Get a Free Online Australian Visa Assessment
If you’re looking to move to Australia, understanding the immigration policies can be difficult. You will need a visa in order to live and work, ensuring you select the correct pathway to avoid breaking the law.
We have partnered with Visa Go Australia to help make the process as smooth and as easy as possible.
With Visa Go Australia, you can complete a free online assessment to find out which visa pathway is most suitable for you.
What are the Different Australian Visa Pathways?
Some of the visa pathways available when moving to Australia include:
- Skilled Migration
- Family Migration
- Partner Visas
- Parent Visas
- Business Migration
- Working Holiday Visas
Skilled Migration Visas
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) Programme is the most common pathway for skilled workers to migrate to Australia. Applicants must nominate an occupation on the skills list and meet the basic criteria and points to qualify.
The basic criteria for an Australia Skilled Visa are as follows:
- Age – you must be under 45 when you apply
- English language – you should have a competent ability in the English language
- Nominated occupation – you must nominate an occupation on the skilled occupations list which best fits your skills and qualifications
- Skills assessment – you must obtain a positive skills assessment in your occupation
- Health assessment – all applicants must pass a medical examination by a panel doctor
- Character assessment – you must be of good character and provide police checks
The minimum points score for a skilled visa is currently 65 points, however this can fluctuate depending on your occupation and how many applicants are applying through the GSM pathway.
Additional points can be awarded for Australian and regional study, partner skills, Australian work experience and Credentialed Community Language qualifications.
Skilled migration is best suited for those wanting to migrate to Australia long term and may lead to Australian Citizenship. You do not require a job offer for this visa type.
Family Migration Visas
Parents, partners and other family members may apply for a visa to join their Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident family members in Australia. There are a number of options available, with the most common visa types including Partner and Parent visas.
Partner Visas
If you can demonstrate you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen, then you may be able to apply for a Partner Visa.
The basic criteria for Partner Visas include:
- The ability to provide evidence of having lived with your partner for a minimum of 12 months by way of various joint documents (you do not need to be married for this visa type)
- Sponsored by an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Depending on the length of your relationship, you will be granted either a temporary or a permanent residency visa. With evidence of a minimum of three years commitment to your partner, you may be eligible for permanent residency, reduced to 2 years if you have a child together.
Alternatively, you will be granted a temporary visa for 2 years followed by an invitation to apply for your permanent residency providing you are still in a committed relationship with your Australian partner.
Parent Visas
Parent Visas are available for those wishing to join their children who are settled Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. The most common Parent Visa category is the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) Visa, which is a permanent residency visa.
The basic criteria for a parent visa are:
- You meet the balance of family, meaning half or more of your children live in Australia as Permanent Residents or Citizens
- Your child is willing to act as your sponsor and has been settled in Australia for a minimum of two years
- You meet the health and character requirements
If you’re aged 65 or over you have the option of lodging the Parent Visa from within Australia.
Business Migration Visas
The Australian Business Visa Programme encourages successful business owners, investors and senior executives to settle in Australia while developing new or existing business opportunities. This visa allows you to own and manage a business in Australia, with some pathways leading to permanent residency.
To qualify for a Business Migration Visa:
- You must have at least AUD$1.5 million to invest in a business
- You must hold relevant experience in running and owning a business
Working Holiday Visa
The Australia Working Holiday Visa gives people between the ages of 18 and 30 the opportunity to pursue work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
This is a temporary visa which allows you to work for any one employer for up to six months at a time.
The basic criteria for a Working Holiday Visa are as follows:
- You must be aged between 18 and 30
- You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months until renewal
- You must have sufficient funds of AUD$5,000.00 to support yourself
- You must not have any substantial criminal convictions or medical issues
Take the Free Australian Visa Assessment to see which pathway is right for you
Expert Visa Support and Guidance
With over 150 years experience in international relocation services, our experts are perfectly placed to provide expert visa support and guidance.
We have customs and documentation specialists to guide you through the relocation process from start to finish, ensuring you have everything you need for your move down under.
Coupled with our Visa Go partnership, you can find out which visa is right for you, navigating the process seamlessly to make your Australia emigration dream a reality.
Our Other Relocation Services
Moving to Australia from the UK, although exciting, can be an extremely complex process.
Not only do you have to think about the emotional aspect of a move abroad, often leaving behind family, friends and a lifestyle you’re accustomed to, you also have to think about the logistics.You will need to find a new home, decide what to take with you, transport your belongings and ensure you have the correct customs documentation.
With John Mason International, we can provide a bespoke end to end service to help guide you through the entire process.
Our relocation services include:
- International Removals to Australia
- Packing Services
- Pet Relocation
- International Removals Insurance
- Currency Exchange
- Storage
Get in touch to build a bespoke package for your personal requirements
Helpful Guides and Resources
- 3 Reasons Why You Won’t Get a Student Visa for Australia
- 5 Ways to Prove a De Facto Relationship to Australian Immigration
- Visas for Australia – Visitor, Student and Working Holiday Visas
- Student and Working Holiday Visas, Australia – A Personal Account
- Healthcare in Australia and Health Visa Requirements
