Introduction to categories of visas in Australia
There are different categories of Visas in Australia that one can apply for to enable them move to Australia and live there. There are many benefits that are available for a person moving to Australia. global quality of life index ranks Australia high. Moreover, Australia has a robust and stable economy with one of the highest minimum wage around the globe. The country offers many employment opportunities. Australia is a multicultural society with a blend of different ethnic background and many languages and cultures.
Additionally, the educational and healthcare systems in Australia are regarded as some of the best globally. This makes Australia a safe destination for many people who wish to relocate to different countries.
Australia has a comfortable environment for variety of preferences. It has pristine beaches, rainforests and rugged outback offering a unique natural beauty. Also, Australia provides a range of social services for people in need, as well as services for mental health and wellbeing.
Lastly, Australia offers many ways that a person can obtain permanent residency and citizenship to enhance long-term security and benefits. This post seeks to enlighten readers on the various types of visas for immigrants who want to travel to Australia for permanent or temporary stay.
Different Categories of Visas in Australia
Australian visas can be categorised as follows:
- Short-stay work visa
- Partner or parent visas business visas
- Skilled person visa
- Employer-sponsored visa
- Student or graduate visa
Authorities issue different types of visas under each category to immigrants.
Short-stay work categories of visas in Australia
The Australian Government grants short-term work visas to individuals who want to travel to Australia for a shorter period of time. This category normally last up to three months for a particular purpose. Short-stay visas are also classified as either short-stay specialist visas, training visas, or temporary activity visas.
Short-stay specialist visa (Subclass 400)
The Australian Government grants short-stay specialist visa to individuals who are specialists in fields not available in Australia. It allows them to come and offer their services in the country. Individuals and companies’ residents in Australia can request their services.
Training visa (Subclass 407)
training visa is a temporary activity visa. A structured workplace training programme can earn an individual the opportunity to travel to Australia to enhance his or her skills. However, the trainer or employer have to approve of the sponsorship with the outlined programme of activity for the training. the Australian Government grants this visa for a maximum of two years.
Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408)
This temporary visa allows individuals to travel to Australia for a conference, entertainment activities, sports participation, or cultural and societal events, among others. However, an approved sponsor must sponsor the individual. He or she must also have health insurance to cover the medical care for the duration and good financial support. full list of conditions can be accessed on the link below: https://www.australiamigrate.com/visa-types/short-term-work-visa/temporary-activity-visa-subclass-408/
Partner and Parent categories of visas in Australia
The Australian Government grants Partner and Parent visas to individuals who have family relations with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
Partner visa
An individual who is either married to, engaged to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen can be granted a partner visa. However, applicants must present evidence of genuine and committed relationship.
Additionally, the individual is first issued a provisional partner visa. The partners can apply for a permanent visa after two years if they are still together.
An individual can be granted a maximum of two visas in respect of partners. Also, the interval between the first and the second should be five years apart.
Parent Visa
A parent with a child or children in Australia who wishes to move and live with them can be granted parent visa. However, the child, who must be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent residency permit, or be an eligible New Zealand citizen, must sponsor the individual.
There are three categories of parent visas:
- Non-Contributory Parent Visa
- Contributory Parent Visa
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa.
Contributory and non-contributory both require a parent to meet the definition of aged parent and have at least half of the children living in Australia as citizens, permanent residents or eligible citizens of New Zealand. Furthermore, one of the children must undertake to sponsor the individual.
sponsored parent visa is mainly temporary and cannot lead to a permanent permit. However, the individual can renew it up to a maximum of Ten (10) years.
Business Visas
business visa is designed for those who wish to visit Australia to carry out some business. The duration of the visa will be dependent on the type of business the individual intends to do. The business visas are normally provisional, with a duration of five to seven years. However, applicants who hold a provisional business visa can apply for permanent residential permit. You can assess more information on the requirements on the link below: https://www.australiamigrate.com/visa-types/start-a-business-or-invest-in-australia/
Four streams of visas are issued under the business visa.
The Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188)
The government grants the innovation stream to individuals who own or have an interest in a business and wish to establish or develop it in Australia. The individual can apply for five-year visa. The applicant can also apply for extension of visa to stay for additional two years. Also, this visa allows entry and re-entry for individuals and family for business purpose. However, The individual should have evidence running a successful business in their home country, and the applicant should also have a good financial base. The individual can also apply for a permanent visa.
The Investor Stream:
The individual should have a good financial base and be investing in complying Australian-managed investment funds for the duration of the provisional visa. Additionally, the family members of the individual can be granted the same visa.
The Significant Investor Stream:
This kind operates like the investor stream. However, the amount of finance required here is much higher. This visa also allows free entry and re-entry for the individual.
The Entrepreneur Stream:
Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest which presents an innovation that will lead to developing a business in Australia. The visa allows free entry and re-entry for the individual. Also, the family members of the individual can be granted same visa.
Skilled Persons Visas
Skilled Independent visas (subclass 189, 190 and 191): The Australian Government grants skilled visas to individuals who have some skills and qualify for the general skilled migrant programme. The individual can also qualify for the skill-nominated permanent visa. However, he or she must possess skills, which is part of list of skills in short supply. The state and territory government publish a list of skills in short supply.
Additionally, the Australian Government can grant a permanent visa to an individual and dependents who holds provisional skilled regional visa.
Employer Sponsorship Visa
employer sponsorship visa is available to a person employed by an Australian company. Australian businesses can recruit foreigners to fill vacant employment positions in their businesses. The employer can also apply and become an approved business sponsor. Business sponsorship can be valid for five years and the business can sponsor as many as they can. However, the applicant must meet the business sponsorship requirements.
Business sponsorship for temporal skill shortage can provide a temporary visa of up to two years for the short-term stream and up to four years for medium-term stream. This enables businesses in Australia to fill a temporary gap in their business with foreign workers, where they are unable to find suitable person in Australia.
Student or Graduate Visa (subclass 500 and 485)
The student visa: This category of visa is available for persons who wish to study in any of the educational institutions in Australia. The visa allows the applicant to study full-time in Australia. It also allows applicants to work for 40 hours while school is in session and unlimited hours while school is not in session. However, the applicant must present evidence of an offer of admission to study in Australia. They should also have the financial strength to finance the education and other related expenses of the applicant.
The graduate visa: Graduate visa is available to foreign student who have completed their studies and want to work in Australia. It also enables you to work and undertake a professional study to gain more points. Moreover, this visa enable holders to travel in and out of Australia. However, you must hold a student visa, be less than 50 years old, meet the health requirements, and accept health insurance in Australia.