🇦🇺 Australia

Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage

Employer-sponsored temporary work visa allowing Australian businesses to fill skills gaps with overseas workers. Streams: Short-term (2 years, limited renewal), Medium-term (4 years, pathway to PR), and Labour Agreement (negotiated with Home Affairs). Most professional roles fall under the Medium-term stream.

Timeline: 1mo–4mo

Subclass 408 — Temporary Activity

Flexible temporary visa covering a wide range of sponsored activities including academic research, entertainment, religious and charitable work, and exchange programmes. Duration and conditions tied to the specific activity stream and sponsor.

Timeline: 1mo–3mo

Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate

Post-study work visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. Two streams: Graduate Work (18 months, occupation on skills list) and Post-Study Work (2–4 years depending on qualification level, no occupation requirement). Allows open work rights in Australia.

Timeline: 1mo–3mo

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent

Points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers. No employer sponsor or state nomination required — candidates lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an Invitation to Apply based on their points score. Nomination-free, globally competitive.

Timeline: 6mo–1yr

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated

Points-tested permanent residence visa requiring a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points to your score; each state publishes its own occupation lists and requirements for nomination.

Timeline: 6mo–1yr

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory to live and work in a regional area of Australia. Regional nomination adds 15 points — significantly boosting scores. After 3 years of regional residence and work, eligible to apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191.

Timeline: 6mo–1yr

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Three streams: Direct Entry (skills assessment + experience), Temporary Residence Transition (3 years on 482 with same employer), and Agreement stream (Labour Agreement). Leads directly to permanent residence.

Timeline: 9mo–1yr

Subclass 124 — Distinguished Talent

Permanent residence visa for individuals with an internationally recognised and distinguished record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field. No employer sponsor or state nomination required. Covers arts, sport, academia, and the professions. A recommending organisation provides the mandatory recommendation.

Timeline: 6mo–1yr

Subclass 858 — Global Talent (Legacy)

Legacy permanent residence visa for individuals of distinguished and internationally recognised talent. This pathway is now a closing pipeline — the Australian Government has channelled most self-petitioned extraordinary talent cases to Subclass 124 Distinguished Talent. New applicants should prioritise 124; 858 remains available for existing pipeline cases.

Timeline: 9mo–2yr

Subclass 188 — Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional)

Provisional visa for business owners and investors with significant capital, nominated by a state or territory. Streams include Business Innovation (own/manage a business), Investor (AUD 1.5M+), Significant Investor (AUD 5M+), and Entrepreneur. Leads to permanent residence via Subclass 888.

Timeline: 6mo–1yr

Subclass 500 — Student Visa

The standard Australian student visa for international students undertaking a full-time course at an Australian education provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Allows limited work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study).

Timeline: 14d–2mo