List of All Visa Options to Migrate to Australia for Work and Stay (2025)

List of All Visa Options to Migrate to Australia for Work and Stay (2025)

Australia offers a wide range of visa options for those looking to migrate, work, and live in the country. Whether you’re a skilled professional, entrepreneur, student, or family member, there’s likely a visa that fits your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Australia’s visa categories:

1. Skilled Migration Visas

For individuals with qualifications and skills needed in Australia.

a. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family.
• Key Features:
  • Points-based system.
  • No sponsorship required.
• Eligibility:
  • Occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

b. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
• Key Features:
  • Points-based system.
  • State/territory nomination required.
• Eligibility:
  • Occupation on relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

c. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Purpose: Temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by a regional area.
• Key Features:
  • 5-year visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
  • Points-based system.
• Eligibility:
  • Must live and work in a designated regional area.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

For individuals sponsored by Australian employers.

a. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

• Purpose: Temporary visa for skilled workers filling labor shortages.
• Key Features:
  • Valid for up to 4 years.
  • Tied to a specific employer.
• Eligibility:
  • Job must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

b. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by an employer.
• Key Features:
  • Requires employer nomination.
• Eligibility:
  • Must have relevant skills and experience.

c. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187) (Transitioning to Subclass 494)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for workers in regional Australia.
• Key Features:
  • Employer sponsorship required.
  • Work in regional areas only.

3. Business and Investment Visas

For entrepreneurs and investors.

a. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

• Purpose: Temporary visa for entrepreneurs and investors.
• Streams:
  • Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Entrepreneur.
• Eligibility:
  • Meet investment or entrepreneurial requirements.

b. Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Eligibility:
  • Proven business success or significant financial backing.

4. Family Visas

For family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

a. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)

• Purpose: For spouses or de facto partners.
• Key Features:
  • Subclass 820/309: Temporary visa.
  • Subclass 801/100: Permanent visa after two years.

b. Parent Visa (Subclass 103, 143)

• Purpose: For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Key Features:
  • Subclass 103: Non-contributory (longer processing).
  • Subclass 143: Contributory (faster processing but higher fees).

c. Child Visa (Subclass 101, 802)

• Purpose: For children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Key Features:
  • Subclass 101: Offshore application.
  • Subclass 802: Onshore application.

5. Regional and Rural Visas

For individuals living and working in designated regional areas.

a. Regional Skilled Visa (Subclass 494)

• Purpose: Temporary visa for skilled workers in regional areas.
• Key Features:
  • Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
• Eligibility:
  • Regional employer sponsorship required.

b. Regional Residence Visa (Subclass 191)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for regional workers.
• Key Features:
  • Must hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for 3 years.

6. Student and Graduate Visas

For international students studying or working in Australia after graduation.

a. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• Purpose: For full-time study in Australian educational institutions.
• Key Features:
  • Part-time work allowed (48 hours per fortnight).
• Eligibility:
  • Admission to a recognized institution.

b. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

• Purpose: For graduates to gain work experience.
• Key Features:
  • Post-Study Work Stream: For higher education graduates.
  • Graduate Work Stream: For skills in demand.

7. Temporary Visas for Specific Work

a. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)

• Purpose: For young people (18-30/35) to work and travel in Australia.
• Key Features:
  • Valid for 1-3 years with certain conditions.
• Eligibility:
  • Available to citizens of eligible countries.

b. Seasonal Worker Program Visa

• Purpose: For short-term work in agriculture or horticulture.
• Eligibility:
  • Employer sponsorship required.

c. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

• Purpose: For specific temporary work, such as cultural exchange or sports.

8. Permanent Residency Pathways

a. Permanent Resident Visa (PR)

• Purpose: Long-term residency with full work rights.
• Eligibility:
  • Based on work visas, skilled migration, or family sponsorship.

b. Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 887)

• Purpose: For holders of provisional regional visas transitioning to PR.

9. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

For individuals seeking protection due to persecution or conflict.

a. Refugee Visa (Subclass 200-204)

• Purpose: Permanent residency for refugees.
• Eligibility:
  • UNHCR referral or strong humanitarian grounds.

b. Protection Visa (Subclass 866)

• Purpose: Onshore asylum for individuals seeking safety in Australia.

10. Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

For individuals with outstanding achievements in sports, arts, or academia.

How to Choose the Right Visa

1. For Professionals:
   • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
2. For Regional Living:
   • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187).
3. For Entrepreneurs and Investors:
   • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188).
4. For Families:
   • Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) or Parent Visa (Subclass 103/143).
5. For Students:
   • Student Visa (Subclass 500) with a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Final Notes

For official guidelines and the latest updates, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Consider consulting a registered migration agent for assistance with your application.