AUSTRALIA Visa Services

Subclass 600 of the Australian visa framework includes various types of Visitor Visas

Visas that allow foreign nationals to visit Australia for short-term stays. These are generally for tourism, visiting family and friends, or business activities such as attending conferences or negotiating contracts (but not for work). Here’s an overview of the main types under Subclass 600:

1. Tourist Stream: This visa is for individuals visiting Australia for recreational activities, such as sightseeing, holidays, or meeting family and friends. This visa can be applied for either from within Australia or from outside the country, with different rules depending on where it’s applied. It typically allows a stay of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on circumstances.
2. Business Visitor Stream: This is intended for business-related visits that don’t involve working or selling services, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities. It can be applied for only from outside Australia and generally permits a stay of up to 3 months.
3. Sponsored Family Stream: This visa is for family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are sponsoring them to visit. It requires a financial bond and is designed for people who wish to spend time with family members living in Australia. The visa allows a stay of up to 12 months, depending on the sponsor’s status and relationship with the applicant.
4. Approved Destination Status Stream: This stream is designed specifically for citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are traveling to Australia as part of a tour group. Applicants in this category must travel with an approved tour group and follow the itinerary.
5. Frequent Traveller Stream: Aimed at Chinese citizens, this stream is designed for those who frequently travel to Australia for personal or business purposes. The visa is valid for up to 10 years, with each stay limited to 3 months. It’s generally intended for frequent business visitors or tourists.

The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to study full-time in Australia at a registered educational institution

This visa is essential for non-Australian residents who wish to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational, or English language studies. The Subclass 500 visa provides students with several key benefits and responsibilities.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Study Rights: The Subclass 500 visa enables international students to enroll in an accredited full-time course in Australia, covering a wide range of educational options, from primary school to higher education such as university degrees and vocational training.
2. Work Permissions: Generally, student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the study period, allowing them to earn income while completing their studies. During semester breaks, there is no limit on the number of hours a student can work. Specific work restrictions and permissions may vary depending on the course and program.
3. Family Inclusion: Eligible family members, such as spouses or partners and dependent children, can accompany the primary visa holder on a Subclass 500 visa. Family members may also have limited work and study rights, depending on their age and relationship to the primary applicant.
4. Stay Duration: The visa duration aligns with the student’s course length, typically up to five years, depending on the educational program. This duration allows students to complete their studies without needing frequent visa renewals.
5. Pathway to Other Visas: Upon completing their course, Subclass 500 visa holders may be eligible to apply for post-study work visas (such as the Temporary Graduate Visa, Subclass 485) or skilled migration visas, providing a pathway to remain in Australia temporarily or even permanently.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Subclass 500 Student Visa, applicants must:

1. Be Enrolled in a Registered Course: The student must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian educational institution for a full-time registered course.
2. Meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirements: The GTE criterion ensures that applicants genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for educational purposes.
3. Have Sufficient Funds: Applicants must demonstrate they have adequate funds to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses for themselves and any accompanying family members.
4. English Language Proficiency: Depending on the course and country of origin, students may need to provide evidence of their English language skills through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
5. Health and Character Requirements: The applicant must meet health and character standards set by the Australian government, which may include a medical examination and police check.
6. Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance coverage is mandatory for the duration of the student’s stay in Australia.

Application Process

1. Prepare and Submit the Application: The application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system. It requires uploading documents such as the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of funds, health insurance, and English language proficiency results (if applicable).
2. Biometrics and Health Examination: Some applicants may need to provide biometrics or undergo a health examination, based on their home country and personal circumstances.
3. Processing Time: Processing times for Subclass 500 visas vary based on factors such as the applicant’s country, the completeness of the application, and the course level. Generally, processing times range from several weeks to a few months.
4. Visa Grant and Conditions: If approved, the visa is granted with specific conditions that the student must adhere to, such as maintaining full-time enrollment, satisfactory course attendance, and academic progress.

