Moving to Australia? Here are your visa options

Moving to Australia? This article provides a comprehensive overview of visa options available to individuals looking to relocate to Australia. With an increasing number of people flocking to “Down Under” to embrace the sun and outdoor lifestyle, navigating the visa process can be daunting. By focusing on some of the most popular visa options, such as the Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Nominated Visa, and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, this guide aims to simplify the application process and shed light on the requirements and benefits of each visa. Whether you are a skilled worker, seeking nomination from a state or territory government agency, or have secured a job with an Australian employer, this article offers valuable insights into your visa options when considering a move to Australia.

Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most popular and straightforward visas to apply for when moving to Australia. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who possess skills and experience in one or more of the occupations listed on the skilled occupation list.

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa include the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. Additionally, visa holders can enroll in Australia’s public health care scheme, sponsor their relatives, and may become eligible for Citizenship after a certain period of time.

To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must complete the Eligibility Assessment and score 65 points or more. The Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted through Skillselect, informing the Australian Government of the intention to apply for a visa. Proof of health is required, and it is recommended to complete any necessary health checks prior to applying to increase the chances of acceptance.

Once invited to apply, applicants can log into their Skillselect account and must apply for the visa within 60 days. It is important to have all the required documents ready before receiving the invitation to ensure a smooth application process. Required documents usually include an ID, character documents, eligibility assessment results, and proof of English language proficiency.

If the application is successful, applicants will receive notification of their visa grant number, the start date of the visa, and any applicable visa conditions.

Skilled Nominated Visa

The Skilled Nominated Visa allows individuals to be nominated by a state or territory government agency to apply for the visa. To be eligible for nomination, applicants must meet certain requirements and have a suitable skills assessment from the past three years.

The cost of the Skilled Nominated Visa is AUD4,640.00 for the main applicant, with additional costs for any family members included in the application.

State and territory agencies responsible for nominations include Australia Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.

To be nominated for the Skilled Nominated Visa, applicants must be 45 years old or younger at the time of invitation, have obtained 65 or more points from their skills assessment and EOI, and have skills or an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Additionally, applicants must meet health requirements, have competent English language skills, and meet character requirements, including a clean criminal and immigration record.

Benefits of the Skilled Nominated Visa include the ability to live and work permanently in Australia, enroll in the public health care scheme, and sponsor relatives to join in Australia. After five years, a Resident Return (RRV) visa must be applied for to continue traveling to and from Australia freely.

Employer Nomination Scheme visa

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa allows individuals who are moving to Australia for a job to be nominated by their employer. Applicants must either be already working for the employer or will be working for the employer upon arrival in Australia.

The cost of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa is AUD4,640.00 for the main applicant.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have the necessary skills for the job, be nominated by an Australian employer, and meet health and character requirements.

Benefits of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa include the ability to live and work in Australia for five years and travel to and from Australia for the same period. After three years from the commencement of the Employer Nominated visa, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa offers three routes or streams: the employer-sponsored stream, which allows employers to address shortages in their industries, the labor agreement stream for employers who are part of a labor agreement, and the subsequent entrant stream for family members joining the main applicant on an employer-nominated visa.

Work and Holiday Visa

The Work and Holiday Visa is designed for individuals who wish to work and holiday in Australia. This visa allows individuals from specific countries to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

The cost of the Work and Holiday Visa varies depending on the country of passport.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being between 18 and 30 years old, having a valid passport from an eligible country, and meeting health and character requirements. Additional requirements may apply depending on the country of passport.

Benefits of the Work and Holiday Visa include the ability to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, gaining valuable work experience while experiencing the Australian culture.

Student Visas

Student Visas are for individuals who wish to study in Australia. There are various types of Student Visas available depending on the level of study and course duration.

The cost of a Student Visa varies depending on the type of visa and duration of study.

To be eligible for a Student Visa, applicants must be enrolled in a registered course of study, have proof of financial capacity to support themselves during their stay, and meet health and character requirements.

Benefits of a Student Visa include the ability to study in Australia at an approved institution, work limited hours while studying, and bring eligible family members as dependents.

Partner and Family Visas

Partner and Family Visas are for individuals who wish to join their partner or family members in Australia. There are various types of Partner and Family Visas available depending on the relationship with the sponsor.

The cost of a Partner and Family Visa varies depending on the type of visa and circumstances.

To be eligible for a Partner and Family Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements based on their relationship with the sponsor and meet health and character requirements.

Benefits of a Partner and Family Visa include the ability to live and work in Australia, enroll in the public health care scheme, and potentially become eligible for permanent residence.

Visitor Visas

Visitor Visas are for individuals who wish to visit Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. There are various types of Visitor Visas available depending on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay.

The cost of a Visitor Visa varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay.

To be eligible for a Visitor Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a genuine intention to visit Australia for the approved purpose, having sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay, and meeting health and character requirements.

Benefits of a Visitor Visa include the ability to visit and explore Australia for the approved purpose and duration.

Business Visas

Business Visas are for individuals who wish to establish, manage, or invest in a business in Australia. There are various types of Business Visas available depending on the business activity and investment amount.

The cost of a Business Visa varies depending on the type of visa and business activity.

To be eligible for a Business Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements related to the business activity, investment amount, and demonstrate their ability to make a significant contribution to the Australian economy.

Benefits of a Business Visa include the ability to establish, manage, or invest in a business in Australia, live and work in Australia, and potentially become eligible for permanent residence.

Retirement Visas

Retirement Visas are for individuals who wish to retire in Australia. This visa is for individuals aged 55 years or older who have significant assets and funds to support themselves during their retirement.

The cost of a Retirement Visa varies depending on the type of visa and circumstances.

To be eligible for a Retirement Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements related to age, assets, and funds.

Benefits of a Retirement Visa include the ability to retire in Australia, access healthcare services, and potentially become eligible for permanent residence.

Medical Treatment Visas

Medical Treatment Visas are for individuals who require medical treatment in Australia. This visa allows individuals to temporarily travel to Australia for medical treatment and consultations.

The cost of a Medical Treatment Visa varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay.

To be eligible for a Medical Treatment Visa, applicants must provide medical documentation supporting the need for treatment in Australia and meet health and character requirements.

Benefits of a Medical Treatment Visa include access to medical treatment and consultations in Australia.