Registered Migration Agent

For all your Australian visa and migration advice needs.

This website is operated by Registered Migration Agents Cathrine Burnett-Wake and Owen Harris. You can also visit their other websites Migration Matters and Harris Wake.

Cathrine's Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) is 0324641. Owen's Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) is 0851294.

Cathrine and Owen are both registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) to provide Australian migration and visa advice. They abide by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct. They are also members of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) and the Migration Alliance (MA).

Cathrine and Owen are able to assist with providing Australian visa advice, immigration legal advice and visa help as well as preparing visa applications including; General Skilled Migration Visa; Business Visa; Investor Visa; Student Visa; Work Visa; Employer Sponsorship; Regional Visa; Retirement Visa; Sport Visa; Entertainment Visa; Partner Visa; Fiancé Visa; Family Visa; Visitor Visa; Sponsored Visa; Return Resident Visa, Visa Refusals; Visa Appeals; health checks; character requirements; recognition of qualifications and skills assessments; advice on Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requirements and dealings with DIAC.

Cathrine and Owen are ‘visa specialists’ and offer experienced, qualified, accredited and professional visa advice with competitive professional visa application fees and services. Their professional visa application fees are all fixed so there are no hidden or unexpected costs.

Who exactly are Cathrine and Owen?

Read about them in detail on their Profile pages:

• Cathrine's Profile Page
• Owen's Profile Page

Fees and Services

Cathrine and Owen charge a fee for service, just like any other professional such as an Accountant or Solicitor and do not provide free advice, nor offer a ‘no visa, no fee’ arrangement.

They are totally ethical and upfront about their charging structure:

• They charge a fair price that represents excellent value for money
• Many of their services have a fixed fee
• There are no hidden costs
• Fees charged for the preparation of visas are within average fees charged by registered migration agents as listed on the MARA website

Clients’ immigration matters are too important to risk cutting corners. Cathrine and Owen do not claim to be the cheapest but they do provide the best service and quality possible, in a highly professional manner.

When a client engages Cathrine and Owen's services, there's no danger of being passed down to a junior member of staff, without the relevant experience or knowledge. Clients speak directly to Cathrine and Owen, who will deal personally with all their immigration matters from a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Cathrine and Owen cannot guarantee the successful outcome of any visa application, as this is in the hands of DIAC. However, they will provide a frank and honest professional opinion about a client’s ability to meet the visa and migration requirements. They will not take on a client’s case if it does not have merit.

All fees are charged through Cathrine and Owen's Australian firm Harris Wake Pty Ltd ABN 11 134 282 803, depending where the client is located, Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% in Australia is generally applicable.

In order for Cathrine and Owen to ascertain a client’s eligibility, they first must have a consultation. This would be a one-off paid consultation with no further obligation. The consultation is designed to assist in determining the best options available. Consultations generally last for about 45 minutes. During the consultation Cathrine and Owen will cover the following issues if applicable: review of education or qualifications; assessment of occupation or work experience; advice on correct visa category; sponsorship support; skills assessment; business background; family or business assets; business or employment plan; points assessment report; advice on application forms; response to questions and details of all costs.

If clients are not located near our offices, telephone consultations can also be arranged. A telephone consultation is the same principal as a face-to-face meeting.

If Cathrine and Owen's services are engaged within 30 days of the consultation, the cost of the consultation will be deducted from the final installment of professional fees.

The fee for a face-to-face consultation in our offices in Melbourne is AUD$200.00 . Our telephone consultation is at the rate of AUD$200.00.

As a large number of Cathrine and Owen's clients are based outside of Australia they are flexible with telephone consultation times and they can be held outside the normal Australian business hours of 9-5, and can even be scheduled for the weekends.

Contact Cathrine and Owen

Cathrine and Owen can be contacted through the Australian office on +61 (0)3 9005 6210, or through the UK office on +44 (0)20 3239 5940. Email contact

Testimonials

Client Testimonials

"Dear Cathrine/Suzie,
Gary and I would like to thank you for making our dream of coming out to Australia a reality. You explained everything in a simple way to us, that cut through all the jargon that surrounds the immigration process. Also you were both always there to answer our questions quickly no matter how big or small and when we hit what seemed like an obstacle with both mine and Gary's visas, you quickly explained how we could resolve the issues and guided us on how to go about it.
Many thanks again."
Helen and Gary

"Dear Cathrine,
Your prompt attention, wealth of experience and outstanding attention to detail has seen us secure the Visas we wanted.
Your staff here in the UK have been attentive and helpful, even when Jane and I were getting a little tense.
A superb service and an outstanding result!
Thanks again."
Jane - Tim - SJ and William

"One of the best decisions I have ever made was to engage the services of Migration Matters, without Cathrine and Suzie I would not have this enormous smile that's been on my face since our Visa was granted on the 3rd October 2008. Cathrine has been extremely patient with me when I was feeling negative about my chances during the Application process and answered every question, however trivial (and there's been a lot!) with a professional approach. Every concern I had was dealt with quickly to place my mind at ease and encouraged me on to the next step.I would like to say on behalf of Clare and myself a MASSIVE THANK YOU!!!"
Julian & Clare Moseley

"We felt the need to add some comments to those already noted on the website. We do not want to repeat a lot of what has already been said by other clients, as we fully agree with all the statements. However, would like to add a few comments.

