Australian Work, Study & Retirement Visas
Australian Visas are the focus of this part of our guide to emigrating to Australia…
There are different types of visa available for emigrating to Australia depending on what you’ll be doing there and how long you plan to stay there. These are the main types:
The skilled independent visa is a residency visa for those with qualifications and skills in demand. You don’t need sponsorship from an employer to get one but you’ll have to pass a points test (which assesses your qualifications, experience, aptitude, etc.). A business visa is a similar option, which is often applied for by those whose qualifications and skills aren’t deemed as in demand by the Australian government, it doesn’t require you to pass a points test so long as you’re sponsored by an employer.
A working holiday visa allows those aged 18 to 31 to stay in Australia for up to 12 months (with extensions being a possibility). These are primarily aimed at backpackers / travelers though and working rights are restricted to incidental employment of up to 6 months per employer to supplement your stay.
Retirement visas are meant for self-funded retirees who are 55 years or older, have no dependants (other than a spouse who can be any age), and who want to stay in Australia during their retirement years. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to stay in the country for four years, though you can apply for subsequent ones on expiry, with each allowing you to stay for another four years.
To be granted a visa to study in Australia you’re required to be fully enrolled in an Australian academic institution and receive a Confirmation of Enrollment (which is usually issued after tuition fees have been paid). Those planning to also undertake any form of employment will need to apply for one with the additional right of ‘permission to work’.
Australian partner visas allow the partner, fiance, or spouse of permanent Australian residents (including immigrants) to also live and work in the country. Family visas can be obtained to get the same rights for dependent children and relatives.
