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What is it?

A temporary visa that lets you study full-time at a registered Australian education institution. This covers everything from primary school to PhDs.

Who its it for?

Anyone who has been accepted into a full-time course at a CRICOS-registered (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) education provider in Australia. This includes schools, vocational training (TAFE and private colleges), English language courses, universities, and postgraduate research programs.

Key requirements

You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider before you apply. You need to show you are a "genuine student" — the Department will assess whether you truly intend to study, based on your circumstances, your reasons for choosing the course, and how it fits with your education and career history. You also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your stay, and you must meet health and character requirements.

English language requirements apply unless you are from an English-speaking country or are under 18 and enrolling in a school. Financial capacity requirements may also apply — you may need to show you have enough money to cover your tuition, living costs, and travel.

How long does it last?

Usually the length of your course plus a short buffer period (typically 1–2 months after your course ends). The maximum is generally 5 years for university students and 6 years if you package multiple courses. Primary school students are limited to 3 years at a time.

Can you work?

Yes, but with limits. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. There are no work hour limits during scheduled course breaks. You cannot start work before your course begins (unless your previous visa allowed work). Students doing a masters by research or a doctoral degree can work unlimited hours.

What comes next?

The Student visa does not lead directly to permanent residency. Many holders go on to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after finishing their studies, and from there may apply for skilled migration or employer sponsorship visas.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator — fees depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside Australia, and whether you have previously held a temporary visa in Australia (a subsequent temporary application charge may apply).

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

What is it?

A temporary visa that lets international students who have recently finished studying in Australia live, work, and study here after graduation.

Who is it for?

International students who have completed at least two academic years of study (minimum 16 calendar months, with at least 46 weeks of registered course content) at an Australian institution. There are two current streams:

• Graduate Work stream: for holders of an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Post-Higher Education Work stream covers bachelor degrees and higher.
• Post-Higher Education Work stream: for holders of a bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution.

A former "Replacement stream" was closed to new primary applicants from 1 July 2024.

Key requirements

You must have held a student visa in the six months before applying. You need to meet English language requirements (the specific score depends on when you took the test — requirements were updated in August 2025). You must be under 50 years of age. You also need to meet health and character requirements, and hold adequate health insurance.

Your qualification must have been completed at a CRICOS-registered institution, and you must have studied in Australia for the required period.

How long does it last?

This depends on your qualification and the stream you apply under. Post-Higher Education Work stream grants are generally 2–4 years depending on your qualification level (bachelor degree, masters, or doctorate). Studying and working in a regional area may extend your stay. Graduate Work stream grants are generally 18 months.

Can you work?

Yes — full work rights with no hour restrictions.

What comes next?

The 485 visa itself is temporary. It provides time to gain Australian work experience. Many holders go on to apply for a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), or a points-tested skilled visa (subclass 189 or 190).

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485

What it is: A temporary visa that lets an Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker from overseas (or already in Australia) to fill a job they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian to do. This visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It kept the same subclass number (482) but with a new structure.

Who it's for: Skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor (employer) in an eligible occupation. The employer must demonstrate they tried to find an Australian worker first (called labour market testing).

There are three streams:

• Core Skills stream: your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and you must earn at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which was $73,150 for 2024–25 and increased to $76,515 from 1 July 2025. This threshold is indexed (adjusted) each year.
• Specialist Skills stream: for highly skilled workers in any ANZSCO occupation (except trades in major groups 3, 7, and 8) earning at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which increased to $141,210 from 1 July 2025. No occupation list applies to this stream.
• Labour Agreement stream: for workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.

Key requirements

You need at least 1 year of relevant full-time work experience in the past 5 years (reduced from 2 years under the old TSS visa). You must meet English language requirements (minimum IELTS 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0, or equivalent). Your employer must be an approved sponsor and must pay you at least the relevant income threshold or the market salary rate, whichever is higher.

How long does it last?

Up to 4 years, depending on the stream and the length of employment nominated by the employer. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders may receive up to 5 years.

Can you work?

Yes, but generally only for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Since December 2024, there is increased mobility — if you stop working for your sponsor, you can work for any employer for up to 180 days at a time (or up to 1 year over the life of the visa) while you find a new sponsor.

What comes next?

