Australia Visa Pathways
Explore up-to-date visa options to study, work, or settle in Australia.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
Lets invited workers with skills Australia needs live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or family member.
Skilled Nominated visa
For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
Skilled Work Regional visa
For skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by family to live and work in regional Australia. This provisional visa is valid for up to 5 years.
Skills in Demand visa
Employer‑sponsored temporary visa for skilled workers. Stay up to 4 years (up to 5 for eligible Hong Kong passport holders). From 1 July 2026, sponsors must guarantee the nominee's annual earnings meet or exceed the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) of AUD 79,423. Fees and processing times vary; consult the Home Affairs visa page and processing time guide.
Temporary Graduate visa - Post-Higher Education Work
Stay 2-6 years after completing Australian studies. Work and live temporarily in Australia; up to 5 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. Must find own employment.
Student visa
For international students to study full-time in Australia.
Partner visa (Temporary)
Lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen live in Australia temporarily. The first step toward the permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
Partner visa (Permanent)
Permanent residence for partners or spouses of Australian citizens or permanent residents, granted after holding a subclass 820 (or 445) visa. You become eligible for assessment 2 years after you first applied for the temporary and permanent Partner visas.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Direct Entry stream
Permits skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. Requires a positive skills assessment (unless exempt), 3 years relevant experience (unless exempt), an occupation on the CSOL, and competent English.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Labour Agreement stream
Permits skilled workers currently working, or preparing to work, for an employer under a labour agreement to live and work in Australia permanently. Eligibility criteria (age, skills, English) are set by the specific labour agreement rather than standard department thresholds.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Temporary Residence Transition stream
Permits skilled workers who have been working for an approved sponsor under a temporary skilled visa to transition to permanent residence. Requires at least 2 years of employment in the nominated occupation under approved-sponsor status (aggregated across employers), and does not require a skills assessment.