Australia is a popular destination for many people seeking to live and work abroad. With its high standard of living, beautiful landscapes, and diverse opportunities, it’s no wonder that Australia attracts immigrants from all over the world. However, navigating the visa process can be complex. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the various visa options available for those looking to live in Australia, covering each visa type, eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits.
Permanent Residency Visas
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your occupation.
- Score at least 65 points on the points test.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You must lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system.
Receive an Invitation to Apply: If you score enough points, you may receive an invitation to apply.
Lodge a Visa Application: Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your visa application.
Wait for a Decision: The processing time can vary, typically taking several months.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. It provides permanent residency with the requirement to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
- Score at least 65 points on the points test.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Be nominated by a state or territory government.
Application Process:
Submit an EOI: Indicate the states or territories where you are willing to live.
Receive a Nomination: If a state or territory nominates you, you will receive an invitation to apply.
Lodge a Visa Application: Submit your application within 60 days of the invitation.
Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary but usually take several months.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), also known as the TSS visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor a skilled worker to fill a position that they cannot find a suitable Australian to fill. It has three streams: short-term, medium-term, and labor agreement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be sponsored by an approved business.
- Have the necessary skills for the job.
- Meet English language requirements.
- Have at least two years of work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Sponsorship: The employer must become an approved sponsor.
Nomination: The employer nominates a position to be filled by a skilled worker.
Visa Application: The worker applies for the visa.
Processing Time: Varies based on the stream and individual circumstances.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions).
- Meet the skills, qualifications, and English language requirements.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Nomination by Employer: The employer submits a nomination application.
Lodge Visa Application: The worker lodges a visa application.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary based on the stream.
Family and Partner Visas
1. Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)
The Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It involves a two-stage process leading to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner.
- Be sponsored by your partner.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Lodge a Combined Application: Apply for both temporary (Subclass 820) and permanent (Subclass 801) visas.
Temporary Visa: Granted initially, allowing you to live in Australia.
Permanent Visa: After two years on the temporary visa, if the relationship is ongoing, you can apply for the permanent visa.
2. Parent Visas
Parent visas allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. There are several types of parent visas, including the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and the Parent Visa (Subclass 103).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the balance of family test.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Lodge an Application: Apply for the relevant parent visa.
Wait for Decision: Processing times can be lengthy, often taking several years.
SEE ALSO: WHAT COMPANIES SPONSOR WORK VISAS IN THE UK?
Business and Investment Visas
1. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is for individuals who want to own and manage a business in Australia, conduct business and investment activity, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity. It has several streams including Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, and Entrepreneur.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade.
- Have a successful business or investment career.
- Meet the financial and investment requirements.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Submit an EOI: Through SkillSelect.
Receive a Nomination: From a state or territory government or Austrade.
Lodge a Visa Application: Once nominated, submit your visa application.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary based on the stream.
2. Permanent Business Visas (Subclass 888)
The Permanent Business Visas (Subclass 888) are for holders of the provisional Subclass 188 visa who wish to apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold a Subclass 188 visa.
- Meet specific business or investment requirements.
- Have lived in Australia for the required period.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Lodge a Visa Application: Submit your application for the permanent visa.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary.
Student and Training Visas
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time at an accredited educational institution in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be enrolled in a course of study.
- Have adequate health insurance.
- Meet English language requirements.
- Have sufficient funds for living expenses.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Apply for Enrollment: Get accepted into an Australian educational institution.
Lodge a Visa Application: Submit your visa application with required documentation.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary.
2. Training Visa (Subclass 407)
The Training Visa (Subclass 407) is for individuals who wish to undertake workplace-based training to enhance their skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be sponsored by an approved sponsor.
- Have a genuine intention to stay temporarily.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Sponsorship: An approved sponsor nominates you.
Lodge a Visa Application: Submit your application with required documentation.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary.
Humanitarian and Refugee Visas
1. Refugee Visa (Subclass 200)
The Refugee Visa (Subclass 200) is for people subject to persecution in their home country and in need of resettlement.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be outside your home country.
- Be subject to persecution.
- Be in need of resettlement.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Lodge an Application: Submit an application for a refugee visa.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary based on individual circumstances.
2. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is designed for highly skilled individuals in specific sectors who can contribute to Australia’s economy.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be highly skilled in one of the priority sectors.
- Be internationally recognized with evidence of outstanding achievements.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process:
Submit an Expression of Interest: Indicate your interest and demonstrate your skills.
Receive an Invitation: If eligible, you will receive an invitation to apply.
Lodge a Visa Application: Submit your application with required documentation.
Wait for Decision: Processing times vary.
Conclusion
Choosing the right visa to live in Australia is a significant decision that hinges on various factors such as your occupation, sponsorship, familial ties, or humanitarian needs. Whether you’re seeking permanent residency through skilled migration, exploring business opportunities, reuniting with family, or pursuing educational endeavors, Australia offers a diverse range of visa options to accommodate different circumstances and aspirations. Navigating the visa application process can be complex, but understanding the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined in this comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions as you embark on your journey to live in Australia. Whether you’re drawn by career prospects, lifestyle, or educational opportunities, Australia stands ready to welcome those who contribute positively to its vibrant and diverse community.