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Australia has more than 80 different visa subclasses. This guide provides a one-page reference for the most common visas relevant to international students, skilled professionals, and family members. For detailed eligibility and application guidance for your situation, contact OnePoint for a free consultation.
|
Subclass |
Visa Name |
Who It's For |
Duration |
Pathway To |
|
500 |
Student Visa |
Anyone studying a CRICOS-registered course full-time |
Up to 5 years |
Subclass 485 after graduation |
|
590 |
Student Guardian |
Parents/guardians of a student under 18 studying in Australia |
Linked to student's visa |
No PR pathway |
|
485 |
Temporary Graduate |
International graduates of Australian degrees |
2 to 4 years |
GSM (189/190/491) after gaining experience |
|
Subclass |
Visa Name |
Key Requirement |
Result |
|
189 |
Skilled Independent |
Points test only — no nomination required |
Permanent Residency (PR) directly |
|
190 |
Skilled Nominated |
State/territory nomination required |
PR directly, with 2-year state commitment |
|
491 |
Skilled Work Regional |
Regional state nomination OR family sponsorship in regional area |
Provisional — PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years |
|
191 |
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) |
Held 491 for 3 years + met income & residence rules |
PR |
|
Subclass |
Visa Name |
Who Sponsors |
Duration |
Pathway |
|
482 |
Skills in Demand |
Australian employer |
2–4 years |
Some occupations lead to Subclass 186 |
|
186 |
Employer Nomination Scheme |
Australian employer |
Permanent |
PR directly |
|
494 |
Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional |
Regional employer |
5 years |
PR via Subclass 191 |
|
Subclass |
Visa Name |
Who It's For |
Result |
|
820 / 801 |
Partner Visa (Onshore) |
Spouse/de facto partner of Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen — applicant in Australia |
Two-stage: temporary then permanent |
|
309 / 100 |
Partner Visa (Offshore) |
Same as above — applicant outside Australia |
Two-stage: temporary then permanent |
|
143 |
Contributory Parent |
Parents of Australian citizens or PRs |
PR (priority processing, higher fees) |
|
103 |
Parent Visa |
Parents of Australian citizens or PRs |
PR (very long wait — 30+ years) |
|
600 |
Visitor Visa |
Tourism, family visit, business visit |
Up to 12 months |
|
Subclass |
Visa Name |
Purpose |
|
858 |
National Innovation Visa |
For internationally recognised individuals of exceptional talent — research, arts, sport, business |
|
408 |
Temporary Activity |
Specific work, study, or cultural activities for limited duration |
|
ART |
Administrative Review Tribunal |
Appeal mechanism for refused or cancelled visas (replaced the AAT in 2024) |
Note: This is a simplified reference. Eligibility requirements, processing times, and visa conditions vary significantly between subclasses and individual cases. Always consult a MARA-registered migration agent before lodging any visa application.