Firstly, as potential applicants you must prepare yourself for a long and potentially arduous process; not because of Migration Matters, but the necessary red tape which is the process with the Australian Government. Also, times are changing (post "credit crunch"; 2009 onwards) so are likely to get tougher with the assessment criteria. Not everyone will succeed. As agents Migration Matters cannot influence the outcome of the application and the decision.

The positive aspect of using Migration Matters is that they make you fully aware of this to ensure there are no nasty surprises. We are convinced that the outcome of our application was assisted by the prompt efficient and timely support and advice by the team. There maybe times when you lose patience with the process, especially when asked what appear to be irrelevant questions or unreasonable time targets, as we did! But the Team provide the reasssurance and feedback which proved to be accurate and correct. Indeed our application was made under skilled migration and necessitated a submission date before Martin's 45th birthday. We made it in time and are now in the next stages of preparation to make the biggest move of our lives. We are genuinely grateful for the professional service provided and have no hesitation in recommending them."
Tracey and Martin

"When undertaking our initial research we contacted a number of Migration Agents and were immediately impressed with the professionalism of Migration Matters. It never felt like they were talking down to us or just interested in their bottom line. Added to this was the clear and concise way in which they communicated; explaining everything in terms that made it very easy to understand what would be involved in the process.
When completing paperwork and forms at various stages; both Suzie and Cathrine were on hand to answer our sometimes seemingly silly questions. Getting it right and supporting us has been paramount in their service delivery; this alone has been priceless. Correspondence is always answered promptly and clearly and they have been an absolute pleasure to deal with.
Now all that's left to do is say a massive 'Thank You' for helping our dream to come true and for us to choose which beach to live near! We would recommend Migration Matters to anyone who wants the best of help."
Ais Murray and Jim Mitchell

"Dear Cathrine and Suzie,
Both Mehdi and I commend you for your professionalism as well as your patience with regards to our very complicated case. We received advise from several other immigration agents and they were all negative right from the start with regards to our case. Cathrine's initial advise was 100% correct in every aspect. We are both so pleased with the final out come. You have both been there for us, every time we needed a question to be answered, no matter how important it was. We were both very impressed with your prompt email replies. We are now packed and ready to go next week, in order to embark in our new adventure. We would not hesitate to introduce you to friends and family which might be interested in moving to Australia. Hopefully we will not require your services again in the future :). Once again thank you both for everything you have done for us!!!"
Mehdi and Maria

"Hi Cathrine,
I thought I'd just send a quick email to say thank you for the help and support you have given my family and myself during our application for emigration to Australia. Its something that we had planned to do for some time and with my age timelimit ticking away we had began to think we were too late. I was so relieved when you explained that there was still a route open to us and with yours and Suzie's help at every step of the application we are finally on our way. Once again thanks for helping us realise our dream."
Mike Young and family

"Dear Suzie and Cathrine,

Once again Melvin and myself wish to thank you both very much at Migration Matters for all your help and guidance throughout the whole process of our application which demonstrate your professionalism while handling our case. You have been such a lovely team to know and work with throughout resulting in great success. We wish well and continued success throughout your careers. Keep up the excellent work. As for us we are really looking forward for the challenge ahead. Many thanks again."
Jourdane and Melvin Guy

"Cathrine, Both Tom and I would like to thank you for all of your help navigating the immigration system. You really made the process very manageable. Your ability to answer all of our questions-no matter how silly they were, made us feel so much more comfortable. We honestly don't know how we would have done this without your help-espeically with the timing of Tom's brothers wedding. Thank you for your dedication!"
Jamie and Tom

"We are both very impressed at how the case was handled, and admire the perseverance with some of the issues we faced. We have already, and will continue to recommend your services to others wanting to follow the same route. THANK YOU!!"
Julia & Andrew

"Hi Cathrine / Suzie,
We would just like to say a 'Big Thank You' to you both in assisting us to gain our 136 Visa! It was probably the best phone call we've had in a long time to tell us our visa had been granted. You have made the 'visa experience' a far easier process than we could have imagined. Right from the initial points assessment through the ACS skills recognition to the visa application itself. Once again many thanks :o)"
Nigel & Debby Seymour

"Hi Suzie,
Oh my god what wonderful news this morning, we are both very excited, and can't wait to be reunited with my family. We would like to thank you and Cathrine for all your help and prompt replies when we had silly questions to ask. It has been a pain free experience apart from the wait for the visa grant!! which is beyond anyones control, but otherwise I will definitely recommend your services. Once again Thank you for your help to make our dream come true."
Adrian & Lesley

"Dear Suzie and Cathrine,
Alan and I would like to thank you both so so much for all your hard work, for your caring and understanding. Knowing that you were both at the other end of the phone to guide us, which you did without any hesitation and with such care, was so supportive to us. Last year was a very difficult year for me when, as you know, I lost my Dad to cancer, however my Dad was behind us in our venture and I know that he would have been very happy for us. The news of having been accepted for a new life in Australia has made our year and we can move on to happier times. I cannot thank you both enough for all your help and your kindness throughout the last year, we couldn't have done it without you."
Sandra and Alan Logan

"Letting Migration Matters help us with our migration from the UK to Australia was the best thing we ever did. The complete process, from initial discussion through to obtaining our visa, could not have been easier thanks to Cathrine's straightforward advice. They say it's the little things that count and for us the fact that Cathrine was always available to answer any of our questions (no matter how stupid) meant the world to us. We cannot recommend the whole team at Migration Matters enough and especially Cathrine. If you are thinking of making the move then look no further."
John Flackett & Emma Berry

