Visas for Australia

If you want to live and work in Australia, you will need a visa. The Australian government makes the visa application process easy to understand, providing comprehensive information on how to apply for each specific class of visa, the associated costs, where to apply, and more.

Australia has many visa categories, and requirements vary widely. Some of the most popular visa categories include:

• Visitor visas
• Studying and training visas
• Family and partner visas
• Working and skilled visas

That said, the application process doesn’t guarantee entrance into the country and can take a long time to finalise.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ website has more information on the country’s visa options.

Visit visas for Australia

Australia has many visitor visas, each valid for different durations depending on nationality. The standard Australian visit visa and its subtypes are categorised according to tourism, business, or visiting family. Visitor visas may grant stays of up to 12 months.

Visitor visa for Australia

Tourists or expats intending to study or change visas once in Australia should apply for the Visitor visa first. It allows travellers to enter Australia as a tourist only and allows a stay of up to 12 months. Applicants must apply before travelling to Australia and prove they can fund their stay there. Holders of this visa cannot legally work in Australia.

eVisitor visas for Australia

Some nationalities are eligible for a free eVisitor visa. Holders of this visa may visit Australia for up to three months at a time in a 12-month period. These visas can only be applied for online and from outside Australia. You’ll only need a valid passport to apply.

Working holiday visas for Australia

Young people between 18 and 30 (35in some cases) who hail from one of the eligible countries on the Australian Home Affairs website, like Belgium, Cyprus, and Sweden, can visit Australia and work temporarily to fund their travels. The Working Holiday visa is not intended for permanent relocation and is only valid for 12 months.

Applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least a year after their arrival and enough funds to support themselves initially.

If Working Holiday visa holders complete at least three months of regional work, they may be eligible to apply for an extension to their original visa. A record of employment is often necessary for an extension.

Those not eligible for the Working Holiday Visa may be eligible instead for the similar Work and Holiday Visa.

Transit visas for Australia

When travelling through Australia, you will need a transit visa. These are relatively easy to get and have few requirements. Travellers must apply outside Australia and have a confirmed booking to another country within 72 hours of entry. Documents supporting these claims are necessary, so keep your travel documents handy. Those joining non-military ships also require Maritime Crew visas.

Student visas for Australia

Studying in Australia is only possible with a student visa. This visa allows a stay of up to five years with proof of enrolment. It allows students to participate in studies, bring over family members and work 48 hours a fortnight in any sector while their course is in session.

To apply, you must be enrolled in any course of study in Australia, have Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC) and hold at least a Visitor visa. From 2024, you are ineligible to apply for a student visa if you currently hold a visitor visa.

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.