What Are the Different Types of Australia Visas to Immigrate?

There are several types of Australian visas for people planning to move from the UK for work, study or permanent residency. Skilled workers can explore the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491), while those with an Australian employer sponsor can apply for the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482). Young UK passport holders can also use the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) to travel and work in Australia.

International students can study in Australia through the Student visa (Subclass 500), while partner visas allow people to join their spouse or partner. Many skilled and employer-sponsored visas also offer pathways to permanent residency, making Australia an attractive destination for long-term settlement.

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Types of Australian Visas for Immigration

Australia offers several visa types for people planning to work, study or settle permanently. The main categories include skilled migration, employer-sponsored, Working Holiday, partner, family and student visas. Each category has specific eligibility requirements, visa conditions and options for temporary or permanent residence.
 

Visa Type	Who Is Eligible?	Main Purpose
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)	Skilled workers in eligible occupations who meet the points test, without sponsorship	To live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)	Skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory	To live and work permanently in the nominating state or territory
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)	Skilled workers nominated for regional Australia	To live and work in a regional area, with a pathway to permanent residency
Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)	Skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer	To work in Australia for up to four years, with a possible pathway to permanent residency
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)	Skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer	To live and work permanently in Australia
National Innovation visa (Subclass 858)	People with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement who are invited to apply	To live permanently in Australia and drive innovation in sectors of national importance
Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)	UK passport holders aged 18 to 35	To holiday and work in Australia, with up to three visas in total
Student visa (Subclass 500)	International students enrolled in a registered course at an approved institution	To study full time in Australia
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)	International graduates who have completed eligible study in Australia	To live and work in Australia after studying
Partner visa (Subclass 309 and 100, or 820 and 801)	Partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens	To join a partner in Australia, first temporarily and then permanently

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Australia Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Australian visa, you must meet the requirements of your chosen visa subclass. Points-tested skilled visas generally require applicants to be under 45, score at least 65 points, demonstrate competent English and obtain positive skills assessment. Employer-sponsored visas require an eligible sponsor, while student and partner visas have specific study or relationship requirements. Most applicants must also meet health and character requirements.

• Points test: Applicants for points-tested visas (Subclasses 189, 190 and 491) generally need at least 65 points.
• Age: Applicants for points-tested skilled visas must generally be under 45 when invited to apply.
• Skills assessment and English: Applicants must meet the relevant skills assessment and English language requirements for their visa subclass.
• Employer sponsorship: Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) applicants must be nominated by an approved employer sponsor.
• Course enrolment: Student visa (Subclass 500) applicants generally need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible course.
• Proof of Funds: Some visa applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees or living expenses.
• Family relationship: Partner visa applicants must meet the relationship criteria and have an eligible sponsor.
• Invitation and nomination: National Innovation visa (Subclass 858) applicants must receive an invitation and have a completed nomination from an eligible nominator.
• Health and character: Applicants must meet the applicable health and character requirements.

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How to Apply for an Australian Visa from the UK?

To apply for an Australian visa from the UK, choose the appropriate visa subclass, check the eligibility requirements, prepare the required documents and submit your application online through ImmiAccount.
 

Step 1: Choose your visa subclass

Select a visa based on your purpose, such as Subclass 189, 190 or 491 for skilled migration, Subclass 482 for employer sponsorship, or Subclass 500 for study.

Step 2: Check the eligibility requirements

Review the visa criteria. Skilled applicants may need a skills assessment, an English test and an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Some visas require an invitation or employer nomination before applying.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

Register through the official ImmiAccount portal to complete and submit your visa application online.

Step 4: Complete the application and upload documents

Fill in the application form and attach your passport, identity documents and other evidence required for your visa subclass.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee and complete required checks

Pay the application charge and complete any requested health examinations, biometrics or police certificate requirements.

Step 6: Track your application

Check ImmiAccount for updates or requests for additional information. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you when a decision is made.

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Australian Visa Fees

Australian visa fees depend on the visa subclass. The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) costs around AUD 6,135, while the Partner visa costs around AUD 11,710 for the main applicant. Partners and children included in an application pay additional charges, and skills assessments, English tests and medical examinations are paid separately.
 

Australian visa type	Application fee (AUD)
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)	AUD 6,135
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)	AUD 6,140
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)	AUD 6,140
Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)	AUD 4,015
Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)	AUD 840
Student visa (Subclass 500)	AUD 2,500
Partner visa (Subclasses 309/100 or 820/801)	AUD 11,710

 

Australian Visa Processing Time

Australian visa processing times vary by subclass. The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is generally decided within about 2 to 8 months, while the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) can take longer, depending on nomination requirements and the completeness of your application.
 

Australian Visa Type	Processing Time
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)	2 to 8 months
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)	4 to 16 months
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)	5 to 18 months
Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)	37 days to 9 months, depending on stream
Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)	Up to about 2 months
Student visa (Subclass 500)	16 days to 7 months, depending on course sector
Partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820, first stage)	About 21 to 32 months

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FAQs

What are the different types of Australian visas for immigration?

Australia offers visas for skilled migration, employer sponsorship, Working Holiday, partner and family reunion, and study. Popular options include the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visas, the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) and the Student visa (Subclass 500).

Can UK citizens move to Australia?

Yes, UK citizens have various options for moving to Australia, both temporary and permanent. The main routes are skilled migration, employer sponsorship, partner and family visas, study and the Working Holiday visa. The best fit depends on your age, occupation, experience and English level.

Which Australian visas lead to permanent residency?

The Subclass 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency directly. The Subclass 491 leads to it through the Subclass 191 visa after three years in a regional area, and the Skills in Demand visa can lead to it through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.

How many points do I need for Australian skilled migration?

Points-tested visas need at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest. Points come from age, English, skilled employment and qualifications. A higher score strengthens your chances, since 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?

The 189 is permanent and needs no sponsor, and the 190 is permanent with state or territory nomination. The 491 is a provisional visa that runs for five years and suits regional Australia. All three use the points test.

How does employer sponsorship work for an Australian visa?

An approved Australian employer sponsors you for the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), which lets you work in Australia for up to four years. Eligible holders can later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa.

Can I get an Australian Working Holiday visa from the UK?

UK passport holders aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417). UK passport holders can be granted up to three Working Holiday visas without meeting the specified work requirements, giving up to three years in Australia in total.

Can I apply for an Australian partner visa from the UK?

Yes, partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens can apply from outside Australia through Subclasses 309 and 100. One application covers both the temporary and permanent stages, and you will need to show a genuine relationship.

How long does an Australian visa take to process?

Most Subclass 189 applications are decided within about 2 to 8 months, Subclass 190 within 4 to 16 months, and Student visas within 16 days to 7 months depending on the course sector. Partner visas take longer, at around 21 to 32 months for the first stage.

How much does an Australian visa cost?

The Skilled Independent visa costs AUD 6,135 and the Student visa AUD 2,500. The Skills in Demand visa costs AUD 4,015, and the Partner visa costs AUD 11,710. Partners and children in a skilled application pay extra, and skills assessments and English tests are separate.