Types of Australian visas are the focus of this part of our guide to emigrating to Australia…
There are different types of visa available for emigrating to Australia depending on how long you plan to stay there and what you’ll be doing there. The main types are as follows:
The skilled independent visa is a residency visa for those with qualifications and skills in demand. You’re not required to have an employer to sponsor you to get one but you’ll need to pass a points test (which assesses your qualifications, experience, aptitude, etc.). A business visa is a similar option, which is often applied for by those whose skills and qualifications aren’t judged to be in demand by the Australian government, it doesn’t require you to pass a points test so long as you’re sponsored by an employer.
A working holiday visa provides a person aged between 18 and 31 the chance to stay in Australia for up to 12 months (extensions are possible though). working rights are limited to incidental employment of up to 6 months per employer to supplement your stay, which means that these are only really beneficial to travelers and backpackers, not people looking to establish themselves in Australia on a long term basis.
Retirement visas are meant for self-funded retirees who are 55 years or older, have no dependants (other than a spouse), and who want to stay in Australia for the duration of their retirement. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for four years, though you can apply for subsequent ones on expiry, with each permitting you to stay for another four years.
To obtain a visa to study in Australia you must be fully enrolled in an Australian institution and have in your possession a Confirmation of Enrollment (which is commonly issued after tuition fees have been paid). Those planning to also undertake any form of employment should apply for one with an accompanying right of ‘permission to work’.
Australian partner visas allow the partner, fiance, or spouse of permanent Australian residents (including immigrants) to also live and work in Australia. Family visas can be obtained to get the same rights for dependent children and relatives.
Want to know more about emigrating to Australia? Take a look at our free guide: Emigrating To Australia