Australia · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Australia: Hard (66/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student visa / skilled migration.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Australia?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student visa / skilled migration. Overall difficulty is rated "Hard" (66/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Australia without a local job offer?
Yes — 2 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa; Student visa (subclass 500). Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Common first route for Chinese applicants, but the official page was updated in July 2026, so fees and document rules should be checked against Home Affairs and the pricing estimator before applying.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months
Apply online; must be enrolled in course and hold Confirmation of Enrolment when decided; meet Genuine Student requirement, English and health/character requirements, and welfare arrangements if under 18.
Must have adequate health insurance (OSHC) and meet financial capacity/evidence requirements where requested.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Stay generally up to 5 years in line with enrolment.
Apply online; must be enrolled in course and hold Confirmation of Enrolment when decided; meet Genuine Student requirement, English and health/character requirements, and welfare arrangements if under 18.
Must have adequate health insurance (OSHC) and meet financial capacity/evidence requirements where requested.
Needs an employer, eligible occupation, and salary threshold; after July 2026, check current income thresholds, occupation lists, and sponsorship rules carefully.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-9 months
Temporary employer-sponsored visa for a suitably skilled worker to fill a position where the employer cannot find a suitably skilled Australian.
Applicant must meet nominated occupation/skills and English requirements; employer must sponsor and nominate the position.
Employer sponsorship and nomination required.
Salary/market salary and stream-specific rules apply.
Occupation assessment, English, and points matter; the 2026-27 permanent program remains skilled-heavy, but competition and state nomination settings need route-by-route checking.
Typical timeline / duration: 6-18 months
Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation for the relevant points-tested route: Skilled Independent 189, Skilled Nominated 190, or Skilled Work Regional 491.
Nominate an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list and obtain a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Meet the points-tested criteria, including the minimum 65-point threshold, competent English, age and skilled work factors; invitation cut-offs can be higher.
For 190 or 491, obtain state/territory or eligible family sponsorship as required; provide identity, health, character, and supporting evidence.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.