Visa Pathways Explained
A cross-section of the six most popular routes to permanent residency, complete with quick-read requirement capsules.
Turn to page →Visas & Immigration Guide
Your definitive roadmap to Australian residency, filled with expert highlights, practical guidance, and step-by-step pathways. Use this guide to plan every milestone of your move.
The path to Australian residency
Australia offers several visa streams tailored to different skills, family ties, and investment goals. Understanding which pathway aligns with your circumstances is the first strategic decision—whether you are chasing permanent residency through points-tested programs, leaning on an employer sponsor, or reuniting with loved ones.
This guide walks you through the groundwork required before you lodge, including researching occupation ceilings, tracking state nomination backlogs, and lining up the evidence that case officers expect to see. It also outlines the milestones for the crucial first 90 days after arrival so you can schedule medicals, police checks, and settlement tasks without scrambling.
Within these pages you'll find curated insights, expert tips, and timely reminders to help you navigate each stage with confidence, along with links to official resources, calculators, and checklists to keep your application moving forward.
Points System Explainer
Break down your eligibility with the quick-reference grid and practical steps for lifting your score.
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Citizenship Journey
Follow our magazine-style timeline from permanent residency to taking the pledge.
Turn to page →Main Visa Pathways to Australia
Australia offers various visa options depending on your skills, circumstances, and goals. Choose the pathway that best matches your situation:
Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190/491)
Designed for professionals with in-demand occupations willing to live where their expertise is needed. Points are awarded for age, English, qualifications, work history, and partner skills.
Key requirements
- Positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Minimum 65 points for subclass 189; state invitations for 190/491 typically require 70–85 points.
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) with higher scores boosting points.
- Under 45 years of age at time of invitation and able to meet health and character checks.
Processing snapshot: SkillSelect invitations are issued monthly; once invited, expect 6–11 months for 189 decisions and 4–9 months for 190/491. Factor in state nomination fees of AUD $300–$600.
Employer Sponsored (Subclass 482/186)
Best suited to applicants who already have a confirmed job offer. Allows temporary work (subclass 482) with a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Key requirements
- Approved sponsor lodges a nomination showing genuine labour market need.
- Relevant qualifications and at least two years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation.
- Meets occupation stream English benchmarks (IELTS 5.0 for most 482 streams, higher for direct entry 186).
- Salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently AUD $70,000) and market rate.
Costs to budget: Primary 482 visa charge from AUD $1,455 plus SAF levy for employers (AUD $1,200–$1,800 per year). Transitioning to 186 direct entry attracts AUD $4,640 in visa fees.
Family Migration (Partner/Parent/Child)
Partner, parent, and child visas let families reunite in Australia. Evidence is vital—officers look for genuine commitment, financial support, and long-term plans together.
Key requirements
- Eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Comprehensive relationship evidence such as joint finances, cohabitation, photos, and communication logs.
- Meet health and character checks, including police certificates from every country lived in for 12+ months.
- Ability to support the applicant financially; parent visas may require Assurance of Support bonds.
Timing: Onshore partner 820/801 visas often take 12–20 months. Contributory parent visas exceed 4 years but non-contributory streams can exceed a decade—plan bridging visas and travel accordingly.
Business & Investment (Subclass 188/132)
Entrepreneurs and investors can launch or relocate ventures under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). Streams cover business innovation, investor, significant investor, and entrepreneur pathways.
Key requirements
- Minimum net business and personal assets of AUD $1.25M (innovation stream) or complying investment funds of AUD $2.5M+.
- Business turnover of at least AUD $750k for two of the last four years or proof of venture capital funding.
- State or territory nomination with a compliant business plan outlining job creation and economic benefit.
- Commitment to reside for at least two years and actively manage the business or investment.
Financial commitments: Government charges begin at AUD $6,270 for primary applicants plus nomination fees. Expect to demonstrate liquidity for operational costs within the first 24 months.
Student & Graduate (Subclass 500/485)
Ideal for students pursuing Australian qualifications and gaining post-study work rights. Includes school, VET, higher education, and graduate streams.
Key requirements
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each course component plus Genuine Student (GS) statement.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay and proof of funds covering tuition, travel, and 12 months of living costs.
- English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.0 depending on sector) or proof of exempt nationality/studies.
- Temporary Graduate 485 applicants must complete at least two academic years in Australia and apply within six months of course completion.