"After I had been told by others that I would not be able to get a visa, I found Cathrine Burnett. From the start, Cathrine was very positive and helpful. She quickly organized all the necessary paperwork, and knew all the steps to the visa process. Cathrine went beyond the norm when she quickly responded to my many questions with all the right answers. Without Cathrine's help, I would not have been able to achieve my dream."
Allison Newbauer

"Dear Suzie & Cathrine,
Thank you for making our visa application so effortless. It's been an absolute pleasure to have someone as efficient as yourselves helping us finalise our migration plans. Had we not had you on board, we would have slipped up on a number of points and been delayed in getting the final good news. With us being based in the Channel Islands, it has been a godsend to have a company on the mainland help us find our way through the added legislation. Thank you again."
Andy & Maggie Brown, Jersey, Channel Islands.

"Well, it's been 5 days since Suzie informed us that our visa application had been successful and we are still in shock. We would sincerely like to thank and show our appreciation to Migration Matters, especially to Cathrine Burnett and Suzie Warren for helping our family to fulfill our dream to migrate to Australia.
On several occasions we felt that our dream was slipping away from us, as our application was a complicated one involving children from previous relationships, but through their guidance we managed to over come our problems.

They were very helpful, thoughtful, considerate and most of all understood our dilemma and delicate situation that we were experiencing. Even at times that we thought our dream was out of reach, Suzie would say that everything would be ok, not to worry and be "patient". It's so difficult explaining our emotions when going through the process of migration, but, Cathrine and Suzie kept us sane sometimes!!

They both kept at their task and reassured us that they would see our application through to the end, they kept their word and at NO EXTRA COST!! That, we are very grateful for as our application took longer than normal. We feel that we could keep in touch as their friendly approach has enabled trust between us.

Once again our family would like to say a huge thank-you to you both for making our dream come true and we would not hesitate to recommend your excellent services to any friend or colleague in the future."
Alan & Karen Dacey and family.

"I write to vouch for my experience with Cathrine Burnett and Ross Wilde at Migration Matters. Ross helped me to successfully obtain a visa to finalise my affairs within Australia, and Cathrine assisted me when a UK institution challenged my status during my time in Australia. Both Ross and Cathrine operated with looming deadlines, the second case being nothing short of an emergency, and also operated with efficiency and technical expertise, using the internet to communicate effectively between Australia and the UK. I recommend them to anyone."
Simon Scott

"Cathrine, sorry we have not mailed you sooner, but it still has not sunk in yet, the fact that we can, we are, migrating to Australia. Both Cindy and I wanted to say a big thank you to Suzie and yourself for all your hard work and patience in acting for us. I know it's your job and yes you get paid, but it really does take the pressure off, knowing that you have experts with you all the way, even answering the silliest of questions. The fact that you advised us to proceed when we did and not wait was perfect, because unbeknown to us a few months after we applied the visas changed and if we had waited, we may not have been able pursue our dream. Yes it takes a time. Yes it's stressful. Yes it costs. But without your help and guidance, none if it would have been possible. We are so looking forward to a complete change of lifestyle, something we could have not done with out you. Thanks again."
Mark & Cindy

"Cathrine Burnett has been knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. She supplied a comprehensive list of everything that we would need to produce, which she then organised and submitted on our behalf along with the applicant and sponsor forms that she had completed for us. As a result of her hard work and expert advice my visa was approved in a matter of days. I am sure that my application would not have gone so smoothly without her assistance. Quite simply, Cathrine has been indispensable in guiding us through the process. We would highly recommend Cathrine and her colleagues."
Simon Hannan & Amanda Howes

"I was impressed with Mona's professionalism and the meticulous individual attention she gave to our case. As a result, our business visa was approved smoothly. I will certainly recommend her to all my colleagues and friends."
Indu Abbi, E-2 Treaty Investor

"Cathrine Burnett made the visa application process of migrating to Australia nearly stress free! Cathrine efficiently processed our information and we were confident that we had included all the necessary documentation. Having her liaising with the High Commission ensured that we were able to provide the correct additional information immediately. Our application only took about 3 weeks to process!! Makes the whole process seem easy - and we know it's not!"
Eugenie Douglas

"After the setbacks of previous advice we had nearly given up on our dream. However, Cathrine Burnett with her positive and helpful approach reassessed our situation and assisted us to finally achieve our dream."
G Knight and Family, South Australia, formerly Hampshire UK

"Cathrine has been a great help, I probably would have given up without her friendly, professional advice and assistance."
John Seaman

"In the first instance I would like to make it clear that I have not been asked to write this recommendation or have been paid to do so. I have decided to write it in gratitude to Cathrine Burnett at Migration Matters, and to put your mind to rest if you had decided to begin the application process and are wondering if Migration Matters is reputable. After all it would seem that as soon as you think about moving to Australia a number of companies begin to chase you for your business claiming they are all better than each other. Well in the instance of Migration Matters they are incredible.

