World-class healthcare, strong economy, and an unmatched quality of life, Australia remains one of the most sought-after migration destinations globally.
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Visa Pathways
650+
Skilled Occupations
Private Consultancy
Professional Support
End-to-End
Processing Support
Overview
Your Complete Guide to Australian Immigration
Australia offers one of the world's most structured and transparent immigration systems, with clearly defined pathways for skilled workers, business owners, students, families, and retirees. The country actively encourages migration to fill skill shortages across key industries including healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and education.
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
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.(20 to 28 months)
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.(13 to 23 months)
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.(6 to 12 months)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa — An employer-sponsored visa allowing Australian employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers. Available in Short-term (up to 2 years) and Medium-term (up to 4 years) streams. The medium-term stream can lead to permanent residency.(1 to 4 months)
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.(6 to 12 months)
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.(1 to 3 months)
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.(12 to 24 months)
Business Innovation and Investment Visa — A provisional visa for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to own and manage a business in Australia, or invest in Australian ventures. Multiple streams including Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor ($5M+), and Entrepreneur.(12 to 24 months)
Parent Visa — For parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents. The Contributory Parent Visa (143) has a higher cost but faster processing, though current wait times are approximately 15 years. The standard Parent Visa (103) has lower fees but significantly longer wait times (30+ years).(Approx. 15 years (143))
Retirement Visa — A temporary visa for self-funded retirees from countries with which Australia has a bilateral retirement arrangement. Requires proof of passive income and financial assets. This visa does not lead to permanent residency but allows a comfortable retirement lifestyle in Australia.(3 to 6 months)
National Innovation Visa — A permanent residency pathway for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional or outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research. Must demonstrate superior abilities and sustained achievement in an area with international standing. No employer sponsorship required.(6 months to 1 year)
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.(1 to 4 weeks)
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.(1 to 4 weeks)
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.(1 to 3 months)
Training & Temporary Activity Visas — The Subclass 402 is closed to new applicants. Replaced by Subclass 407 (occupational training, 3-11 months processing) and Subclass 408 (temporary activities including government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, religious work, research, sporting and entertainment activities, and more, 1-3 months processing).(1 to 11 months)
Engineering Graduate Visa (No Longer Available) — This visa subclass is no longer available for new applicants. Previously for recent engineering graduates from recognised institutions. Engineering graduates should explore alternative pathways including the Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, or 186.(No longer available)
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.(6 to 12 months)
Prospective Marriage Visa — For individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and plan to marry in Australia. Allows entry to Australia for up to 9 months to marry, after which the holder can apply for a Partner Visa.(12 to 18 months)
Entrepreneur Visa — For individuals with an innovative business idea who have a funding agreement from a specified third party in Australia. Part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program. Provides a pathway for entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in Australia.(6 to 12 months)