Australian All Visa Types and How to Apply – Complete Guide 2025

Whether you’re planning to study, work, visit, invest, or live permanently in Australia, choosing the right visa is the first and most important step. Australia offers a wide variety of visa types to suit different needs, and each comes with its own eligibility criteria, documentation, and application process.

This complete guide will cover all major Australian visa categories and explain how to apply for each one in 2025. From tourist visas to skilled migration, we’ll break down the details to make your journey easier.

Why Understanding Visa Types Is Important

Applying for the wrong visa can lead to rejection, delays, or even bans from future applications. That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Identify your purpose for entering Australia
• Understand the requirements and conditions of your chosen visa
• Prepare your documents accurately and honestly
• Apply through official channels

With this article, you’ll get a clear overview of all major Australian visa types, so you can avoid mistakes and increase your chances of approval.

1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

The Visitor Visa is for people who want to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

Key Features:

• Stay up to 12 months
• Single or multiple entries
• No work rights

How to Apply:

1. Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website
2. Fill out the visitor visa form
3. Upload documents (passport, photo, travel plans)
4. Pay the fee (approx AUD 190)
5. Wait for processing (usually 15–30 days)

2. Student Visa (Subclass 500)

This visa allows you to study full-time at an Australian educational institution.

Key Features:

• Valid for course duration + extra time
• Part-time work allowed (up to 48 hours per fortnight)
• Access to OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

How to Apply:

1. Get Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from a university
2. Write a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
3. Show proof of funds and English proficiency
4. Apply online via ImmiAccount
5. Pay the fee (approx AUD 710)

3. Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This is for recent graduates of Australian institutions who want to stay and work temporarily.

Key Streams:

• Graduate Work Stream (up to 18 months)
• Post-Study Work Stream (2–4 years depending on degree)

How to Apply:

1. Must apply within 6 months of graduation
2. Meet English and health requirements
3. Submit documents through ImmiAccount
4. Processing time: 2–4 months

4. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family.

Key Features:

• Points-based system (minimum 65 points)
• Permanent residency with full work rights
• No sponsorship needed

How to Apply:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
2. Wait for invitation to apply
3. Lodge visa application with supporting documents
4. Pay fee (over AUD 4,000 for primary applicant)

5. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Similar to the 189 visa but requires state or territory nomination.

Key Features:

• Permanent residency
• Additional 5 points for nomination
• You must live and work in the nominating state

How to Apply:

1. Check occupation list of the state
2. Submit EOI and apply for state nomination
3. After nomination, apply for visa online

6. Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS Visa)

Allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an approved Australian employer.

Key Features:

• Temporary visa (2–4 years)
• Must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• May lead to permanent residency

How to Apply:

1. Employer submits a nomination
2. You apply for the visa with required documents
3. Must meet skills and English standards
4. Fees vary depending on occupation and stream

7. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)

This is a temporary visa for young adults (18–30 or 35) from eligible countries who want to work and travel in Australia.

Key Features:

• 12-month stay
• Work in any job
• Extendable up to 3 years with farm work

How to Apply:

1. Apply online through ImmiAccount
2. Provide passport, health insurance, and proof of funds
3. Pay the fee (AUD 635 approx)

8. Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801)

This visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia.

Key Features:

• Temporary (820) leads to Permanent (801)
• Must prove genuine relationship
• Can work and study in Australia

How to Apply:

1. Provide relationship evidence (photos, joint finances, etc.)
2. Submit online via ImmiAccount
3. Long processing times (1–2 years)
4. Fee starts at AUD 8,850

9. Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173/870)

For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to join their family in Australia.

Key Features:

• Can be temporary or permanent
• High cost and long wait times
• May require a sponsor and Assurance of Support

How to Apply:

1. Lodge an expression of interest
2. Wait for place in queue
3. Provide family and financial details
4. Some visas take 10+ years to process

10. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188/888)

This visa is for people who want to start a business, invest, or innovate in Australia.

Key Streams:

• Business Innovation
• Investor
• Significant Investor
• Entrepreneur

How to Apply:

1. Submit EOI on SkillSelect
2. Get state or territory nomination
3. Prepare documents showing business success or investment history
4. Fees range from AUD 6,000 to 9,000+

11. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

These are for people seeking asylum or in need of international protection.

Key Features:

• Offered under UNHCR and humanitarian programs
• Includes Subclass 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204

How to Apply:

• Apply through UNHCR or directly via the Australian embassy
• Must show credible fear of persecution or harm

12. Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways

Several visas can lead to Australian Permanent Residency, such as:

• Skilled migration (189, 190, 491 to 191)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
• Partner visa (820 to 801)
• Graduate visa to PR (via skilled pathway)

Once you get PR, you can live and work in Australia permanently, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship.

How to Apply for Any Australian Visa – Step-by-Step

No matter the visa, the general process is similar:

1. Determine the visa that suits your purpose
2. Visit the official site: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
3. Create an ImmiAccount
4. Fill in your application form
5. Upload required documents:
   • Passport
   • English test results (if needed)
   • Financial proof
   • Health & character documents
6. Pay the application fee
7. Attend biometrics or medical (if asked)
8. Track your status online

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

To avoid disappointment, be careful of these:

• Incomplete or false documentation
• Failing the GTE or character test
• Insufficient funds
• Poor English test scores
• Not meeting health requirements

Always double-check everything before submitting.