All non-Australians arriving in Australia need to have a visa giving them permission to enter the country.*

To help you through the maze of visa requirements, please answer these questions and we'll guide you through the easy visa system.

How long would you like to stay in Australia?

Click one of the following:

• (Permanent)
  "I want to move to Australia, to become an Australian citizen or resident, and to have full rights of employment and opportunity as an Australian. I want to be Australian and make Australia my home!"
  

• (Temporary)
  "I would like to visit for a period, but eventually be able to return home to my overseas country."
  

• (Holiday or Short Stay)
  "I would like to visit Australia for a holiday or to visit friends, or to travel around and do some paid work and see the country."
  

* (New Zealanders are the only exception: with good health and good character, people from New Zealand are issued a visa at passport control in Australia, on arrival)

Permanent Visas

"I want to be an Australian!"

To move to Australia permanently you will need an Australian migration visa, also called a "permanent visa". Australia is particular about accepting people to come permanently, and the procedure takes a long time and can be expensive. (Which is why we have a self-assessment section on our site to help save you money.)

Look through the types of permanent visa listed below:

Do you have good qualifications, and are you below middle age?

IF YES -

Look at the Skilled Migration section of the Australian Visas website. This section contains the details for obtaining a business visa or a visa to work in a trade or a profession. If you have family members already in Australia, or someone who wants to employ you, or if you want to live and work in a country district, these things will make it easier to obtain your visa.

IF NO -

Do you have close family members who want you to join them in Australia?

IF YES -

Look at the Family Migration section of the Australian Visas website. In previous years - before 1999 - Family Migration visas formed a much larger part of the Australian migration program. Today most Family Migration visas go to children, husbands, wives or partners (of the same sex, or different), or isolated elderly relatives. It is no longer possible to bring in brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and grandchildren under 'family'. The only loophole is if you can prove that you are the only member of your family left outside of Australia - then you can apply as a "Last family member outside Australia".

IF NO -

If you don't have good qualifications or close family over here, maybe you can come for a shorter time on a Temporary Visa or for a holiday.

Temporary Visas

"I'm coming for a while, but eventually I'll be returning home to my overseas country."
(You can apply later for a Permanent Visa if you like it in Australia)

Australia has very good business opportunities, educational facilities, health facilities, sporting programs, and the climate is very pleasant for retirement. Or you may want to take up short-term employment here. These are all available on a Temporary Visa.

If this sounds like you, look at the Temporary Visa section. As these visas are less binding on the Australian constitution, (benefits and health schemes), the criteria for your entry are not as severe. Australia is mainly concerned that you will leave when your business over here is concluded.

While you are in Australia you must have enough money to support you and your familiy, you must have your own health insurance, and you must arrive with a good police record.

Holiday Visas

All you need is a passport, some money to spend and time for a great trip 'down under'! These visas are low cost, or an ETA visa is free if you apply to an Australian government source. There is little procedure or examination of documents. If this is the type of visa for you, go to Holiday and short stay visas.

Humanitarian Visas

Are you in personal danger at home from war, civil unrest or because you are a woman living unprotected in a war zone? Are you a refugee, or in need of refuge?