My agent Cathrine Burnett has been through thick and thin with me. She as provided advice when I needed it as also more importantly the correct advice, often immediately or in a few hours by email. In hindsight, now my application is complete and I look back on all of the communications it is clear that a huge amount of work was required. Cathrine has been accurate and effective in all her dealings. Cathrine and Migration Matters have many contacts in Australia in addition to their office. They are effective in gaining all information you require. Overall, I would give my highest recommendation to Cathrine Burnett and Mirgation Matters. Very few organisations demonstrate the levels of professionalism, efficiency and friendliness I have seen here. I am glad I chose this company to represent me."
Nick Jarvis

"This is a testimonial to Cathrine and Suzie's good work. We have been hoping to migrate to Australia for five years, but did not know how to start. This is where Migration Matters took over, they were able to make what would have been a stressful matter as straight forward as possible. They filled all the necessary forms in on our behalf, because they are very complicated. There was nothing sweeter than receiving the phone call to say that our visa had been granted, it felt like we had won the lottery. I would recommend Migration Matters to anyone trying to move abroad, as they would guide you all the way there."
Nicolas Kesington & Family

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cathrine Burnett and Suzie Warren at Migration Matters for all their hard work in assisting me to obtain my working holiday visa to New Zealand. Cathrine was exceptionally professional and supportive at all times during the application process. After being provided with mixed information elsewhere to my eligibility for a working holiday visa I called Migration Matters and was given honest, accurate advice. Cathrine went above and beyond the call of duty in assisting me and I cannot thank her and Suzie enough for all their hard work."
S. Eccles

Complete List of Australian Visas

Subclass 010 - Bridging A: Is for applicants who hold a substantive visa when they apply for another substantive visa. The Bridging visa A is granted when an applicant applies for a substantive visa, generally it has the same work conditions as the substantive visa the applicant holds.

Subclass 020 - Bridging B (the travel visa): Is for applicants who have a Bridging visa A (or existing Bridging visa B) and have substantial reasons for travelling overseas during processing of their substantive visa application.

Subclass 030 - Bridging C: Is for applicants who do not hold a substantive visa, have made a valid application in Australia for a substantive visa, and have not been located by the department. The Bridging visa C granted when the applicant applies for a substantive visa does not provide permission to work. An applicant who holds a Bridging visa C with work restrictions can be granted unlimited permission to work in some circumstances.

Subclass 040 - Bridging (Prospective Applicant): Will be for a non-citizen who is unlawful (or will become unlawful within 3 working days) and wishes to make a substantive application but is unable to do so. For example, where an incorrect form has been used or the correct application charge cannot be paid.

Subclass 041 - Bridging (Non-applicant): For an unlawful non-citizen unable or not intending to make a substantive application and an authorised officer is not available to interview them for the purposes of considering their eligibility for a Bridging visa E.

Subclass 050 - Bridging (General): Applicants who have applied for judicial or merits review of a decision made under the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 or the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 may make an application for the grant of a Subclass 050 – Bridging (General) visa.

Subclass 051 - Bridging (Protection Visa Applicant): is the only way that a detained unlawful entrant who is applying for a protection visa can be released from detention. BVEs (subclass 051) may contain conditions such as reporting requirements and cash bonds as surety.

Subclass 060 - Bridging F: This visa may be issued to a person who is required to remain in Australia to assist in the administration of criminal justice. People holding visa subclass 060 are not eligible for Australian social security payments. However, they receive intensive support through the Office of the Status of Women.

Subclass 070 - Bridging (Removal Pending): A subclass 070 may be issued to those found not to be refugees and in detention for extended periods because of a variety of reasons and when the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship is satisfied that the person's removal from Australia is not reasonably practicable at the time.

Subclass 100 - Partner: This visa is for partners or fiancés of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa is available to married couples, people who intend to get married and de facto partners. This visa is also available for same sex couples. If two years after you apply the relationship is ongoing, you may apply for a permanent visa.

Subclass 101 - Child: This visa is a permanent visa that allows a child or stepchild to travel to and remain in Australia with their parent. The parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is available to children under 25 years of age.

Subclass 102 - Adoption: This visa is for children from overseas who have been or are about to be adopted by an Australian citizen, the holder of an Australian permanent visa, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Subclass 103 - Parent: This permanent visa is available for parents of children living in Australia. This visa is available if the parent has a child or stepchild who is a settled Australian citizen, settled permanent resident or settled eligible New Zealand citizen. At least half of the parent’s children must permanently reside in Australia.

Subclass 105 - Skilled — Australian Linked: This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 106 - Regional Linked: This visa allows a relative of an eligible sponsor to travel to and work in a designated area of Australia. You must be sponsored by an eligible relative (Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen) who lives in a designated area. Your must also hold the relevant qualifications (as assessed by Australian standards) for your occupation, have good English language skills and be under 45 years of age. This visa is not suitable for medical practitioners.

Subclass 114 - Aged Dependent Relative: This visa allows aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs to migrate to Australia. This visa requires that the applicant is sponsored by their relative in Australia. The relative must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The applicant must not have a partner.

Subclass 115 - Remaining Relative: This visa is for people whose only near relatives (brother, sister, parent (or step-equivalent)) are usually resident in Australia and are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa requires you to be sponsored by an eligible relative (or your relative's eligible partner).

Subclass 116 - Carer: This visa is for people who are needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit who has a medical condition. This visa requires that the applicant be sponsored by their Australian relative or their Australian relative's partner. For this visa to be available, the medical condition must affect the ability of the family member to perform daily tasks.

Subclass 117 - Orphan Relative: This visa is a permanent visa for children from overseas whose parents are unable to care for them. This visa allows the child to travel to and live in Australia with an Australian relative. For this visa to be available the child must be under 18 years of age and their parents must be unable to care for them.

