Australia offers various visa pathways for individuals looking to work, study, live, or invest in the country. In the last few years, Australia has become a hotspot for both skilled and unskilled workers who seek to take advantage of its stable economy and reliable public facilities.
In this article, we shall be examining the various Australian visa pathways available to migrants in 2024. Each of the visa categories comes with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. By the time you are done reading, you will possess a general understanding of the Australian visa process to help you with your immigration journey.
Available Visa Pathways To Australia in 2024
1- Family-Stream Permanent Visas
The Family-Stream Permanent Visas in Australia are designed for immediate and extended family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa stream aims to reunite families and contribute to Australia’s social fabric by valuing family bonds and maintaining cultural diversity.
Here are some of the visa categories within the Family-Stream:
- Partner Visas: For spouses, de facto partners, and fiancé(e)s of Australian residents or citizens.
- Child Visas: For dependent children, orphaned relatives, or adopted children of Australian residents or citizens.
- Parent Visas: For parents of Australian residents or citizens to move to Australia permanently.
- Other Family Visas: For aged dependent relatives, remaining relatives, or carers of Australian residents or citizens.
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. For instance, partner visas may require proof of a genuine and ongoing relationship, while parent visas might have balance-of-family tests or long wait times due to capping and queuing.
2- Work-Stream Permanent Visas
The Work-Stream Permanent Visa in Australia is designed for individuals who have skills that are valued in Australia and are sponsored by an Australian employer. It’s for workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer to work in Australia and will allow you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident, with the potential to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
Here are some of the Visa Subclasses within the Work-Stream visas:
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Requirements:
Applicants must meet certain criteria, which may include skill assessments, English language requirements, and other qualifications depending on the specific visa subclass.
3- Business or Investment-Stream Permanent Visas
The Business or Investment-Stream Permanent Visas in Australia are designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who wish to continue their activities or establish new ventures in Australia. The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) is for individuals who hold a provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) and have met the requirements for running a business or maintaining an investment in Australia.
Visa Streams:
As of 1 July 2021, there are four streams available under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) for new applicants. They are the Business Innovation, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Significant Investor streams of the Subclass 188 provisional visa. These all provide a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 888 visa.
Requirements:
Applicants must meet certain residence and investment or business turnover requirements to qualify for permanent residence after three years on the initial visa, which is valid for five years.
4- Retirement Visa Pathway
The Retirement Visa Pathway in Australia provides a way for certain retirees to obtain permanent residency. It’s available to holders of a Retirement visa (subclass 410) or Investment Retirement (subclass 405) visa as of 8 May 2018. To be eligible, applicants must also maintain adequate health insurance and will not be eligible for Medicare while their application is being processed. Their visa status remains temporary until the decision is made.
Pathway Options:
Eligible retirees can apply for a Parent visa (subclass 103) or Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), without needing to meet the sponsorship, balance of family test, or Assurance of Support requirements.
5- Former Resident Visa
The Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151) is a permanent visa for individuals who were previously permanent residents of Australia or served in the Australian Defence Force.
The visa allows former residents to live in Australia indefinitely as Australian permanent residents. It also includes a travel facility that lets you travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date it is granted.
6- Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa, also known as the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program, is a permanent visa designed to attract exceptionally talented individuals to Australia. Its aim is to enhance Australia’s ability to compete for the world’s best and brightest in innovation and high-tech industries.
To be eligible for this visa, candidates should have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. High-earning individuals in future-focused sectors are particularly targeted. The program focuses on future-focused sectors, such as quantum information, advanced digital, data science, ICT, energy and mining technology, among others.
Interested candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and, if successful, will receive a unique identifier to apply for the visa. The visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and is designed to help grow a stronger economy by transferring skills, promoting innovation, and creating jobs.
7- Refugee and Humanitarian Visas
Refugee and Humanitarian Visas in Australia are designed for individuals who are subject to persecution or substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of human rights in their home countries. The process for applying for these visas can be done online, and applicants are encouraged to provide as much information as possible to support their claims for protection.
Visa Categories:
Australia offers several visa categories for refugees and humanitarian entrants, including:
- Refugee Visa (subclass 200): For people who are outside Australia, are subject to persecution in their home country, and are in need of resettlement.
- In-Country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201): For people who are still in their home country and have not been able to leave to seek refuge elsewhere.
- Emergency Rescue Visa (subclass 203): For people who are subject to immediate threats and need an urgent response.
- Woman at Risk Visa (subclass 204): For women and their dependents who are outside their home country and do not have the protection of a male relative and are in danger of victimization, harassment, or serious abuse because of their gender.
Australian Visa Application Process 2024
Applying for an Australian visa involves several steps, and the process can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. Here’s an extensive breakdown of the general process:
1- Determine the Right Visa: Identify which visa category suits your purpose of visit, whether it’s for tourism, work, study, or permanent residency.
2- Gather Information and Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as passports, proof of funds, and any other supporting documents that the specific visa category requires.
3- Visa Application Form: Complete the appropriate visa application form, which can be found on the official Australian Immigration and Citizenship website.
4- Attach Translated Documents: If any documents are not in English, include certified translations along with the originals.
5- Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee, which varies by visa type.
6- Submit Application: Submit the application either online through ImmiAccount or at an Australian embassy or consulate if a paper application is necessary.
7- Biometrics Collection: Depending on the visa type, you may need to provide biometrics.
8- Health Examinations: Some visas require a health examination, which must be conducted by approved panel physicians.
9- Visa Interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview.
10- Visa Processing: Wait for the visa to be processed. Processing times can vary greatly depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
11- Visa Decision: You will be notified of the decision on your visa application. If granted, make sure to understand the conditions of your visa.
12- Prepare for Travel: Once your visa is approved, you can make travel arrangements to Australia.
One thing you must remember to do before you start is to check the visa processing times and start your application well in advance of your planned travel date. For the most accurate and detailed information, always refer to the official Australian Immigration and Citizenship website.