After 2 years of full-time work in Australia in the nominated occupation on a subclass 482 visa (with an approved sponsor), holders may be eligible to apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) through the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa may also be relevant if the occupation is on the CSOL.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator. The employer also pays a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skills-in-demand-visa-subclass-482

What is it?:

A permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This is one of the main ways people get permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

Who is it for?

Skilled workers with a job offer from an employer who is willing to nominate them for a permanent position. There are three streams:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream: the most common stream. For people who already hold a subclass 482 (Skills in Demand or TSS) visa and have worked full-time for their sponsoring employer for at least 2 years in the nominated occupation.
• Direct Entry stream: for workers who do not need to have held a temporary skilled visa first. Requires a skills assessment, 3 years of relevant work experience, and your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Labour Agreement stream: for workers sponsored through a labour agreement.

Key requirements

For the TRT stream: you must have worked full-time for at least 2 years in Australia in your nominated occupation while employed by an approved work sponsor. For the Direct Entry stream: you need a positive skills assessment, 3 years of relevant experience, and a competent level of English. For all streams: you generally must be under 45 years of age (exemptions apply in some cases), and the employer must pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold ($76,515 from 1 July 2025) or the market salary rate, whichever is higher. The employer must also be an approved sponsor and must demonstrate the position is genuine.

How does it last?

Permanent. You can live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Can you work?

Yes — unrestricted work rights. You can work for any employer in any occupation.

What comes next?

As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirements (generally 4 years living in Australia, including 1 year as a permanent resident).

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator. The employer also pays a nomination fee and a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/employer-nomination-scheme-186

What it is: A permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state/territory, or a family member. You apply based on your skills, qualifications, and experience through a points test. You must be invited to apply.

Who it's for: Skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and the Department invites the highest-scoring applicants to apply. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor.

Key requirements:

You must score at least 65 points on the points test (though in practice, competitive scores are usually much higher). Points are awarded for age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, and other factors like studying in regional Australia or having a partner with skilled qualifications. You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. You must meet English, health, and character requirements.

How long does it last?

Permanent. You can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Can you work?

Yes — unrestricted work rights.

What comes next?

As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirements.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189

What is it?

A permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Like the 189, it is points-tested and you must be invited to apply — but you also need state or territory nomination, which gives you an extra 5 points.

Who is it for?

Skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant state or territory's nomination list. Each state and territory has its own criteria and occupation lists, which can be different from each other. You submit an EOI through SkillSelect, and a state or territory must select and nominate you before the Department invites you to apply.

Key requirements

Same as the 189 (points test, skills assessment, English, age under 45, health and character), but you also need a nomination from a state or territory. Each state has its own requirements — some require you to live in that state, have a job offer there, or have relevant experience in an occupation they need. The nomination adds 5 points to your total score. You must score at least 65 points in total (including the nomination points).

How long does it last?

Permanent. However, as a condition of the nomination, the relevant state or territory generally expects you to live and work there for at least the first 2 years.

Can you work?

Yes — unrestricted work rights.

What comes next?

As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirements — same as subclass 189.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator. There may also be a fee charged by the state or territory for the nomination application.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190

What is it?

A provisional (temporary) visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It is points-tested and requires either state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

Who is it for?

Skilled workers who are willing to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. "Regional" covers everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (though the exact boundaries and definitions are available on the Department's website). A state or territory nomination adds 15 points — significantly more than the 5 points offered by the 190 visa.

Key requirements

You must score at least 65 points (including the 15-point nomination bonus). You need a positive skills assessment, must be under 45 at time of invitation, and must meet English, health, and character requirements. You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

How long does it last?

5 years. During this time you must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.

Can you work?

Yes — you can work in any occupation, but only in designated regional areas.

What comes next?

After holding the 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting an income requirement (you must have earned a taxable income at or above a specified threshold for at least 3 years), you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator. State/territory nomination fees may also apply.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491

What it is?

A two-stage visa for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You apply for this visa if you are already in Australia. Stage 1 grants you a temporary visa (subclass 820). Stage 2, assessed about 2 years later, grants you a permanent visa (subclass 801). You apply for both stages at the same time, and pay one application fee.

Who is it for?

People who are in Australia and are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must be legally married or in a de facto relationship (generally must have been in the de facto relationship for at least 12 months, though there are exceptions). Same-sex couples are fully eligible.