Subclass 118 - Designated Parent: The visa allows a parent who is either of working age or an aged parent to travel to and stay in Australia. To be eligible for this visa the child must be a settled Australian citizen, a settled Australian permanent resident or a settled eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation.

Subclass 119 - Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: This scheme allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia, to sponsor employees for a permanent visa to work in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored by an eligible employer and may be a skilled worker from overseas or a skilled temporary resident currently in Australia.

Subclass 120 - Labour Agreement: Labour Agreements are formal arrangements to recruit a number of overseas skilled workers. An employer may use a Labour Agreement where the particular occupation they are seeking employees for is not on the list of approved occupations yet a genuine skills shortage exists. You must be nominated for a position as an employee under this visa.

Subclass 121 - Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS): This scheme allows employers to sponsor highly skilled workers to fill vacancies in their business. Skilled workers can be recruited from overseas or from people temporarily in Australia. The applicant must be nominated for a position by the employer and must accept that position.

Subclass 124 - Distinguished Talent: The purpose of this visa is to allow people with distinguished talent who are outside Australia to apply to migrate to Australia. For this visa to be available you must be nominated by an eligible person or organisation and be internationally recognised for exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, the arts, sport, research or academia.

Subclass 126 - Independent: This visa is for independent workers who satisfy the “points test.” You do not require a sponsor for this visa. To be eligible for this visa you must be of working age, have vocational English language skills and satisfy the “points test.”

Subclass 132 - Business Talent: This permanent residence visa is for high calibre business people who are owners or part owners of an overseas business and have a genuine and realistic commitment to participate in the management of a new or existing business in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored by a State or Territory government and be less than 55 years old.

Subclass 134 - Skill Matching: This visa allows you to enter and work in Australia. You nominate your skills and have them matched to an employer who requires the skills you possess. To be eligible for this visa you must nominate a skilled occupation and have your skills assessed by a relevant skills assessment authority. You must have been employed in the skilled occupation for 6 months before your application, unless you completed a qualification that is relevant to the skilled occupation in Australia 6 months before your application. You must provide your details for the Skills Matching database and be nominated by a State or Territory government agency.

Subclass 135 - State/Territory-nominated Independent: This visa is for people to enter in to and remain in Australia to work. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominted by a State or Territory government agency and pass the poolmark score. You must also be less than 45 years of age, possess qualifications for your chosen occupation and depending on that occupation have vocational or functional English language skills. This visa is not suitable for medical practitioners.

Subclass 136 - Skilled - Independent: This visa is for people to enter in to and remain in Australia to work. You do not require a sponsor for this application. To be eligible for this visa you must nominate a skilled occupation and be employed in that occupation for either 12 or 24 months prior to the application. You do not need to meet this employment requirement if you completed a relevant qualification in the 6 months prior to the application. You must meet the qualifying score in a skills assessment and have vocational English language skills.

Subclass 137 - Skilled - State/Territory-nominated Independent: This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 138 - Skilled - Australian-sponsored: This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 139 - Skilled - Designated Area-sponsored: This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 143 - Contributory Parent: This visa allows parents to migrate to Australia permanently, to join their children who are living in Australia. This visa is available to you if you hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) and want to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143). You must be sponsored by your child or another eligible relative and the sponsor must give an undertaking to provide you with support, accommodation and financial assistance.

Subclass 151 - Former Resident: This visa allows former Australian permanent residents and persons who served in the Australian Armed Forces before 1981 to resettle in Australia. For this visa to be available to Long Residence applicants, you must have spent 9 out of your first 18 years in Australia as a permanent resident, be under 45 years of age, never been an Australian citizen and maintained close ties with Australia. For this visa to be available to Defence Service applicants, you must have completed at least three months continuous Australian Defence Service or been discharged from service before completing a three month service because you became medically unfit.

Subclass 155 - Five Year Resident Return: The purpose of this visa is to allow current or former Australian permanent residents, or former Australian citizens to re-enter Australia after travelling overseas. This visa will allow you to maintain your status as an Australian permanent resident on your return to Australia. It is recommended that you apply for this Visa before you leave Australia. You do not need to obtain this visa if you have an Authority to Return (ATR) or Return Endorsement (RE).

Subclass 157 - Three Month Resident Return: This visa allows current or former Australian permanent residents, or former Australian citizens to re-enter Australia for a period of three months. For this visa to be available you must have been lawfully present in Australia before the application is made. If you are outside Australia you must not have been absent from Australia for a continuous period of more than 3 months immediately before making the application unless there are compelling and compassionate reasons for your absence.

Subclass 159 - Provisional Resident Return: This visa is for people outside of Australia who are unable to prove that immediately before going overseas that he or she was an Australian permanent resident or Australian citizen who was usually resident in Australia. This temporary visa allows you to travel to and enter Australia for three months. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must satisfy the Minister that there are urgent and compelling reasons for travelling to Australia before proving the claim and it is likely that the claim can be proved.

Subclass 160 - Business Owner (Provisional): This visa is for people with successful business careers who have a genuine and realistic commitment to be involved as an owner in a new or existing business in Australia. For this visa to be available you must intend to own a business in Australia, have good English language skills and be less than 45 years old.