Australia offers several types of family visas, allowing Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their family members to live with them in Australia

Family visas are generally grouped into categories such as Partner Visas, Parent Visas, Child Visas, and Other Family Visas, each tailored to different family relationships and circumstances. Here’s an overview of the main types of family visas:

1. Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801 and Subclass 309/100)

Partner Visas are for spouses, de facto partners, or fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas allow partners to live, work, and study in Australia.

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309): Allows the applicant to stay temporarily in Australia while their permanent visa application is processed. Subclass 820 is for applicants applying from within Australia, and Subclass 309 is for those applying from outside Australia.
• Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100): This is the permanent stage of the Partner Visa process. Once the applicant has fulfilled the required relationship period, they may be eligible for permanent residency under the Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa, depending on whether they initially applied onshore or offshore.

2. The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

This Visa allows applicants who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to come to Australia to marry their partner. The visa is temporary and allows a nine-month stay, during which the couple must marry. After marriage, the applicant can then apply for a Partner Visa.

3. Parent Visas (Subclass 103, Subclass 804, Subclass 143, Subclass 864, and Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa 870)

Parent Visas allow parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to join their children in Australia. There are both permanent and temporary parent visa options, each with different requirements and processing times.

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103): A permanent visa for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. It has a long waiting period and is less costly than contributory options.
• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): A permanent visa with a shorter processing time but requires a higher visa fee. There is also a temporary option (Subclass 173) that allows parents to stay temporarily while transitioning to a permanent visa.
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): Available to parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are old enough to receive an Australian-age pension. This visa has long processing times.
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): For aged parents who are eligible for an age pension and prefer a quicker pathway, though at a higher cost.
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) allows parents to visit their children in Australia temporarily, for up to 3 or 5 years. This visa can be renewed, with a maximum stay of 10 years.

4. Child Visas (Subclass 101 and Subclass 802):

Child Visas allow biological, adopted, or stepchildren of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia.

• Child Visa (Subclass 101/802): These are permanent visas that allow a dependent child to live in Australia with their parent. Subclass 101 is for children outside Australia, while Subclass 802 is for children already in Australia.
• Adoption Visa (Subclass 102): This visa is for children adopted from overseas by Australian citizens or permanent residents. It allows adopted children to live in Australia with their adoptive parents.
• Orphan Relative Visa (Subclass 117/837): For children under 18 whose parents cannot care for them due to death, disappearance, or other serious circumstances. They must be sponsored by a relative in Australia.

5. Other Family Visas

Other Family Visas cater to relatives who may not fit into the above categories but still have close family ties with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

• Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115/835): For individuals who have no other close relatives except for those in Australia. The visa allows them to stay permanently with their only remaining family members in Australia.
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114/838): This visa is for older relatives who rely on an Australian relative for financial support. Subclass 114 is for applicants outside Australia, while Subclass 838 is for those applying from within Australia.
• Carer Visa (Subclass 116/836): For individuals who need to come to Australia to provide care to a relative with a long-term or permanent medical condition. The applicant must be the only person able to provide this assistance.

General Eligibility Requirements for Family Visas

• Sponsorship: Applicants must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Relationship Verification: Depending on the visa type, applicants must provide proof of their relationship, whether it is a marriage, de facto partnership, or biological, adoptive, or step relationship.
• Health and Character Checks: All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may involve medical exams and police certificates.

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is a popular Australian visa that allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to one year

The visa is designed to promote cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries while offering young adults a chance to experience life in Australia, earn money to support their travels and gain work experience.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Work and Travel: This visa allows holders to work in Australia while also exploring the country, offering flexibility to earn money to support their travel plans.
2. Multiple Entry: Visa holders can enter and leave Australia as many times as they like during the visa’s validity period.
3. Extendable Stay: With specific work requirements, travelers can extend their stay for up to three years by applying for a second and even a third Working Holiday Visa.
4. Flexible Employment: Visa holders can work in various industries and sectors, gaining a range of experiences that can be valuable in future careers.

