World-class healthcare, strong economy, and an unmatched quality of life, Australia remains one of the most sought-after migration destinations globally.
Current
Visa Pathways
650+
Skilled Occupations
Private Consultancy
Professional Support
End-to-End
Processing Support
Overview
Your Complete Guide to Australian Immigration
Australia offers structured migration pathways for skilled workers, employer-sponsored applicants, students, families and other eligible categories. Pathways and programme settings change, and Australia does not currently offer general business-owner or subclass 405 retirement routes for new applicants.
Sarah Hewitt is a Registered Migration Agent contracted by New World Immigration from 12 August 2024 in an advisory capacity. Her MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registration can be verified on the official MARA register. Australian migration advice is provided in accordance with the applicable professional requirements.
Whether you're pursuing a General Skilled Migration pathway, an employer-sponsored role, or looking to join family already settled in Australia, our structured process ensures your application is positioned for success from day one.
Capital
Canberra
Currency
AUD ($)
Language
English
Living Cost
High
Visa Pathways
Available Visa Options for Australia
Skilled Independent Visa — A points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. You must be invited to apply, have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, and meet the points threshold. This is a permanent visa granting full work, study, and Medicare rights.(See DHA processing guide)
Skilled State Nominated Visa — Similar to the 189, but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Each state publishes its own priority occupation list. State nomination adds 5 points to your total score and may offer faster processing. This is a permanent residency visa.(See DHA processing guide)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) — A provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191). Adds 15 points.(See DHA processing guide)
Skills in Demand visa — A temporary employer-sponsored visa for a suitably skilled worker nominated by an approved sponsor to fill a position an Australian worker cannot fill. It replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current stream and eligibility requirements.(See DHA processing guide)
Employer Nomination Scheme — A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by their employer. Three streams available: Temporary Residence Transition (for current 482 holders), Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement. Provides permanent residency and full work rights from the date of grant.(See DHA processing guide)
Student Visa — For international students enrolled in a registered Australian course of study, including vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during breaks. Can be a stepping stone to skilled migration.(See DHA processing guide)
Partner Visa — For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Initially granted as a temporary visa (820), which is later assessed for the permanent stage (801). Proof of a genuine and continuing relationship is required.(See DHA processing guide)
Parent Visa — For parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents. The Contributory Parent Visa (143) and standard Parent Visa (103) have different costs, queues and eligibility requirements. Processing arrangements and estimates can change, so check current Department guidance.(See DHA processing guide)
National Innovation Visa — A permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional or outstanding achievement. The Department must invite you before you can apply; an expression of interest does not guarantee an invitation.(See DHA processing guide)
Working Holiday Visa — For young adults (18–30, or 18–35 for some countries) from eligible passport countries who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Can be extended for a second and third year by completing specified regional work.(See DHA processing guide)
Work and Holiday Visa — Similar to the 417 but available to passport holders of a different set of countries, including the United States, Argentina, and several Asian nations. Allows up to 12 months of holiday and work in Australia, with extensions available.(See DHA processing guide)
Sport/Work Exchange Visa — For individuals participating in organised sport, cultural, or work exchange programmes in Australia. Allows temporary stay to participate in approved exchange activities. Duration and conditions vary by exchange programme.(See DHA processing guide)
Training visa — A current temporary visa for eligible occupational training or classroom-based professional development. Requirements depend on the proposed training, sponsor and nomination arrangements.(See DHA processing guide)
Temporary Activity visa — A current temporary visa for eligible activities under the relevant stream. Requirements depend on the proposed activity, stream and support arrangements.(See DHA processing guide)
Child Migration Visa — For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Covers adoption, step-children, and biological children. Allows the child to live permanently in Australia with their parent.(See DHA processing guide)
Prospective Marriage Visa — For individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who plan to marry in Australia. The visa conditions, period of stay and subsequent partner pathway depend on current Department requirements.(See DHA processing guide)
Closed or legacy visa programmes
These programmes are retained for historical and existing-holder information. They are not presented as current pathways for new applicants.
Business Innovation and Investment Visa — The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed permanently to new applications on 31 July 2024. This page is retained for existing applicants and visa holders; it is not a current pathway for new applicants.(Closed to new applications)
Investor Retirement Visa — This visa is closed to new applicants. The page is retained for historical and existing-holder information; Australia does not currently offer a general retirement visa through subclass 405.(Closed to new applications)
Skilled-Recognised Graduate Visa — This visa was permanently closed to new applications from 1 July 2024. This page is retained for historical and existing-holder information.(Closed to new applications)
Training and Research Visa — This visa is closed to new applications. The page is retained for historical and existing-holder information; subclass 407 or 408 must be assessed independently and neither automatically replaces every historical 402 situation.(Closed to new applications)
Entrepreneur stream — The Entrepreneur stream formed part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program, which closed permanently to new applications on 31 July 2024. Retained for historical reference only.(Closed to new applications)