Australian visas
Every Australian visa has a subclass number and its own rules. Start with what you want to do, and we will help you find the visa that fits your situation.
How Australian visas work
Australian visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs, and most applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. Each visa is known by a subclass number, such as the subclass 500 Student visa or the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa. Some visas are temporary and let you stay for a set period; others are permanent and let you live in Australia indefinitely.
Many people reach permanent residence in steps. A common path is study on a Student visa, then work experience on a Temporary Graduate visa, then a skilled or employer-sponsored visa. Others move from a regional 491 visa to the permanent 191, or from a temporary 482 to the permanent 186.
Good to know: visa charges and many thresholds change on 1 July each year, and policy settings can change during the year. Our pages show when they were last reviewed and link to the official sources.
Why use a registered migration agent
In Australia, immigration assistance can only be given by a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner. A registered agent must follow a Code of Conduct, give you a written agreement and fee estimate before starting work, and keep your information confidential. Our migration advice is given by a registered migration agent whose details appear at the bottom of every page.
Australian visas we help with
- 500590 Student visa Study full time at an Australian university, TAFE or college.
- 485 Temporary Graduate visa 485 Post-study work visa for recent graduates: streams, stay periods, age and English rules, and the regional second 485.
- 189190491 Skilled migration Points-tested 189, 190 and 491 visas: who can apply, the points test, SkillSelect and current costs.
- 190491 Tasmania state nomination Pathways, ROI ranking, fees and commitments for Tasmanian 190 and 491 nomination in 2026-27.
- 482186494 Employer-sponsored visas Skills in Demand 482, Employer Nomination Scheme 186 and regional 494: rules, salaries and costs.
- Skills assessment Get your qualifications and work experience assessed for a skilled visa.
- 820801309 Partner visas Married and de facto couples, onshore or offshore, and fiancés.
- 103143173 Parent visas Permanent and temporary visas for parents of Australian residents.
- 101802 Child and other family visas Visas for children and other relatives of Australian residents.
- 600601651 Visitor visa Visit family, travel or attend business meetings in Australia.
- 408 Temporary Activity visa Short-term specialised activities such as research, events and programs.
- 858 Business and innovation visas The National Innovation visa and options for business people.
- 866 Protection visa For people in Australia who fear serious harm if they return home.
- Visa refusals and reviews What to do after a refusal or a notice of intention to cancel.
- 189190491 Points calculator Estimate your skilled visa points with the current points table.
Questions people ask
Can I apply for permanent residence directly from overseas?
Yes, some permanent visas can be applied for from outside Australia, such as the subclass 189 and 190 skilled visas and some employer-sponsored and family visas. Eligibility depends on your occupation, skills, age, English and points or sponsor.
Do I need a migration agent to apply?
No, you can apply yourself. Many people use a registered migration agent because the rules are detailed, evidence matters and mistakes can lead to a refusal that affects future applications.
Can I change to a different visa while I am in Australia?
Often, but not always. Some visas carry conditions such as 8503 (no further stay), and a refusal or cancellation can stop you applying for most visas onshore. Check your visa conditions and get advice before you apply.
How long do Australian visas take?
It depends on the visa, how complete the application is and processing priorities. Home Affairs publishes current processing information on its website, and the times change each month.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
