Available to applicants who are in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.  This applies to: married (de jure) partners, de facto partners (including those in a same sex relationship) and people intending to get married (Prospective Marriage).  You may apply to enter and remain permanently in Australia.

This category is available to applicants who have family relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.  The following are the visa categories under the family stream:  Adopted Children, Aged Dependent Relative, Aged Parent, Carer, Child, Contributory Aged Parent, Contributory Parent, Dependent Children, Orphaned relatives, Parents and Remaining Relatives.  As family members of an Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, you do not have an automatic right for permanent residence in Australia.

The simplified student visa framework (SSVF) deliver a more targeted approach to immigration integrity.  Under the student visa program there are 2 visa subclasses:   500 Student and the 590 Student Guardian.  Student visa applicants and student visa holders may bring their family to live with them in Australia for the duration of their course of study.   Student visa applicants must show evidence of their financial capacity, English language proficiency, academic requirements, etc.

Available to individuals who can satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are seeking to visit Australia for purposes of visiting an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is a parent, spouse, child, brother or sister, or for a purpose other than a purpose related to business or medical treatment.  The onus is upon the individual to satisfy DIBP that they are genuine visitors, and this may involve providing supporting documentation to demonstrate genuine intentions.  Applicants from high risk countries may also be required to provide further and more detailed information.

This is a temporary visa and lets a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years.  To be eligible to apply, you must be the biological, adoptive, step-parent or parent in-law of the Parent Sponsor.  You must be aged at least 18 years of age.  There is no balance of family test or Assurance of Support requirements with this visa.  You must have an approved Parent Sponsor to apply for this visa.  You must meet health and character requirements.

This is commonly known as the General Skilled Migration which allows applicants who are not sponsored by an employer and they have the skills in specific occupations which are needed in Australia.   There are strict eligibility requirements such as age, English language ability, current skilled work experience or completion of suitable Australian qualification.

This allows Australian employers to nominate and sponsor highly skilled workers from overseas and temporary residents currently in Australia for permanent residence in Australia.  The visa if granted permits the visa holder to remain in or travel to and enter Australia for a period of five years from the date the visa was granted.  There are three categories under this visa namely:  Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) and Labour Agreements (LA).

This category encourages successful business people (business owner, senior executives and investors) to settle permanently in Australia and develop new or existing businesses.   There are eligibility requirements in terms of:  significant net assets, management skill, successful business record, State/Territory Sponsorship, designated investment, ownership interest, etc.

Temporary entry visa categories allow people to enter Australia for specific purpose.  There are more screening processes that must be satisfied before the visa is granted which may include a nomination or sponsorship process.  This is made on the basis that the applicant is sought or is to be supported by an Australian organisation and/or employers.

An additional pathway to Australian permanent residence for many New Zealand citizens. This is a new stream within the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. The pathway is for New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) holders who were usually resident in Australia on or before 19 February 2016 and who, at the time of lodging an application, have resided in Australia for at least five years and shown a commitment and continuous contribution to Australia.  These new arrangements will give many New Zealand citizens permanent residence status, if they meet certain criteria. New Zealand citizens who are granted this visa will be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after a period of 12 months (in addition to the five years as an eligible New Zealand SCV holder).

This visa is for family members of Special Category visa holders (subclass 444) who are not eligible for a Special Category visa because they are not New Zealand citizens themselves.  This is for temporary residency valid for five years with multiple entry facility.

Australian Citizenship is the final step in your migration journey. Applying for Australian Citizenship will depend on your eligibility and your own circumstances or those of your parents.  You must satisfy residency requirements, citizenship test and character requirements.