What is a Skilled Nominated Work Visa (Subclass 190)?

Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers who hold occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List may be eligible for a Subclass 190 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be nominated by a state or territory government.

What Are the Benefits of a Skilled Nominated Work Visa (Subclass 190)?

The Skilled Nominated Work Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Opportunity to study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please

What is a Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 489)?

This 4-year work visa allows you to live and work in a specified region of Australia – and bring your family. There are two pathways for this visa: (1) the Extended Stay pathway, and (2) the Invited pathway.

The Extended Stay pathway is for applicants that have held a provisional visa in subclass 496, 495, 487, or 475. The Invited Pathway requires you to submit an Expression of Interest and obtain an invitation to apply for the visa. We will explain the application process for both pathways.

What Are the Benefits of a Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 489)?

The Subclass 489 visa allows you and your family to:

• stay in Australia for up to four years
• live, work and study in a specified regional area of Australia
• travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid

What is an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?

Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers may be eligible for a Subclass 186 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be nominated by an approved Australian employer. There are three streams to this visa and applicants must also meet the requirements of the stream to be eligible.

What are the benefits of an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Opportunity to study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please

What are the requirements to be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)?

The Subclass 186 visa has three general requirements for all applicants and particular requirements depending on which stream you apply under.

The general requirements are:

• Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Are younger than 50 years of age, unless you are exempt
• Meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements, unless you are exempt

The Subclass 186 visa allows you to work in Australia under one of three streams:

• The Temporary Residence Transition stream
• The Direct Entry Stream
• The Agreement Stream

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for workers who are currently in Australia on a temporary Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa. They must have worked for two years in the same occupation with their nominating employer who now wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation. The employer must not be subject to a labor agreement and must have lodged a valid nomination with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

The Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry Stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia. Temporary residents who hold a Subclass 457 visa and do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream may also apply under this stream. To be eligible, you must be applying directly from outside Australia.

The Agreement Stream

The Agreement Stream is for people who hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa and are sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement. To be eligible, you must meet the age, skills, and English language requirements stated in the agreement.

What is a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)?

Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers may be eligible for a Subclass 187 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia. Regional Australia does not include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, or Melbourne. There are three streams to this visa and applicants must also meet the requirements of the stream to be eligible.

What are the benefits of a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)?

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Opportunity to study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please

What are the requirements to be eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)?

The Subclass 187 visa has three general requirements for all applicants and particular requirements depending on which stream you apply under.

The general requirements are:

• Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia
• Are younger than 50 years of age, unless you are exempt
• Meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements, unless you are exempt

The Subclass 187 visa allows you to work in Australia under one of three streams:

• The Temporary Residence Transition stream
• The Direct Entry Stream
• The Agreement Stream

The Temporary Residence Transition Stream

This stream is for workers who are currently in Australia on a temporary Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa. They must have worked for two years in the same occupation with their nominating employer who now wants to offer them a permanent position in that occupation. The employer must not be subject to a labor agreement and must have lodged a valid nomination with the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

The Direct Entry Stream

The Direct Entry Stream is for people who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia. Temporary residents who hold a Subclass 457 visa and do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream may also apply under this stream. To be eligible, you must be applying directly from outside Australia.

The Agreement Stream

The Agreement Stream is for people who hold a Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visa and are sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement. To be eligible, you must meet the age, skills, and English language requirements stated in the agreement.

What is a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)?

Work and live in Australia with the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188). This visa allows you to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia, or to invest in Australia. You must be nominated by a state or territory government or Australian agency to be eligible to apply.

What are the benefits of a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

The benefits of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) include:

• The right to establish a new or develop an existing business, or to invest in Australia
• Unlimited travel in and out of Australia
• Bring family members with you to Australia
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• The opportunity to apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)

What is a Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)?

Establish a new business or expand your existing business in Australia with this permanent resident visa. Certain foreign-national entrepreneurs may be eligible for a Subclass 132 visa. This visa requires the applicant to have a minimum net business, personal assets, and annual business turnover, or a minimum in venture capital funding. You must also be nominated to apply by an Australian state or territory government agency.

What Are the Benefits of a Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)?

The Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132) offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Opportunity to study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please

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Why should I apply for a Resident Return visa?

Only Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia. If you are a non-citizen traveling abroad and would like to return to Australia you are required to have a visa to re-enter the country. Normally, permanent residents can use their permanent resident visa to travel abroad and return to Australia for up to five years from the date the visa was granted. After five years, a permanent resident must obtain a Five Year Resident Return visa in order to re-enter the country.

