Australian Visas are what we’ll be looking at in this part of our guide to emigrating to Australia…

There are a range of different visas on offer to those wishing to emigrate to Australia; the right one for you is dependent on what you’ll be doing there and how long you plan to stay there. These are the main types:

The skilled independent visa is a residency visa that’s open to people who have skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. You don’t require sponsorship from an employer to obtain one but a test will need to be passed (which assesses your qualifications, experience, aptitude, etc.). An alternative is a business visa, which doesn’t require you to pass a points test so long as you’re sponsored by an employer.

A working holiday visa allows those aged 18 to 31 to stay in Australia for up to 12 months (with extensions being a possibility). These are primarily aimed at backpackers / travelers though and working rights are limited to incidental employment of up to 6 months per employer to supplement your stay.

Retirement visas are designed for self-funded retirees who are 55 years or older, have no dependants (other than a spouse), and who want to stay in Australia for the length of their retirement. It gives you permission to reside in Australia for up to four years, at which time you are required to apply for new one.

To obtain a visa to study in Australia you’re required to be enrolled in an Australian academic institution and have in your possession a Confirmation of Enrollment (which is issued once tutition fees have been paid in full). If you also plan to gain employment with this visa you’ll need to apply for one with an accompanying right of ‘permission to work’.

Australian partner visas enable the spouse, fiance, or partner of permanent Australian residents (including immigrants) to also live and work in the country. Family visas can be obtained to get the same rights for dependent children and relatives.