Australia’s visa system provides a wide range of opportunities for people across the globe. To help you navigate this system, we’ll delve into the details of various visa subclasses, their purpose, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Purpose: The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) offers a pathway for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows individuals to work and live in Australia based on their own abilities and qualifications.
Eligibility: To be eligible for this visa, you must be invited to apply through the Skill Select system, be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation, and have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You’ll also need to score a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test, which assesses factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education.
Benefits: The Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Purpose: The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. This visa requires state sponsorship, offering an opportunity for skilled individuals to contribute to the Australian economy.
Eligibility: Like the Skilled Independent Visa, you must be invited to apply, be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation, and have a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. However, you must also be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and be willing to live and work in that nominating state or territory.
Benefits: This is also a permanent visa. It provides the same benefits as the Skilled Independent Visa, including the ability to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, and apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Purpose: The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is for skilled workers who want to work in Australia and have been nominated by an Australian employer. This visa is a great option if you have a firm job offer from an Australian company.
Eligibility: To apply, you must be nominated by an Australian employer and meet the skills, qualifications, and English language requirements. The age limit is generally 45 years, but there are some exceptions for certain occupations or if you have been working for the nominating employer for a certain period.
Benefits: This is a permanent visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can also sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence and apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Purpose: The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to study full-time in a recognised education institution in Australia, providing an opportunity to gain quality education and potentially transition to other visas down the line.
Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and maintain adequate health insurance cover. Your enrolment must be confirmed by the education provider through a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Benefits: The Student Visa lets you live in Australia to study full-time at a recognised education institution. You can also include family members in your application and work up to 40 hours every two weeks during your course session and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break.
Family and Partner Visas
Purpose: Australia offers a range of visa options for partners, parents, children, and other family members of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas aim to reunite families in Australia.
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on the specific visa subclass. For Partner Visas (Subclass 820 and 801 for onshore, and Subclass 309 and 100 for offshore), you must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. For Parent Visas (Subclass 103 and 143), you must have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been living in Australia lawfully for at least 2 years before you apply.
Benefits: Family and Partner visas let you live, work, and study in Australia. Some of these visas offer a pathway to permanent residence, allowing you to stay indefinitely, access certain social security payments, and apply for citizenship when you become eligible.
Remember, this is just an overview of some of the key visa subclasses available in Australia. Each visa has its own set of criteria and eligibility requirements. It’s important to understand the specifics of the visa subclass that aligns with your situation and aspirations. Australia is a country that welcomes diversity and talent from all over the world. With this guide, we hope to have brought you a step closer to your dream of living in this incredible country.