Post-study outlook: Graduates in priority qualifications can secure up to 6 years of work rights in regional areas—monitor the Regional Occupation List for bonus opportunities.
Working Holiday (Subclass 417/462)
Perfect for travellers aged 18–30 (or 35 for select countries) seeking flexible work while exploring Australia. Renewals reward regional and critical sector work.
Key requirements
- Eligible passport with proof of AUD $5,000 in savings plus onward travel funds.
- Undertake 3 months of specified regional work to qualify for a second year and 6 months for a third year.
- Health examinations required for higher-risk countries; arrange panel doctor visits early.
- Work limitation of six months per employer unless granted an exemption (common in critical sectors).
Money saver: Apply during the Australian winter (June–August) when processing is faster and airlines discount inbound fares.
Visa application plans you can follow today
Go beyond the overview—each plan includes timelines, documents, and watchpoints so you can lodge with confidence.
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent
- Assess your occupation. Order a skills assessment with the relevant authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS) and request transcripts, employment references, and payslips before applying.
- Build your points case. Sit an English test (IELTS, PTE) for bonus points, gather certified degree certificates, and calculate your total using our points decoder.
- Submit EOI and monitor rounds. Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and set reminders for monthly invitation rounds—update it when your birthday or work anniversaries change points.
- Lodge visa within 60 days. Once invited, upload police checks, health exams (HAP ID), and proof of de-facto relationships if claiming partner points. Pay the AUD $4,640 visa charge before the deadline.
Watch out: State nomination requests expire quickly—keep certified documents scanned so you can respond within 14 days.
Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage
- Confirm sponsorship status. Ensure your employer is (or will become) an approved Standard Business Sponsor and agree on paying the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
- Gather employment evidence. Provide contracts, CV, detailed reference letters, and licensing registrations to prove at least two years of full-time experience.
- Meet English and health criteria. Book an English test if required, arrange panel medicals, and compile police certificates for every country lived in during the past 10 years.
- Lodge nomination + visa. Employer files nomination (processing 2–8 weeks) followed by your visa application—upload GTE statement if onshore and pay the AUD $1,455 primary applicant fee.
Watch out: Visa validity matches nomination length—negotiate contracts for the full term to avoid early expiry.
Subclass 820/801 Onshore Partner
- Compile relationship timeline. Create a month-by-month history covering when you met, moved in, combined finances, and future plans—support with statements from friends and family.
- Evidence four relationship pillars. Upload documents for financial (joint accounts), household (leases, bills), social (travel photos, event tickets), and commitment (wills, superannuation beneficiaries).
- Submit joint application. Sponsor lodges their form first, then applicant submits the 820 visa and pays the AUD $8,085 fee. Attach Form 888 statutory declarations from two Australian citizens or PRs.
- Prepare for the 801 stage. Keep adding evidence while on the bridging visa; at the two-year mark you'll receive an invitation to submit updated proof for permanent residency.
Watch out: Upload police checks and medicals only when requested to maximise validity—each is valid for 12 months.
How to lodge your visa application
Once you know the visa you want, follow these Department of Home Affairs steps to submit it through ImmiAccount. Every visa stream uses the same online lodgement platform.
Visit the official Apply for a visa portal to open ImmiAccount and review the latest lodgement updates before you begin.
- Create or sign in to ImmiAccount. Visit the official portal and register with your email address. Enable two-factor authentication so you can access correspondence securely.
- Select the visa form. Choose New application, filter by visa type, and open the correct form (e.g. “Skilled Migration” or “Family”). Read the pre-lodgement checklist before you start.
- Complete the application questions. Work through each tab, saving as you go. The system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity—prepare your answers and documents beforehand to avoid losing progress.
- Upload supporting evidence. Attach identity documents, skills assessments, English results, and relationship proofs in PDF/JPEG format under 5 MB each. Name files clearly (e.g.
Passport-Jordan.pdf) to help case officers review faster. - Pay the visa application charge. Use a credit card, PayPal, or BPAY to pay the fee shown at checkout. Keep the receipt number—some visas require you to enter it in related nomination forms.
- Submit and monitor. After lodging, check the Messages tab for health, biometrics, or further information requests. Respond within the stated timeframe to keep processing on track.
Skilled Migration Points System
The points test is used for skilled migration visas. You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but higher scores are typically selected first.
