- Download our Moving to Australia Guide (PDF)
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.
Visas for Australia come in a variety of 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.
Visitor visas for Australia
Australia has a range of visitor visas, each with a different validity period. The standard Australian visitor 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
The Visitor Visa allows travellers to enter Australia as a tourist only and allows a stay of up to three, six, or 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.
Tourists intending to study in Australia must apply for a Student Visa from outside the country. Following reforms in 2024, it is no longer possible to ‘visa hop’, switching from a Visitor Visa to a Student Visa while remaining 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 (35 in 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.
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 an Australian course and meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Most applicants must apply from outside Australia; holding a Visitor Visa currently prevents them from submitting an onshore student application.
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.