Subclass 462 Visa allows young people from eligible countries to travel to Australia for up to 12 months while working to support their travels

Similar to the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), this visa promotes cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries. Subclass 462 is specifically for applicants from countries that have a Work and Holiday agreement with Australia and has additional requirements compared to Subclass 417.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Work and Travel: Visa holders can work in Australia while traveling, earning money to fund their stay.
2. Multiple Entry: Holders can enter and leave Australia as many times as they want during the visa’s validity period.
3. Extendable Stay: Through specific work requirements, visa holders can extend their stay by applying for a second and even a third Work and Holiday Visa.
4. Flexible Work: This visa allows visa holders to work in various fields, including agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, giving them a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, also known as Subclass 482, is a temporary visa allowing skilled workers to work in Australia for an approved employer in a nominated occupation. This visa was introduced to address short-term and medium-to-long-term skill shortages.

• Streams:
  • Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), this stream allows stays of up to 2 years (or up to 4 years if an international trade obligation applies). It is renewable but does not lead directly to permanent residency.
  • Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this stream allows stays of up to 4 years and can be a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
  • Labor Agreement Stream: For employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government to fill specific roles, with stay periods dependent on the terms of the agreement.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa, Subclass 186, is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa allows the holder to live and work in Australia permanently.

• Streams:
  • Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who have not previously worked in Australia or have limited work experience in Australia.
  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For holders of the TSS Visa (Subclass 482) in the Medium-Term Stream or certain older visas, who have worked with their sponsoring employer for at least 3 years.
  • Labor Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored by an employer under a labor agreement.

3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer in a designated regional area. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

• Streams:
  • Employer Sponsored Stream: For skilled workers nominated by a regional employer in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Labor Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated under a labor agreement with the Australian Government.

 

Differences Between the Subclass 482 and Subclass 494 Visas

• Regional Requirement: The Subclass 494 visa requires living and working in a designated regional area, whereas the Subclass 482 visa does not have this restriction.
• Permanent Residency Pathway: Both visas offer pathways to permanent residency, but the Subclass 494 visa has a more direct route for those willing to work in regional areas.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is a temporary visa for individuals who want to own or manage a business or invest in Australia. It has several streams designed for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Streams under Subclass 188:

• Business Innovation Stream: For people who want to own and manage a business in Australia.
• Investor Stream: For individuals who want to invest at least AUD 1.5 million in Australia for a period of at least 4 years.
• Significant Investor Stream: For people who want to invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia.
• Premium Investor Stream: For those willing to invest at least AUD 15 million in Australia.
• Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals who have funding from a third party to undertake entrepreneurial activities that will lead to business growth.

The Refugee Visa is designed to provide protection to individuals who are outside their home country and are unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution

Australia’s refugee visa program is governed by the Refugee Convention and its national laws, ensuring that those who qualify for refugee status can find safety and security in Australia.

1. Refugee Visa (Subclass 200)

The Refugee Visa (Subclass 200) is a permanent visa that allows refugees to live and work in Australia. This visa is granted to people who are outside their home country and have been found to be refugees under the United Nations Refugee Convention.

2. In-Country Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 201)

The In-Country Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 201) is for individuals who are still in their home country but are facing significant threats to their safety. This visa is usually granted in cases of particularly dangerous conditions, such as war or extreme violence, and applies to those with strong ties to Australia.

3. Protection Visa (Subclass 866)

The Protection Visa (Subclass 866) is available to people who are already in Australia and who are seeking asylum due to fears of persecution if they were to return to their home country. This visa is granted to individuals who are already in Australia and want to apply for protection under the Refugee Convention.

4. Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202)

The Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202) is a visa granted to individuals who are outside Australia but have been identified as needing humanitarian assistance. This visa is typically for people who are part of Australia’s offshore humanitarian program, which is focused on providing safety to people displaced by war or extreme violence.