Points Calculator Guide
Calculate your potential points based on the categories below:
Age (when invited)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45-49 years: 0 points
English Language
- Competent: 0 points
- Proficient: 10 points
- Superior: 20 points
Skilled Work Experience
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
Education
- Bachelor's degree: 15 points
- Master's degree: 15 points
- Doctorate: 20 points
Other Factors
- Australian study: 5 points
- Partner skills: 10 points
- Specialist education: 10 points
- Regional study: 5 points
Nomination / Sponsorship
- State nomination: 5 points
- Regional nomination: 15 points
- Family sponsorship: 15 points
Points calculator
IELTS English Test Essentials
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most common test accepted by the Department of Home Affairs to prove English proficiency for student, skilled, and professional visas. Scores are reported on a band scale from 0 to 9, and most visas require a minimum band in each of the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Test Structure & Timing
- Listening: 30 minutes (40 questions)
- Reading: 60 minutes (Academic or General passages)
- Writing: 60 minutes (2 tasks)
- Speaking: 11–14 minute interview
- Results available online in 3–5 days
Academic vs General Training
- Academic: Required for university admission and some professional registration
- General Training: Typically accepted for skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas
- Confirm the required module with your visa stream before booking
Preparation Tips
- Use official IELTS practice tests to benchmark progress
- Focus on writing task structure—coherence and vocabulary carry significant weight
- Record speaking practice to improve pronunciation and fluency
- Consider a preparation course or tutor if you need to lift your band score quickly
| Visa Requirement | IELTS Band Needed | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English (e.g., many skilled visas) | IELTS 6.0 in each component | Effective command of English, though with some inaccuracies and misunderstandings |
| Proficient English (adds 10 points) | IELTS 7.0 in each component | Operational command with only occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings |
| Superior English (adds 20 points) | IELTS 8.0 in each component | Fully operational command; handles complex detail with ease and accuracy |
Pathways to Australian Citizenship
Australian citizenship is the final step in your migration journey. Once you become an Australian citizen, you have the right to vote in elections, apply for an Australian passport, seek election to parliament, work in the public service, serve in the armed forces, and receive consular assistance when overseas.Here's the complete process:
Step 1: Become a Permanent Resident
You must hold a permanent visa (such as skilled migration, family migration, or employer-sponsored permanent visa) before applying for citizenship. Temporary visas do not count toward residency requirements.
Step 2: Meet Residency Requirements
General Residency: Live in Australia for 4 years before applying, including 12 months as a permanent resident. You cannot be absent for more than 12 months total, or more than 90 days in the year before applying.
Step 3: Pass the Citizenship Test
Pass a computer-based test covering Australian history, culture, values, and civic knowledge. The test includes 20 multiple choice questions, and you need 75% to pass. Study materials are available free from the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Meet Character Requirements
Demonstrate good character through police checks from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Provide information about any criminal history, traffic offenses, or court appearances.
Step 5: Submit Application
Complete Form 1300t and submit with required documents and fees. Current application fee is around $490 for adults. Processing times vary but typically take 10-13 months from a complete application.
Step 6: Attend Citizenship Ceremony
Once approved, attend a citizenship ceremony where you'll take the Australian Citizenship Pledge and receive your certificate. You must attend within 6 months of approval or your application may be cancelled.
Alternative Citizenship Pathways
Citizenship by Descent
Available if you were born overseas to an Australian citizen parent. You may be eligible even if your parent was not born in Australia but became a citizen.
Citizenship by Adoption
For children adopted by Australian citizens under the Hague Adoption Convention or through bilateral arrangements.
Resumption of Citizenship
For former Australian citizens who lost their citizenship and want to regain it. Different requirements apply.
Critical Reminders
Always use official sources: Immigration laws change frequently. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current information.
Professional advice: Consider consulting a registered Migration Agent (MARA) for complex cases or if you're unsure about your options.
Document everything: Keep detailed records of all your time in Australia, travel, and visa applications.
Health and character: Start gathering police certificates and health examinations early as these can take time.
Official Resources & Next Steps
Bookmark these trusted sites to complete applications, submit documents, and find registered professionals to support your journey.
Department of Home Affairs
Official visa information, application forms, and processing times
Website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
SkillSelect System
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration visas
Website: skillselect.gov.au
Migration Agents
Find registered migration agents for professional advice
Website: mara.gov.au