πΉ 1. Who Needs a Visa to Enter Australia?
Almost all foreign nationals (except New Zealand citizens) must apply for a visa before entering Australia. There are different visa subclasses based on purpose, duration, and eligibility.
πΉ 2. Common Types of Australian Visas
Visa Subclass & Type | Purpose | Validity |
---|---|---|
Subclass 600 β Visitor Visa | Tourism, visiting family/friends, short business | 3, 6, or 12 months |
Subclass 500 β Student Visa | Full-time study in Australia | Duration of course + extra |
Subclass 482 β Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) | Work visa via employer sponsorship | Up to 4 years |
Subclass 189/190 β Skilled Migration Visa | Permanent residency for skilled workers (points-based) | Indefinite |
Subclass 408 β Temporary Activity Visa | Short-term work or cultural exchange | Varies |
ETA (Subclass 601) or eVisitor (Subclass 651) | For eligible passport holders (tourism/business) | Up to 3 months per visit |
β‘οΈ Explore visa options: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas
πΉ 3. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
β Suitable for:
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Tourists
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Visiting family/friends
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Business visitor activities
β Key Requirements:
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Passport with 6+ months validity
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Proof of travel plans (itinerary, flight bookings)
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Proof of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter)
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Health insurance (recommended)
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Evidence of ties to home country (job, family, property)
π Processing Time: 10β25 working days
π΅ Fees: AUD 150+ (varies by duration and stream)
πΉ 4. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
β Eligibility:
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Enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
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Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
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Meet English language requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
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Proof of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, travel)
β Required Documents:
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Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
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Passport & photos
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
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Proof of funds (~AUD 24,000+ per year)
π Processing Time: 4β10 weeks
π΅ Fee: AUD 710 (subject to change)
πΉ 5. Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189 / 190 / 491)
β Point-Based System β Points awarded for:
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Age (18β44 years)
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English language skills
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Education and qualifications
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Work experience (inside/outside Australia)
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State/territory nomination (Subclass 190/491)
β Steps:
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Check occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
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Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
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Receive invitation to apply (if eligible).
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Submit full visa application.
π Processing Time: 6β18 months
π΅ Fees: AUD 4,640+ (main applicant)
πΉ 6. Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482 β TSS)
β Steps:
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Find an approved Australian employer to sponsor you.
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Employer applies for nomination.
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You apply for visa after nomination is approved.
β Requirements:
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Skills assessment (for certain occupations)
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At least 2 years of experience in nominated field
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Health and character checks
π Processing Time: 1β3 months
π΅ Fees: AUD 1,455β2,645
πΉ 7. Health & Character Requirements
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Medical Exams: Required for most long-term visas
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Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): From all countries where you lived 12+ months in the last 10 years
πΉ 8. Biometrics & Interview
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Most applicants must attend biometric collection at a Visa Application Centre (VFS)
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Interviews are rare but may happen for student, migration, or work visas
πΉ 9. Visa Application System
All Australian visa applications are submitted online through:
βΆοΈ ImmiAccount Portal:
https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
π Create an account β Submit application β Upload documents β Pay fee β Track progress
πΉ 10. Visa Fees Overview (2025 Estimates)
Visa Type | Base Fee (AUD) |
---|---|
Visitor (Subclass 600) | 150+ |
Student (Subclass 500) | 710 |
TSS Work Visa (482) | 1,455 β 2,645 |
Skilled Visa (189/190) | 4,640+ |
Partner Visa (820/801) | 8,850+ |
πΉ 11. Important Tips
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Always submit genuine and complete documents.
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Use certified translations if documents arenβt in English.
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Attach a clear, detailed Statement of Purpose.
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Maintain strong ties to your home country if applying for a temporary visa.
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Visa officers look for genuine intentions and financial readiness.
π Useful Links
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π₯οΈ Official Immigration Portal: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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βοΈ Check visa details and travel status (VEVO): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions
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π§Ύ SkillSelect (EOI system): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect