Australian educational institution. This visa is ideal for individuals seeking to pursue English language courses, vocational training, university degrees, or postgraduate research in Australia. It also permits part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight) during study periods and unlimited work during course breaks. Applicants must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), meet English language and financial requirements, and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant intent. Family members can be included in the application.

Who should apply:
Anyone outside Australia who wants to study full-time and gain international experience in a world-class education system — from recent high school graduates to professionals seeking further qualifications.

The Subclass 820 and 801 Partner Visas allow the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. These visas are applied for together in a two-stage process:

• Subclass 820 (Temporary): Grants temporary residency while the permanent visa is processed. Applicants must be in Australia at the time of application and decision.

• Subclass 801 (Permanent): Usually granted two years after the 820 visa, provided the relationship is ongoing and genuine.

Applicants must demonstrate a committed relationship, meet health and character requirements, and have a sponsoring partner who meets eligibility criteria.

Who should apply:
Individuals already in Australia who are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an eligible Australian partner and wish to build a life together in Australia.

Australia’s Skilled Migration program offers multiple pathways for qualified professionals to live and work in the country. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa for high-scoring individuals with occupations on the skilled list who do not require sponsorship. The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is also a permanent visa but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory, offering additional points and support for applicants with skills in demand locally. The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a provisional visa for those nominated by a state or sponsored by a family member to live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191. These visas are ideal for skilled professionals under 45 who meet the points test and want to build a future in Australia.

The Subclass 485 visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. It is available under different streams depending on the qualification level and location of study:

• Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from a CRICOS-registered course. Stay is typically 2–3 years.

• Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For those with diplomas, trade qualifications, or associate degrees relevant to occupations on the skilled occupation list. Stay is up to 18 months.

• Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates who studied in regional Australia and already hold a 485 visa. Stay is 1–2 additional years.

Who should apply:
Recent international graduates who want to gain practical work experience in Australia, explore permanent residency pathways, or extend their stay after completing their studies

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer. It allows individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely and is ideal for businesses seeking to fill long-term skill shortages.

There are three main streams under this visa:

• Direct Entry Stream: For skilled workers who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia. Applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience and their occupation must be on the skilled occupation list.

• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have held a 457 or 482 visa and have worked for their nominating employer for at least two to three years.

• Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government.

Who should apply:
Skilled professionals under 45 years of age who have a job offer from an Australian employer or who are currently on a sc482 visa and meet the qualifications and experience requirements for their nominated occupation

The Subclass 482 visa allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill job vacancies when no suitable local candidates are available. It is a temporary work visa that enables the visa holder to live and work in Australia for an approved employer in a nominated occupation. The visa is designed to help employers address short- to medium-term skill shortages and can also provide a pathway to permanent residency in some cases. Applicants must have the required skills and experience for the role, meet English language and health requirements, and be nominated by an approved Australian employer.