Key requirements

The core requirement is proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Department will look at evidence across four areas: financial aspects of the relationship (joint accounts, shared bills), the nature of the household (living together, shared responsibilities), social aspects (how others see your relationship), and the nature of your commitment to each other (future plans, length of relationship). You must also meet health and character requirements. Your partner (the Australian citizen or resident) acts as your sponsor and must meet sponsorship requirements.

How long does it last?

The temporary 820 visa lasts until your permanent 801 visa is decided (generally about 2 years after you applied). If your 801 is granted, you become a permanent resident.

Can you work?

Yes — full work and study rights on the temporary 820 visa. No restrictions.

What comes next?

The permanent 801 visa is the second stage of this application. If your relationship is still genuine after approximately 2 years, and you meet all other requirements, the 801 is granted as part of the same application.

Important notes

If the relationship breaks down during the waiting period, the visa application may be affected — but there are provisions for cases involving family violence or where there are children of the relationship. Speaking with a registered migration agent can help if circumstances change.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator. This is a single fee covering both the temporary (820) and permanent (801) stages.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore

What is it?

The same two-stage partner visa as the onshore version, but for applicants who are outside Australia when they apply. Stage 1 grants a temporary visa (subclass 309). Stage 2, assessed about 2 years later, grants a permanent visa (subclass 100).

Who is it for?

People who are outside Australia and are in a genuine, ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The same relationship types apply — married or de facto (including same-sex relationships).

Key requirements

The same as the onshore partner visa. You must be outside Australia when the 309 visa is granted (you can be in or outside Australia when you apply, depending on your circumstances — check the Department's website). You must meet the same relationship evidence, health, and character requirements.

How long does it last?

The temporary 309 visa lets you travel to and live in Australia until the permanent 100 visa is decided. If granted, the 100 visa is permanent.

Can you work?

Yes — full work and study rights once you arrive in Australia on the 309 visa.

Government application fee

Same as the onshore partner visa — one fee covers both stages. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore

What is it?

A temporary visa that lets you come to Australia to marry your fiancé(e) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. After you marry, you can apply for a Partner visa to stay permanently.

Who is it for?

People outside Australia who are genuinely planning to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and who intend to live in Australia as a couple after the marriage. You must have met your partner in person (there are very limited exceptions to this). Same-sex couples are eligible.

Key requirements

You and your partner must both be free to marry (not currently married to someone else). You must intend to marry within 9 months of arriving in Australia on this visa. You must have met each other in person. You must both be at least 18 years of age. You must meet health and character requirements.

How long does it last>

Nine months from the date of grant (or fifteen months in limited circumstances). This gives you time to enter Australia and get married.

Can you work?

Yes — you have full work and study rights while on this visa.

What comes next:

After marrying in Australia, you apply for a Partner visa (onshore subclass 820/801) to stay. If you do not marry within the visa period, you must leave Australia.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/prospective-marriage-300

What is it?

A permanent visa that lets parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens move to Australia. This is the lower-cost option, but has a very long processing time.

Who is it for?

Parents whose children are settled in Australia. You must meet the "balance of family" test — at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

Key requirements

Your sponsoring child must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must pass the balance of family test. You need an Assurance of Support (AoS) — a formal commitment by someone (usually your child) to financially support you so you do not rely on government welfare payments. You must meet health and character requirements. You must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

How long doe it last?

It is permanent.

Processing time:

This visa has an extremely long queue. Processing times can be 29 years or more due to high demand and limited annual allocations. The Australian Government allocates approximately 1,700 non-contributory parent visa places per year across all non-contributory parent categories. The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) has significantly shorter processing times but higher fees.

Government application fee

Much lower than the contributory parent visa, but the trade-off is the very long wait. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/parent-103

What is it?

A permanent visa for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It is significantly faster than the non-contributory Parent visa (subclass 103), but it costs much more.

Who is it for?

Same eligibility as the subclass 103 — parents who meet the balance of family test with a settled child in Australia. This visa is for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of grant (there is a separate onshore version — the Contributory Aged Parent visa, subclass 864 — for parents who are already in Australia and are old enough to receive the aged pension).

