Australia visas

Australian visas are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Most applications are made online through ImmiAccount. Each visa has a subclass number, and each subclass has its own rules, streams and evidence requirements.

The main routes

Visitor (subclass 600)

For tourism, visiting family and business visitor activities. It has several streams, including Tourist, Business Visitor and Sponsored Family. You must show that you are a genuine visitor who intends to stay temporarily, and that you have enough money for your stay. Home Affairs says it generally grants a stay of 3 months, and up to 12 months in some cases. Holders of some passports, including British citizens, can instead use an eVisitor (subclass 651) or an ETA (subclass 601).

Student (subclass 500)

For full-time study in a registered course. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when you apply, health insurance known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), enough money, and English evidence if asked. You must also meet the Genuine Student requirement, which replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement in March 2024. It asks you to show that studying is the main reason for your stay. You cannot apply for this visa from inside Australia while holding certain visas, including a visitor visa.

Skilled visas (subclasses 189 and 190)

Points-tested permanent visas. You submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and can only apply if invited. You usually need an occupation on the relevant list, a suitable skills assessment, at least competent English and to be under 45 when invited. Subclass 190 also needs nomination by a state or territory. Once invited, you have 60 days to apply. The points pass mark and occupation lists change, so check the official pages.

Partner visas

For the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Subclass 820/801 is applied for in Australia, and subclass 309/100 from outside Australia. You apply for the temporary and permanent visas together. You must be married or in a de facto relationship, which usually means at least 12 months together before you apply, with some exceptions. Your partner must also be approved as your sponsor.

Before you apply

• Choose the correct subclass and stream for your real plans.

• Read the "eligibility" and "step by step" sections of the visa page.

• Check current fees and required funds on the official pages, as they change.

• Check the health and character requirements.

• Make sure every document is genuine and unaltered, including photos.

• Declare every previous refusal, for any country.

Common reasons for refusal

• Not showing you are a genuine visitor or genuine student.

• Not showing enough money for your stay.

• Not meeting the health or character requirements.

• For partner visas, not enough evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing.

• False or misleading information or documents. Home Affairs says this can lead to refusal, cancellation and limits on future applications. Its page on providing accurate information also warns against documents or photos altered with AI tools.

Some refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal, but not all. Your refusal letter will say whether you have review rights and the deadline, which is strict.

Who can help with an Australian application

Home Affairs says that in Australia only registered migration agents and legal practitioners can lawfully charge for immigration assistance. You can check an agent on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) register. We will tell you if your case needs a registered migration agent.

How long to allow

Check the global visa processing times tool. Home Affairs says it does not guarantee a decision within that timeframe.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and citizenship

• Visitor visa (subclass 600)

• Student visa (subclass 500)

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Partner visa (subclasses 309 and 100)

• Partner visa (subclasses 820 and 801)

This guide is general information, not legal advice.