To apply for this visa you must have spent 2 years, within the last 5 living in Australia and be:

• an Australian permanent resident
• a former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not canceled
• a former Australian citizen who lost or resigned your citizenship. For example, because you became a national of another country that did not allow double citizenship.

How long is this visa valid for? What happens if my passport expires?

Resident Return visas (subclass 155) are usually valid for 5 years if you meet the two-year residence requirements or hold substantial business, cultural, employment, or personal ties to Australia. If that is not your case, but you have a strong need to travel internationally you may qualify for a Resident Return visa valid for only 3 months (subclass 157). For example, if you have a family member who is severely ill.

If your passport expires your visa does not become invalid. You may choose to pay the additional processing fees to have it re-issued and stamped in your new passport or travel with both passports-the old one that contains your Resident Return visa and the new one.

How do I apply?

You can apply for a Resident Return visa from inside or outside Australia. You can also apply online or by postal mail filing Form 1085.

You will need to supply supporting documentation to prove:

• Your identity: Certified copies of your passport; AND
• Your immigration status: Evidence of your current or former permanent resident visa; OR
• Your ties with Australia: If you do not meet the residency requirement you must prove your substantial ties with Australia. This may be business, employment, personal, or cultural related.

How long does it take?

If you have permanent resident status and file from inside Australia the DHA will aim to process your application within 1 business day. If you file from outside Australia the processing time will be approximately two weeks.

If you are a former permanent resident, the processing times will vary between 6 to 9 months if you apply inside Australia or 9 to 12 months if you are outside Australia at the moment you file your application.

How much does it cost?

In most cases, if you apply online the government filing fee for this visa is $360 and if you post your application by mail it is $80.

Work visas:

What is a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or “TSS visa” is a work visa that allows Australian employers to sponsor a person from overseas to work in their business in Australia.

This particular work visa was introduced on 19 March 2019. It replaced the Temporary Work visa subclass 457 which has been abolished by DHA.

If you have the skills to fill a job position with an Australia employer who is looking to recruit you then you may be eligible for the TSS visa.

There are three (3) streams to the TSS visa:

• The Short-Term stream
• The Medium-Term stream
• The Labour Agreement stream

You can select the stream that applies to you by referring to the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List. If your occupation makes you eligible under the short-term stream then the maximum time period that your TSS visa will be approved for is two (2) years. If your occupation makes you eligible under the medium-term stream, then the maximum time period that your TSS visa will be approved for is four (4) years.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

The general requirements of the TSS visa are that:

1. You have an occupation on the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List
2. You have been nominated for a job position by an Australian employer that wants to recruit you to work for them
3. You have the relevant skills and qualifications for your occupation
4. You have at least two (2) years of work experience in your occupation
5. You have vocational English language ability
6. You can satisfy DHA requirements for good character and health
7. If you are in Australia, you have a substantive visa, or a bridging visa A, B, or C and you have complied with your visa condition.

Note: There is no age requirement for the TSS visa.

What are the general requirements for employers to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)?

Employers who sponsor foreign nationals to work in Australia on the TSS visa are required to:

• Be a lawfully operating business
• Have no adverse information against the business
• Nominate a job position for the foreign national worker that is full-time and genuine
• Satisfy salary and employment condition related requirements
• Provide evidence of Labour Market Testing if required

What is a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

The Working Holiday Visa is a temporary Australian visa that allows you to work while traveling. These 12-month visas are issued under a program of cultural exchange between Australia and certain nations with the intention to promote diversity and intercultural understanding. You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and meet the following requirements to be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Have proof of English proficiency (waived for nationals of English-speaking countries)
• Meet the education requirement
• Meet the health requirement
• Be outside Australia when this visa is granted (in most cases these visas cannot be renewed or extended)
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself (approximately AUD $5,000)
• Have a return ticket or proof of funds for a return ticket to depart Australia

According to the Australian Government, you can not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay.

There are two categories of Working Holiday Visas: Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and the Working and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). The main difference between these two visas is the eligible countries.

What is a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?

The Working Holiday Visa is a temporary Australian visa that allows you to work while you travel. These visas are usually issued for a period of 12 months, under a program of cultural exchange between Australia and certain nations with the intention to promote diversity and intercultural understanding. You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and meet the following requirements to be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Have proof of English proficiency (unless you come from a native-speaking country)
• Meet the education requirement
• Meet the health requirement
• Be outside Australia when this visa is granted (generally, you can only apply for this program once)
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself (generally, around AUD $5,000)
• Have a return ticket or proof of funds for a return ticket

According to the Australian Government, you can not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay.

There are two categories of Working Holiday Visas: Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) and the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). The main difference between these two visas is with is the eligible countries.

What are the benefits of a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?