Key requirements

Same as subclass 103 — balance of family test, settled sponsor, health, character, and Assurance of Support. The key difference is cost: the application fee is paid in two instalments, and the total is significantly higher than the non-contributory option (the second instalment alone can be over $40,000 per person). The Assurance of Support bond for contributory parent visas covers a 10-year period.

How long does it last?

Permanent.

Processing time

While faster than the non-contributory option, processing still takes many years due to an annual cap of approximately 8,500 places across all contributory parent visa categories (143, 173, 864, and 884) for the 2025–26 program year. Current wait times vary — check the Department's processing time guides.

Temporary options while waiting

A Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) allows parents to stay in Australia while they wait. The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) is another option that grants a 2-year stay and can later be converted to the permanent 143.

Government application fee

Paid in two instalments. The total is substantial. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/contributory-parent-143

What is it?

A temporary visa that lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens visit and stay in Australia for an extended period — either 3 or 5 years.

Who is it for?

Parents who want to spend an extended period in Australia with their family, but who either cannot afford (or do not want to wait for) a permanent parent visa. This visa does not lead to permanent residency on its own — it is designed as a long-stay visitor option.

Key requirements

The sponsor (your child in Australia) must be approved as a sponsor first before you can apply for the visa. The sponsor must meet income requirements. You must meet health and character requirements. There are two options: a 3-year stay or a 5-year stay, with different fees for each. You can renew once (up to a combined maximum of 10 years), but there is a minimum gap between visa grants.

How long does it last?

3 or 5 years. Renewable once.

Can you work?

No. This is a visitor-type visa with no work rights.

Access to Medicare?

No — you are not eligible for Medicare on this visa. You must hold private health insurance.

What comes next?

This visa does not lead to permanent residency. Parents wanting permanent residency would need to apply separately for a parent visa (subclass 103, 143, 804, or 864).

Government application fee

Different fees for the 3-year and 5-year options. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/sponsored-parent-temporary-870

What is it?

A temporary visa for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, to visit family, or for business purposes. This is the standard visa for short-term visits.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants to come to Australia temporarily for a holiday, to visit family or friends, or for business activities (like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations — but not working for an Australian employer). There are several streams:

• Tourist stream — for holidays and visiting family
• Business Visitor stream — for business-related visits (not employment)
• Sponsored Family stream — for visiting family in Australia, with a family member acting as sponsor
• Approved Destination Status stream — for Chinese nationals travelling as part of an approved tour group

Key requirements

You must show you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and will leave before your visa expires. You need enough money to support yourself during your stay (or evidence that a sponsor will support you). You must meet health and character requirements. The specific requirements vary by stream.

How long does it last?

Usually 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on what you apply for and what is granted. In some cases, frequent visitors may be granted a visa with a longer validity period allowing multiple entries.

Can you work?

No. The Visitor visa does not allow you to work in Australia. If you are coming for business meetings or conferences, that is allowed — but you cannot be employed by an Australian business.

What comes next?

The Visitor visa is strictly temporary with no pathway to permanent residency.

Government application fee

Depends on the stream and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600

What is it?

Temporary visas designed for young people who want to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to fund their trip. The two subclasses work similarly but cover different countries.

Who is it for?

• Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) — for passport holders from 19 eligible countries with reciprocal agreements (including the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others).
• Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) — for passport holders from 31 eligible countries (including the USA, China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and others). The 462 has additional requirements including English language ability, educational qualifications, and for some countries, a government support letter. Some countries (China, India, Vietnam) now require a ballot (lottery) registration before applying.

Key requirements

You must be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for some 417 countries, including Canada, France, and Ireland). You must not have a dependent child travelling with you. You need enough money to support yourself initially (generally around AUD $5,000) and a return ticket or enough money to buy one. For the first visa, you can be inside or outside Australia when you apply (depending on the subclass), but you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

Second and third visas

You can apply for a second Working Holiday/Work and Holiday visa if you complete a specified period (generally 3 months) of "specified work" in eligible industries (like farming, mining, construction, or disaster recovery) in eligible regional areas during your first visa. A third visa is available if you complete an additional 6 months of specified work during your second visa.

How long does it last?

12 months from the date you enter Australia (for each visa). With second and third visas, you can potentially stay for up to 3 years.

Can you work?

Yes — you can work for any employer, but generally cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months unless you get permission. UK nationals have different conditions since the UK Free Trade Agreement removed the specified work requirement.

