Every person who is not an Australian citizen is required to have a visa to enter Australia. These visas may be for a temporary stay or may allow the holder to remain permanently. This page provides an outline of the most commonly used visa categories, so that potential migrants to Australia can make a preliminary assessment of their eligibility under these categories.

Skilled (Points Test) Migration

If you have studied at university or served an apprenticeship and have professional qualifications or trade skills as well as some work experience in your occupation, you may be eligible for migration to Australia through the migration points test in the Skilled Independent or Skilled Australian Sponsored visa categories. For details click here

Family Sponsorship

 If you have close family living in Australia, they may sponsor you for migration to Australia. They will promise to provide financial support to you for 2 years and will be required to pay a refundable bond. Or, if you are married to, in a de-facto relationship with, or intend to marry an Australian citizen or permanent resident (within 9 months of entering Australia), or u  have a gay or lesbian partner, then you may be eligible for permanent residence on spouse grounds.

Business Migration

If you have a background in business management or high level investment activities and are interested in investing in Australia, starting up a new business in Australia or purchasing an ownership interest in an existing Australian business, you and your family may be eligible for permanent residence status under Australia's business migration program

Temporary Residence

Apply for a temporary residence visa if you intend to stay in Australia temporarily for a holiday, working holiday, for study, or if you need to travel to Australia frequently for business purposes. For details click here

Business Sponsorship

An Australian company can sponsor a prospective employee for temporary or permanent residence in Australia. A visa will be granted on the condition that the applicant take up a skilled position with the sponsoring organization. Representatives of foreign companies which intend to open a branch office in Australia may also qualify. If you want to work in Australia on a company sponsorship visa, you will need to find a job with an Australian company before you apply for a visa. For details click here