Australian Visa Types Explained: Short-Term Visits & Long-Stays

Australia is a top destination for travelers, students, professionals, and migrants. Whether you're visiting for a short holiday, planning to work temporarily, or looking to settle long-term, choosing the right visa is essential. This guide breaks down the most common Australian visa types—clearly separated into short-term visit options and long-stay categories—with eligibility criteria, permitted activities, and application tips.

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🧳 1. Short-Term Visit Visas

Short-term visas are mainly for tourism, business trips, or short courses. They do not allow long-term work or permanent residency.

A. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, business visits Duration: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months Cost: Starting from AUD $190

Streams:

• Tourist stream (apply inside or outside Australia)
• Business visitor stream
• Sponsored family stream

Key Requirements:

• Proof of return travel
• Sufficient funds for your stay
• No intention to work (except limited business activities)

Apply here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

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B. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601)

Purpose: Short tourist or business visits Eligibility: Citizens of select countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Singapore) Duration: 3-month stay per visit within 12 months Cost: AUD $20 (application service charge)

Conditions:

• Apply via ETA app or through an approved travel agent
• No work allowed (business visitor only)

Tip: Faster and easier than subclass 600 if you're eligible.

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C. eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)

Purpose: Tourism or business Eligibility: EU and a few other European passport holders Duration: Up to 3 months per visit within 12 months Cost: Free

Restrictions:

• Cannot work (business meetings permitted)
• Must be outside Australia when applying

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🎓 2. Medium to Long-Term Visas

If you're planning to study, work, or migrate, Australia offers a range of longer-term visa pathways.

A. Student Visa (subclass 500)

Purpose: Full-time study in a registered course Duration: Course duration + up to 2 months Cost: From AUD $710

Includes:

• Part-time work rights (48 hours per fortnight during semesters)
• Family members can be included

Requirements:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
• Financial proof
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Useful link: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au

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B. Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 / 462)

Purpose: Holiday with short-term work Eligibility:

• Age 18–30 (35 for some countries)
• Citizens of eligible countries
• One-year visa, extendable to 2nd/3rd years with regional work

Limitations:

• Maximum 6 months with one employer
• Cannot bring dependent children

Cost: From AUD $635

Great for backpackers or gap year travelers.

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C. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)

Purpose: Employer-sponsored skilled work Duration: Up to 2 or 4 years Streams:

• Short-term stream
• Medium-term stream
• Labour agreement stream

Requirements:

• Sponsored by an approved Australian employer
• Occupation on relevant skilled list
• Skills assessment and English proficiency

Pathway to PR: Medium-term stream can lead to permanent residency.

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D. Graduate Work Visa (subclass 485)

Purpose: For international students after graduation Streams:

• Graduate Work stream
• Post-Study Work stream

Duration: 18 months to 4 years, depending on qualification Eligibility:

• Recently completed degree in Australia
• Meet English and health requirements

Cost: From AUD $1,895

Popular for gaining local work experience before applying for skilled migration.

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E. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

Purpose: Permanent residency for skilled workers Points-based: Minimum 65 points required (based on age, experience, English, qualifications)

Steps:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Receive invitation to apply
3. Pass skills assessment and health checks

No sponsorship needed, full work rights, and access to Medicare (public health care).

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🛂 3. Quick Comparison Table

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✅ Final Tips for Applicants

• Always apply through the official site: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Be truthful and consistent across your application and documents.
• Check processing times regularly; they vary by visa and country.
• Use the Visa Finder tool: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder

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📌 Conclusion

Australia offers a well-defined visa system for both short visits and long-term stays. Understanding which visa fits your situation—whether you're a tourist, student, or skilled professional—is crucial for a smooth entry and stay. Review the requirements, prepare documents carefully, and apply early to avoid delays. With the right visa, you can explore Australia’s landscapes, study at world-class universities, or build a future in a dynamic, multicultural country.

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