Subclass 161 - Senior Executive (Provisional): This visa is for senior executive employees of major overseas businesses, who have significant net assets and a genuine and realistic commitment to participate in the management of a new or existing business in Australia. For this visa to be available the applicant must have good English language ability and be under 45 years of age.

Subclass 162 - Investor (Provisional): This visa is for people who have a successful business or investment career, and have a genuine and realistic commitment to be involved in investing or business in Australia. For this visa to be available you must have made a government approved Designated Investment of AUD1,500,000.00 in a State or Territory of Australia, have good English language skills and be under 45 years old.

Subclass 163 - State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional): This visa is for people who have a successful business career, and have a genuine and realistic commitment to be involved as an owner in a new or existing business in Australia. For this visa to be available you must be nominated by a State or Territory, you must accept the nomination, have good English language skills and be under 55 years of age.

Subclass 164 - State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional): This visa is for senior executive employees of a major overseas business who have significant net assets and a genuine and realistic commitment to participate in the management of a new or existing business in Australia. For this visa to be available you must be nominated by a State or Territory, you must accept the nomination, have good English language skills and be under 55 years of age.

Subclass 165 - State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional): This visa is for people who have a successful business or investment career, and have a genuine and realistic commitment to be involved in investing or business in Australia. For this visa to be available the investors/business people must be willing to invest funds in a designated investment in Australia for four years, have good English language skills and be under 55 years of age.

Subclass 173 - Contributory Parent (Temporary): This visa allows parents outside of Australia, who have children residing in Australia, to enter and live in Australia for 2 years. This visa cannot be extended or renewed. If you want to live in Australia permanently, you can apply for the Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143). For this visa to be available you must be the parent of a child or stepchild who is settled in Australia and you must be sponsored by your child or another eligible sponsor.

Subclass 175 - Skilled — Independent: This visa allows you to migrate to Australia if you have good English language skills, have skills and qualifications in an occupation in demand in Australia and are under 45 years of age. This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market. You do not require sponsorship to apply for this visa. If you do not pass the points test, a Skilled-Sponsored visa may be available to you.

Subclass 176 - Skilled — Sponsored: A permanent visa for people unable to meet the Skilled – Independent pass mark. To be eligible for this visa you must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a participating State or Territory government. You must pass the points test, have good English language skills, skills and qualifications in an occupation in demand in Australia and be under 45 years of age.

Subclass 200 - Refugee: This permanent residence visa is for people who are subject to persecution in their home country and need to be resettled. For this visa to be available a person must be living outside their home country, be subject to persecution in their home country and have compelling reasons for resettlement to Australia. Many applicants under this category are identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and referred to the Australian Government.

Subclass 201 - In-country Special Humanitarian: This visa allows the Australian Government to assist people who have suffered persecution in their country of nationality or usual residence and have not been able to leave that country to seek refuge. Places in this visa subclass are limited. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be living in their home country and subject to persecution.

Subclass 202 - Global Special Humanitarian: The Special Humanitarian Program (SHP) category is for people who, while not being refugees, are subject to substantial discrimination and human rights abuses in their home country. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be subject to gross violation of their human rights in their home country, be living outside their home country and have their application supported by an eligible Australian citizen or resident or Australian organisation.

Subclass 203 - Emergency Rescue: This visa is an accelerated processing arrangement for people who satisfy refugee criteria and whose lives or freedom depends on urgent resettlement. There are limited places for this visa and the majority of applicants are suggested to the Australian Government by the UNHRC. The applicant must be subject to persecution in their home country and there must be urgent and compelling reasons for them to be resettled in Australia.

Subclass 204 - Woman at risk: This visa is for female applicants, and their dependents, who are subject to persecution, are living outside their home country without the protection of a male relative and are in danger of victimisation, harassment or serious abuse because of their gender.

Subclass 300 - Prospective Marriage: This visa is for people from overseas to enter Australia and marry their fiancé, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Once married, holders of this visa can then apply for permanent residency. Same sex couples are not eligible for this visa.

Subclass 302 - Emergency (Permanent Visa Applicant): This visa is an emergency visa available to applicants both outside and inside Australia who have applied for a permanent entry visa but have not yet satisfied all of the criteria for the visa.

Subclass 303 - Emergency (Temporary Visa Applicant): This visa is an emergency visa available to applicants both outside and inside Australia who have applied for a temporary visa but have not yet satisfied all of the criteria for the visa. For this visa to be available there must be urgent and compelling reasons for you to travel to Australia before all of the criteria is satisfied.

Subclass 309 - Partner (Provisional): This visa is for people from overseas to enter and stay in Australia with their partner (married or de-facto), who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. If two years after you apply the relationship is ongoing, a permanent visa may be granted. Your partner must be your sponsor and same sex couples are eligible for this visa.

Subclass 405 - Investor Retirement: This temporary visa is designed for self-funded retirees who have no dependants and want to reside in Australia during their retirement years. To be eligible for this visa who must be 55 years of age or older, have no dependants (other than a partner), be self supported and able to make a significant long term financial investment in Australia.

Subclass 406 - Government Agreement: This visa allows people to enter Australia under the terms of a bilateral agreement between Australia and another country.

Subclass 410 - Retirement: This visa is only available to current holders of a Retirement visa and their partners or former Retirement visa holders and their partners who have not held another substantive visa since their Retirement visa ceased.