What comes next?

The Working Holiday visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, but holders can use the time in Australia to gain work experience, find an employer sponsor, or explore other visa options.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417
• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-462

What is it?

A two-stage visa program for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs. You first apply for a provisional (temporary) visa (subclass 188), and after meeting certain business or investment requirements in Australia, you can apply for the permanent visa (subclass 888).

Who is it for?

There are several streams, each targeting a different type of business person:

• Business Innovation stream — for people with a successful business track record who want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia. You generally need a business turnover of at least AUD $750,000 and net assets of at least AUD $1.25 million (thresholds are indexed and change).
• Investor stream — for people willing to make a designated investment of at least AUD $1.5 million in an Australian state or territory for at least 4 years.
• Significant Investor stream — for people willing to invest at least AUD $5 million in complying significant investments in Australia. This stream has no age limit, no English language requirement, and no points test.
• Entrepreneur stream — closed to new applications.

You must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Key requirements

Requirements vary significantly by stream. Most streams (except Significant Investor) require you to pass a points test (minimum 65 points), be under 55 years of age (though states can waive this), and have a state or territory nomination. You must demonstrate genuine business or investment activity. Health and character requirements apply.

For the permanent 888 visa, you must show you have successfully managed your business or maintained your investment in Australia for the required period while holding the provisional 188 visa.

How long does it last?

The 188 provisional visa lasts 5 years (with extensions possible). The 888 permanent visa is permanent.

Can you work?

Yes, but conditions vary by stream. On the 188 visa, you are generally expected to manage your business or investment activity. The 888 grants full permanent residency rights.

What comes next?

The 888 visa is the permanent stage of the 188/888 program.

Government application fee

Varies by stream. The Significant Investor stream has the highest fee. Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/business-innovation-and-investment-188
• immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/business-innovation-and-investment-888

What is it?

A permanent visa for exceptionally talented people who can contribute to Australia's economy and innovation. This visa was formerly known as the "Global Talent visa" and was rebranded as the "National Innovation visa" (NIV).

Who is it for?

Established and emerging leaders with internationally recognised skills and achievements in target sectors. The program focuses on fields that are priorities for Australia's economy, which have included areas like digitech, health industries, education, infrastructure and tourism, financial services and fintech, energy, agri-food and agritech, defence and space, resources, and the circular economy. The specific target sectors may change — check the Department's website for the current list.

Key requirements

You must be internationally recognised for exceptional and outstanding achievements in your field. You need a nominator — a person or organisation with a national reputation in the same field — who supports your application. You must earn (or have the potential to earn) above the Fair Work high-income threshold (currently $175,000 or above, indexed annually). You must demonstrate that you would be an asset to Australia in your area of expertise.

The Department must invite you to apply. You first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) demonstrating your achievements. If the Department considers you may be eligible, you will be invited to lodge a visa application.

How long does it last?

Permanent.

Can you work?

Yes — full work rights as a permanent resident.

What comes next?

As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirements.

Government application fee

Check the visa pricing estimator.

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/national-innovation-visa

What is it?

A permanent visa for people who are in Australia and need protection because they face persecution or significant harm in their home country. This is Australia's visa for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Who is it for?

People who are already in Australia (having arrived on a valid visa) and who engage Australia's protection obligations. This means you must be a person to whom Australia owes obligations under the Refugees Convention (because you face persecution in your home country for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion), or you face a real risk of significant harm if returned to your home country (such as torture, cruel or inhuman treatment, or the death penalty).

Key requirements

You must be in Australia and must have arrived lawfully (on a valid visa). You must engage Australia's protection obligations under international law. You must meet health, character, and identity requirements. Applications are assessed individually and involve detailed interviews and assessments.

If your initial application is refused, you may have the right to seek review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

How long does it last?

Permanent, if granted.

Can you work?

While your application is being processed, your work rights depend on the bridging visa you hold. If the Protection visa is granted, you have full and unrestricted work rights as a permanent resident.

Getting help

Protection visa applications are complex and can have very serious consequences. Many people seek help from a registered migration agent, immigration lawyer, or legal aid organisation. Many community legal centres and refugee support organisations provide free or low-cost help with protection visa applications.

Government application fee

There is no application fee for the Protection visa (subclass 866).

Official information

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/protection-866