Australia offers several visa streams tailored to different skills, family ties, and investment goals. Use this guide to understand the requirements and plan every stage of your journey.
Australia offers various visa options depending on your skills, circumstances, and goals. Choose the pathway that best matches your situation:
For skilled workers with occupations on the skilled occupation list. Uses a points-based system considering age, English ability, work experience, and education.
• Occupation on skilled list
• Skills assessment
• 65+ points (189), varies for 190/491
• English proficiency
• Age under 50 (189) or varies by state
For workers with a job offer from an Australian employer. Includes temporary skill shortage and permanent employer nomination schemes.
• Job offer from approved sponsor
• Skills and qualifications assessment
• English language requirement
• 2+ years relevant work experience
• Health and character checks
For partners, parents, or children of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Includes partner visas, parent visas, and child visas.
• Sponsoring family member in Australia
• Relationship evidence
• Health and character checks
• Financial requirements (some visas)
• Waiting periods may apply
For entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or invest in Australian businesses. Includes various business innovation streams.
• Business or investment experience
• Net worth requirements
• State nomination (most streams)
• Business plan or investment
• Age and English requirements vary
For international students pursuing education in Australia. Can lead to work rights and permanent residency through graduate pathways.
• Enrollment in registered course
• Financial capacity
• English proficiency
• Health insurance (OSHC)
• Genuine student requirement
For young adults (18-30/35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia. Great way to experience Australia while working.
• Age 18-30 (or 35 for some countries)
• Passport from eligible country
• Financial requirements
• No previous working holiday visa
• Health and character checks
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.
Calculate your potential points based on the categories below:
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.
| 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 |
Australian citizenship is the final step in your migration journey. Here's the complete process:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For children adopted by Australian citizens under the Hague Adoption Convention or through bilateral arrangements.
For former Australian citizens who lost their citizenship and want to regain it. Different requirements apply.
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 visa information, application forms, and processing times
Website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration visas
Website: skillselect.gov.au
Find registered migration agents for professional advice
Website: mara.gov.au