Subclass 411 - Exchange: This visa allows skilled people to come to Australia for a temporary stay to broaden their work experience and skills. This visa has reciprocal arrangements to allow Australian residents similar opportunities overseas. To be eligible for this visa you must have be nominated by a sponsor and accept the exchange position.

Subclass 415 - Foreign Government Agency: This visa is for the entry of staff and other representatives of foreign governments and foreign government agencies who are not given official status in Australia by DFAT. This visa also allows entry to Australia to certain foreign language teachers who are to be employed in Australia by their government or government agency. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored by a foreign government agency.

Subclass 416 - Special Program: This visa is for people to participate in approved programs that provide opportunities for cultural enrichment and community benefit. To be eligible for this visa you must have been invited by an approved Special Program sponsor.

Subclass 417 - Working Holiday: This visa is for people between 18 to 30 years of age, who are interested in a working holiday of up to 12 months in Australia. This visa is for people from Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom. You should not apply for this visa if the primary purpose of the visit is to work.

Subclass 419 - Visiting Academic: This visa is for invited academics to visit Australia to observe or participate in research projects. You must not receive remuneration for the visit other than a contribution towards living and travel expenses. You must be sponsored and nominated by an Australian tertiary or research institution for this visa. This visa is not suitable for academics who will be teaching/lecturing in Australia or for students who want to undertake research that is credited towards a qualification in their home country.

Subclass 420 - Entertainment: This visa is for people to work temporarily in the Australian entertainment industry; in film, television or live productions in either a performance or behind-the scenes role. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored and nominated by an organisation or eligible individual in Australia.

Subclass 421 - Sport: This is a temporary visa for professional sports people to come to Australia and engage in competition and training with Australian residents. This visa is for professional and amateur sportspeople, judges and adjudicators who want to come to Australia to participate in their field of sport. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated by an eligible sponsor and you must accept the nomination.

Subclass 422 - Medical Practitioner: this subclass has been closed. Medical practitioners wishing to apply for a visa may apply under the Business (Long stay) (subclass 457) visa and will be required to seek employer sponsorship from an approved sponsor. Medical practitioners can apply for either a temporary or permanent visa. Temporary visas are available to doctors who do not yet hold full medical registration in Australia. Once full medical registration is held, doctors may choose to apply for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 856), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 857) or under the Labour Agreement or General Skilled Migration schemes.

Subclass 423 - Media and Film Staff: This visa is for television or film crew, including actors, production and support staff and still-photographers who are involved in the production of documentary programs, or commercials, which will not be shown in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored and nominated by an organisation or eligible individual in Australia for this visa. If the documentary or commercial will be shown in Australia, you should apply for an Entertainment visa.

Subclass 426 - Domestic Worker (Temporary) - Diplomatic or Consular: This visa allows the temporary stay of domestic workers who intend to be employed full time and exclusively in the household of a Diplomatic visa (subclass 995) holder who is an accredited diplomat or consular officer in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be at least 18 years of age and intend to be employed as a domestic worker in the household of a Diplomatic visa holder.

Subclass 427 - Domestic Worker (Temporary) - Executive: This visa allows you to come to Australia to be employed as a full-time domestic worker in the household of certain senior executives. To be eligible for this visa you must be at least 18 years of age and be sponsored and employed by an executive who holds a Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457).

Subclass 428 - Religious Worker: This temporary visa is for religious workers to directly serve the religious objectives of an Australian organisation. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be sponsored by a religious organisation in Australia and you must have appropriate religious training.

Subclass 442- Occupational Trainee: This visa allows people to complete workplace-based training in Australia on a temporary basis. The training must provide people with additional or enhanced skills in the nominated occupation, tertiary study or field of expertise. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated by an eligible sponsor and you must accept the nomination.

Subclass 444 - Special Category: This temporary visa allows New Zealand citizens to remain in Australia while they remain a New Zealand citizen. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must be a New Zealand citizen and hold a New Zealand passport. The applicant can apply for this visa from outside or inside Australia.

Subclass 445 - Dependent Child: This temporary visa allows a child who is under 18 years of age to enter and remain in Australia to be with a visa-holding parent for the period of the visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be the dependent child (under 18 years of age) of a visa holding parent and you must be sponsored by a nominator or the visa-holding parent.

Subclass 448 - Kosovar Safe Haven (Temporary): This temporary visa is available for people who were residents of Kosovo in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 25 March 1999 and have been displaced since 25 March 1999.

Subclass 449 - Humanitarian Stay (Temporary): This temporary visa is for people who have been displaced from their place of residence, cannot reasonably return to their place of residence and are in fear for their personal safety because of the circumstances in which they were displaced from their place of residence. This visa allows the applicant to enter and remain in Australia until a date specified by the Minister.

Subclass 450 - Resolution of Status - Family Member (Temporary): This temporary visa is for an immediate family member or a dependent child of the spouse or de facto partner of a sponsor, who is the holder of a Subclass 450 (Resolution of Status –Temporary) or Subclass 451 (Resolution of Status) visa.

Subclass 456 - Business (Short Stay): This visa allows business people to enter and remain in Australia for short business trips for up to three months. Business purposes include attending a conference, negotiation or conducting an exploratory visit. To be eligible for this visa you must seek to enter Australia temporarily for business purposes, have personal attributes and a business background which are relevant to your proposed business in Australia and have adequate funds to support yourself while in Australia.