The unique thing about this visa is that it allows you to travel to Australia and work during your stay. It is a wonderful way to experience the country and continue to have an income.

What is a visitor visa?

A visitor visa is used by foreign nationals who wish to visit Australia for short periods of time for tourism, or any of the reasons below:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Business activities, such as attending a conference or an exploratory business meeting
• To obtain medical treatment or go to a consultation

Family Visa’s:

What is a Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)?

There are two types of Partner Visas: Subclass 820 and Subclass 801. The Subclass 820 visa is a temporary partner visa that allows you to live in Australia. The Subclass 820 visa is the first stage towards a permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). You apply for both visas at the same time and pay only one application charge. Applications are processed in two stages, about two years apart.

To be eligible, you must be married to or in a de facto relationship with:

• An Australian citizen
• An Australian permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen

What Are the Benefits of a Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)?

The Temporary Partner visa allows you limited benefits, including:

• Live and work in Australia until a decision is made about your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801)
• Study in Australia (without access to government funding)
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• Include dependent children on your application (dependent applicants must be in Australia when they apply)

The Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) includes all the benefits of Australian permanent residency:

• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Opportunity to study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please

Prospective Marriage Visa

If you are engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, then you may enter Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 130) and marry your intended. Persons engaged to eligible New Zealand citizens may also come to Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 130). If you enter the country on this fiancé visa, then you must marry within nine months.

It is important to note that the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 130) is a nonimmigrant, temporary visa. That means you are not given Australian permanent resident status. To become a permanent resident, you must marry your Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner.

Once you enter Australia and marry your partner, you may apply for a Partner Visa. Partner Visa is a permanent resident visa.

How to marry in Australia

If you come to Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 130), then you will need to marry your partner within nine months of your arrival. In order to be eligible for a permanent resident partner visa after you are married, your marriage ceremony must be conducted properly according to law and you must register your marriage. The following are steps to officially be married as recognized by the Australian government.

1. Have an authorized marriage celebrant conduct your marriage ceremony.
2. Register your marriage at the registering authority in the place where you were married.
3. Apply for a marriage certificate at the registering authority in the place where you were married.

You must apply for a Partner Visa before your Fiancé Visa expires.

Dependent Visa

Family Visa

Bring your family to Australia on a dependent family visa. Whether you have a child or spouse living abroad whom you want to join you or you are coming to work or study temporarily in Australia – your family is eligible for a dependent visa.

Child Visa

Children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens may immigrate to Australia to join their parents. Only children under the age of 25 are eligible. These children may become Australian permanent residents on the Child Visa (Subclass 101).

The parent sponsor must promise to be responsible for the child. He must promise to provide financial support, including accommodation, for at least the first two years of the child’s stay in Australia.

Stepchildren and adopted children are also eligible for a Child Visa (Subclass 101).

Dependent Student Visa

If you are coming to Australia to study, you may bring your dependent family members with you. You can either include them on your original student visa application or you can apply for them to join you after you have started your course in Australia. Spouses, partners, and unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible for dependent visas.

If you are including your dependent family members in your original student visa application, then you must include all members of your family on your original Form 157A, Application for a student visa.

If you are applying for family members to join you after you have started your course, then you must submit the following documents:

• Form 919, Nomination of student dependants;
• Form 157A, Application for a student visa;
• A letter from one of your teachers stating:
  • The course you are studying,
  • The length of the course and your expected completion date, and
  • If you are satisfying all the course requirements;
• Evidence that you can financially support your dependent family members;
• Evidence of family ties such as marriage certificate or birth certificate;
• Evidence of school enrolment of school-aged children; and
• Evidence of health insurance for dependents.

Dependent Work Visa

If you are coming to Australia on a worker visa, your dependent family members are eligible to join you on dependent visas.

If you are coming to Australia on a temporary worker visa, only your spouse or partner and any unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible for dependent family visas.

If you are coming to Australia on a migrant worker or business visa, any dependent family members are eligible to join you including:

• Spouse or Partner;
• Any children under the age of 25;
• Aged dependent relatives such as parents or grandparents.

What is a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?

Work in Australia on a temporary basis after you have completed your studies at an Australian educational institution. This visa is divided into two types:

• Graduate Work stream: intended for students who graduate with a qualification within the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa is granted for a maximum of 18 months.
• Post-Study workstream: intended for students who graduate with a higher education degree from an Australian institution regardless of their field of study. This visa can be granted for a maximum of four years and it is only available for students whose first student visa was granted on or after November 5, 2011.

What Are the Benefits of a Temporary Graduate Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa offers the following benefits for you and your family:

• Work and live in Australia on a temporary basis to gain valuable experience in your new profession
• Travel in and out of Australia as you please