How many visa pathways are available for Australia?

There are 8 visa pathways available for Australia, including 6 routes that lead to permanent residency.

What is the cheapest visa option for Australia?

The lowest government application fee for a Australia visa is $420 USD. Costs vary significantly by visa type, so compare all pathways to find the best fit for your situation.

Can I get permanent residency in Australia?

Yes. Australia has 6 visa pathways that offer a route to permanent residency. Eligibility depends on your qualifications, work experience, and the specific visa category.

How long does it take to get a visa for Australia?

Processing times for Australia visas vary by pathway. The fastest options can be processed in as little as 1 month, though timelines depend on your application type and individual circumstances.

Moving to Australia

8 visa pathways6 routes to PRFrom $420

Visa data verified against official government sources on Jul 20, 2026

Australia offers 8 visa pathways in 2026, including 6 routes to permanent residence. Government fees start at $420, and the fastest options are processed in as little as 1 month.

Australia's skills-based immigration system rewards qualifications, work experience, and language ability through a competitive points system (SkillSelect). With a strong job market, high wages, and enviable lifestyle, Australia attracts thousands of skilled migrants each year through permanent and temporary pathways.

Find my best Australia visa

✦SkillSelect points system with invitations-to-apply (EOI) model
✦Subclass 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency directly
✦Strong demand for tech, healthcare, engineering, and trades workers
✦Working Holiday Maker visa for younger travellers from 40+ countries

What skilled worker visas does Australia offer?(5)

Skilled Independent (subclass 189)

SC 189

Paused · TBD — DOHA hasn't announced 2025-26 round dates

Australia's points-tested permanent residency visa with no state sponsorship or employer required.

6–18 months$3,035 feePR in direct

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)

SC 190

Open

Points-tested permanent residency with state or territory nomination. Nomination adds 5 extra points to your score.

9–18 months$3,035 feePR in direct

Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)

TSS 482

Open

Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for skilled workers in shortage occupations. Bridge to permanent residency.

2–5 months$2,770 feePR in ~3yr

Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)

491

Open

State/territory or family-sponsored regional skilled visa. Lower points threshold than the 189 independent stream. Nomination by a state typically adds 15 points, making it accessible to candidates with CRS scores that wouldn't qualify federally. Leads to the 191 permanent residency after 3 years living and working regionally.

6–18 months$4,640 feePR in ~3yr

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

485

Open

Post-study work rights for international graduates of Australian institutions. Two streams: Post-Vocational Education Work (18 months) and Post-Higher Education Work (2-4 years depending on degree level). Path to skilled migration.

3–9 months$1,140 feePR in ~2yr

What entrepreneur visas does Australia offer?(1)

Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A)

SC 188A

Open

For business owners looking to establish or develop a new or existing business in Australia.

12–36 months$8,150 feePR in ~4yr

What working holiday visas does Australia offer?(2)

Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417)

WHM 417

Open

Allows young people from eligible countries to work and holiday in Australia for up to 1-3 years.

1–2 months$430 fee

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

462

Open

Work and travel visa for nationals of partner countries (US, Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, India, Israel, Singapore, Vietnam, etc.) aged 18-30. Different from Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) which is for UK, EU, and Commonwealth countries.

1–2 months$420 fee