We are not going to lie to you, the Australian immigration system can become long and complex! Visas, eligibility criteria, constant changes in process and so on. That’s not easy to follow! But don’t worry, if you are lost in the world of Australian immigration, we have prepared a little summary of the different visa types that you can apply to live and stay longer in Australia!
You have to remember that all cases are different though and it is always best to contact an Australian Education Specialist or a Migration Lawyer that will be able to give you personalised advice.
AND WE START WITH THE AUSTRALIAN STUDENT VISA!
WHAT IS IT?
The Australian student visa allows you to live in Australia for the duration of your studies. It is the perfect solution to prolong your adventure once your Working Holiday Visa has expired, or to simply do a Bachelor or a Master Degree in Australia.
Everyone can apply to this visa, and all types of studies are available to all education level or work experience.
You are allowed to work 20h per week or up to 40h over a two-week period. During school holidays, this restriction does not apply anymore, you can work full time and finance your studies if you want to.
There is no age limit on this visa and you can even include your boyfriend/ girlfriend on it (if they fulfil the requirements of the Australian Immigration obviously, otherwise it would be too easy).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A VISA GRANTED FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION?
It depends! If you are lucky, it will take 1 min. If not, it can take up to 8 weeks or even more if you have a complex case! ☺
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? AUD $620
The advice provided by StudyBird is 100% free to help you get your student visa. Don’t take any risks, send us a message, make an appointment or just come to the agency to ask us all your questions.
Note that after you graduate, the Student Visa can also lead to a Post Study Work Visa (subclass 485).
THE TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (SUBCLASS 485)
WHAT IS IT? The Temporary Graduate Visa or Post Graduate Visa is a working visa that allows you to continue your adventure in Australia once you finish and validate your studies. With it you can stay in Australia and work for any employer without maximum time restriction.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? AUD $1,650
HOW LONG IS IT VALID? You are eligible for a Post Graduate Visa if you have obtained a certificate from a CRICOS program. In general, it is valid for 2 years for a Bachelor and a Master Degrees in Australia and for 3 years for a Doctorate (PhD).
THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA (SUBCLASS 417)
WHAT IS IT? The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is as its name suggests it is a temporary visa that allows you to work and travel where you can:
- Stay and live up to 1 year in Australia
- Work as much as you want, in any field with a maximum of 6 months with one single employer
- Enter and exit Australia as much as you want as long as your visa is valid
- Attend English classes for a maximum of 4 months
- Renew your visa for a second year under certain conditions (Farm Work).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? AUD $485
HOW TO APPLY? Easy, straight on the website of the Australian government! ☺
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A VISA GRANTED FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION? Here again, validity periods vary! It could go from 1 day to 42 days.
THE TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE VISA (SUBCLASS 482)
WHAT IS IT? You can get a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa to work full time for a company in Australia depending on your skills and professional experience. The said company has to nominate you and this visa can be valid from 1 year up to 4 years depending on your case.
It starts with the infamous JOB OCCUPATION LIST! If your job position is on that list, congrats’, you fulfil the first eligibility criteria! Then you need to be able to prove 2 years of experience in your area of expertise and a good level of English (And yes, that means getting your IELTS!) ☺
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? AUD $2,645
HOW TO APPLY? The process can be gruelling – we recommend you to contact a Migration Lawyer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A VISA GRANTED FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION?
Here again, validity periods vary! You might have to wait approximately 2 months to 8 months to get an answer.
THE EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY VISA (subclass 186)
WHAT IS IT? The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, live and work in Australia permanently. Similar to the sponsorship, your job position must be on the job occupation list from the Australian Immigration.
There are different path for you to get the permanent residency depending on your profile, your skills and your experience.
For more details on visas and their eligibility criteria, you should pay a visit to the website of the Australian government.
NEED ADVICE ON AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION LAW?
Our Migration Lawyer answers all your questions and manages your application for working visa and temporary or permanent residency, see list below:
- Permanent and Temporary Skilled Migration Visas
- Family Visas/ Parent and Child Visas
- Partner and Prospective Spouse Visas
- Australian Citizenship application
- Resident Return Visas
- Investment and Business Visas
