Visas
Starting your journey to Australia begins with understanding the visa and immigration requirements that apply to you. Whether you are moving for work, study, family, or travel, having the right information is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application process. On this page, you will find guidance on the types of visas available, eligibility criteria, and key steps to help you navigate Australia’s immigration system with confidence, so you can focus on planning your exciting new adventure.
There is nothing more exciting than arriving in Australia, bleary eyed after a long flight, with a heap of suitcases ready to go. This is where that journey starts.
Visa information is below. Please note that this is current as at early 2026, but things are changing all the time. We will endeavor to keep this up to date, but please do your own research. The website to use is Department of Home Affairs
Visitor, Working Holiday, Student & Temporary Skilled Visas are part of the millions of temporary visas granted each year — in 2024–25, total temporary visa grants topped 8 million+.
185,001 permanent visas were granted in 2024–25, with most going to skilled migrants, and a significant number (around 40,500) designated for Partner visas.
We’ve added a table at the bottom so you can see the number of each visa granted recently.
Migration Agents
If you are really not sure which visa is for you, or how to go about applying, or you just don’t have the time, you might consider using a migration agent.
Click on the photo on the left to go to our Migration Agents Page
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 / 601 / 651)
Planning a holiday, short-term business trip, or visiting family? A Visitor Visa is your ticket.
How to get it:
Check if you’re eligible – Make sure your passport country and travel plans match the visa type.
Pick the right visa – eVisitor (601), Visitor (600), or ETA (651).
Get your documents ready – Passport, proof of funds, travel plans, and health insurance.
Apply online – It’s quick and easy on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Pay the fee – It depends on the type of visa you choose.
Sit tight – Processing usually takes a few days or weeks.
Get your visa – Most visas are electronic, so no stamps needed—just confirmation in your inbox!
Click the photo to the left to go to the right page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)
Want to see Australia and earn a bit of money along the way? A Working Holiday Visa is perfect if you’re 18–30 (35 if you’re coming from the UK).
How to get it:
Check your eligibility – Age, passport, and character requirements matter.
Choose the right subclass – 417 or 462, depending on your country. 417 is the right one if you are coming from the UK.
Prepare your docs – Passport, proof of funds, health insurance, maybe police checks.
Apply online – Submit your application through ImmiAccount.
Pay the fee – Fees vary by subclass.
Wait for approval – Usually a few weeks.
Pack your bags! – You can work for up to 6 months per employer while exploring Australia. You can apply to extend your work rights with one employer in certain circumstances.
Click on the photo on the left to go to our working holiday page.
Many a love affair with Australia has started with a working holiday.
Click HERE to go to the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Dreaming of studying in Australia? This visa lets you focus on your studies while living Down Under. You will be an international student if you are on this visa, so check out the costs of study carefully as they can be expensive for international students. This visa does give you limited work rights too, so you can have a part time job alongside your studies.
How to get it:
Get your offer letter – From an approved Australian education provider.
Check you meet the requirements – Age, English skills, finances, and health.
Collect your documents – CoE, passport, Overseas Student Health Cover, proof of funds.
Apply online – Use ImmiAccount to submit your application.
Pay the fee – Depends on your course length.
Do any health checks – If required.
Receive your visa – Then you’re all set to start your studies!
Click the picture on the left to go to the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Looking to work in Australia with a skilled role? This visa helps you join an employer ready to sponsor you.
How to get it:
Check if your job is eligible for this visa – Look at the Skilled Occupation List. Your job will need to be on this list in order to be eligible. HERE
Find a sponsor – An Australian employer must be willing to back you.
Gather your paperwork – Passport, skills assessment, qualifications, references.
Employer lodges nomination – They submit a nomination on your behalf.
Apply online – Via ImmiAccount.
Pay the fee – Depends on the visa stream.
Wait for approval – Could include health and character checks.
Start working! – Once granted, you can work for your sponsoring employer.
Click the picture on the left to go to the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 / 801, 309 / 100)
If you’re joining your partner in Australia, this visa is the way to stay together. Australia recognises married and de facto relationships regardless of gender. You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner.
How to get it:
Check your relationship – Must be genuine and ongoing.
Collect evidence – Relationship proof, ID, police checks.
Apply online – Through ImmiAccount.
Pay the fee – These visas aren’t cheap, so plan ahead.
Provide biometrics / attend interviews – If requested.
Temporary visa first – Subclass 820/309 lets you live together while the permanent visa is processed.
Permanent visa next – Subclass 801/100 grants full residency after assessment.
Click below to go to the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.
Onshore Application 820 and 801
Offshore Application (309 and 100)
Skilled Migration / Permanent Residency (Subclass 189 / 190 / 491)
Dreaming of staying in Australia long-term? Skilled migration lets you live and work permanently. This is the Gold Visa – you can work anywhere and in any role if you secure this visa.
How to get it:
Check your occupation – Make sure it’s on the Skilled Occupation List.
Get your skills assessed – Your qualifications and work experience need verification.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – Through SkillSelect.
Receive an invitation – Based on your points and occupation demand.
Gather your documents – Passport, skills assessment, health and character checks.
Apply online – Via ImmiAccount.
Pay the fee – Fees vary by subclass.
Wait patiently – Health checks and interviews may be needed.
Receive your visa – Welcome to permanent residency in Australia!
Australian Visa Grants — 2024–25 (Most Recent Full Available Data)
Click HERE to view the whole migration report for 2024-2025
| Visa Category | Visas Granted (2024–25) | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visas | 4,915,854 granted | Visitor visas are the biggest group of temporary visas granted overall. Short‑term tourist/business visas granted. |
| Working Holiday Maker Visas (e.g., Subclass 417/462) | 321,1161 granted | Visas for young travellers to work and explore Australia. |
| Student Visas (Subclass 500) | 371,564 granted | Full‑time study visas for international students. |
| Temporary Resident (Other Employment) Visas (incl. Graduate & other short‑term work) | 255,420 granted | Includes Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485) and other employment‑based temporary visas. |
| Temporary Skilled Visas (e.g., Subclass 482 and others) | 130,571 granted | Skilled workers sponsored to fill jobs in Australia. |
| Other Temporary Visas | 5,691 | Miscellaneous temporary visa types not classified above. |
| Permanent Migration Program | 185,001 places in total – broken down below | Total permanent places delivered under the Migration Program. |
| ► – Skilled Stream (Permanent) | 132,148 places | Majority of permanent places are for skilled migrants. |
| ► – Family Stream (incl. Partner) | 52,500 places (incl. ~40,500 Partner visas) | Family visas include Partner visas, parent visas, etc. |
| ► – Special Eligibility / Other | ~353 places | Smaller categories of permanent visas. |
In this year (24-25 financial year) around 40,000 Brits arrived on Temporary Visas, and about 10,200 on Permanent Visas.