Subclass 457 - Business (Long Stay): This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions in Australia. Under this visa an overseas worker can be employed for up to four years. To be eligible for this visa the employer needs to be approved as an eligible sponsor and must nominate an eligible employee in an eligible occupation.

Subclass 459 - Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay): This temporary visa is for business people who want to enter Australia for up to three months for business purposes. Business purposes include attending a conference, negotiation or conducting an exploratory visit. To be eligible for this visa you must have a business background that it consistent with your proposed business in Australia and you must have adequate funds to support yourself during your stay. You must also be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, settled Australian permanent resident, Member of Parliament or the Legislative Assembly or Mayor of an Australian town.

Subclass 461 - New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary): This temporary visa is for family members of New Zealand citizens who are in Australia on a subclass 444 visa. To be eligible for this temporary visa, the applicant must not be a New Zealand citizen, and be either a family member of someone holding a subclass 444 visa or be accompanied to Australia by a holder of a subclass 444. You may also be eligible for this visa if the last visa you held was a subclass 461 or you were lawfully present in Australia for two of the past five years before you made the application.

Subclass 462 - Work and Holiday: This visa is for people between 18 and 30 years of age who want to travel and work for up to 12 months in Australia. This visa is for applicants from Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA on holiday and work visas in Australia. You should not apply for this visa if the primary purpose of your visit is to work.

Subclass 470 - Professional Development: This visa is for the temporary stay of people undertaking a professional development training program in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be a professional, manager or government official who is undertaking a professional training development program. The professional development training program must be provided by an approved Australian sponsoring organisation and must be arranged by an overseas employer. The visa allows the applicant to stay and study in Australia for up to 18 months.

Subclass 475 - Skilled — Regional Sponsored: This visa is a 3 year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled - Independent visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have lived for 2 years and worked at least 12 months in a Specified Regional Area of Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia, be under 45 years of age, have good English language skills, have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for your specified occupation and you must pass the points test.

Subclass 476 - Skilled — Recognised Graduate: This visa is for recent graduates of selected overseas universities and allows recent graduates to live, work and study in Australia for up to 18 months and gain skilled work experience in occupations in demand in Australia. If you meet the pass mark on the General Skilled Migration points test you may apply for permanent residence at any time during your stay in Australia.

Subclass 485 - Skilled — Graduate: This visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a Skilled-Independent (Residence) visa to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled work experience or improve their English language skills. To be eligible for this visa you must be under 45 years of age, completed an eligible qualification as a result of at least two years of study in Australia, have good English language skills and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for the specified occupation. If you meet the pass mark on the General Skilled Migration points test you may apply for permanent residence at any time during your stay in Australia.

Subclass 487 - Skilled — Regional Sponsored: This visa is a three (3) year provisional visa for overseas students and certain visa holders (subclasses 485, 476, 471, 417 and 442) who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent skilled visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have lived for 2 years, and worked at least 12 months, in a Specified Regional Area of Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia and you must pass a points test used to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market. You must also be under 45 years of age, have good English language skills and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for your particular occupation.

Subclass 488 - Superyacht Crew: This temporary visa is for crew members to work onboard a Superyacht and allows people to travel to and from and stay in Australia for up to 12 months. A Superyacht is a high value luxury sailing ship. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored by an approved Superyacht Crew sponsor. This visa is not for the dependants of Superyacht crew members, dependants should apply for an ETA (visitor) (subclass 976) or a Tourist (subclass 676).

Subclass 495 - Skilled - Independent Regional (Provisional): This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 496 - Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored (Provisional): This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 497 - Graduate - Skilled: This visa subclass no longer exists.

Subclass 570 - Independent ELICOS Sector: This visa is for International students who want to study English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Subclass 571 - Schools Sector: This visa is for International students applying to study a primary school course, a secondary school course or an approved secondary school exchange program in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Subclass 572 - Vocational Education and Training Sector: This visa is for International students applying to study a certificate I, II, III and IV (except ELICOS), a diploma, an advanced diploma, a vocational graduate certificate or a vocational graduate diploma in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia

Subclass 573 - Higher Education Sector: This visa is for international students applying to study a Bachelor degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or Masters by coursework in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Subclass 574 - Postgraduate Research Sector: This visa is for International students who want to study a Masters degree by research or a Doctoral degree in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Subclass 575 - Non-Award Sector: This visa is for International students who want to study a non-award foundation studies course or another full time course that does not lead to an Australian award. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Subclass 576 - AusAID or Defence Sector: This visa is for International students who are sponsored by AusAID or Defence to study a full-time course in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia. You must also provide a letter from AusAID or Defence indicating their support of your study in Australia.

Subclass 580 - Student Guardian: This visa is for guardians of International students studying in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, the student must be under 18 years of age. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where a student over 18 years of age may need a guardian for religious or cultural reasons. If you have a child under 6, you will not be eligible for the grant of a Student Guardian visa.

Subclass 651 - eVisitor: An eVisitor is designed for people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for tourism (holidays, recreation, visiting family and/or friends) or business purposes (attending a conference, negotiation or exploratory visit). This visa allows people to stay in Australia for up to three months.

Subclass 675 - Medical Treatment (Short Stay): This visa is designed to allow patients to travel to Australia for medical treatment or medical consultations for a period of up to three months. This visa is suitable if you are planning any medical treatment in Australia (except surrogate motherhood), travelling to Australia to donate an organ or are accompanying the person needing treatment.

Subclass 676 - Tourist: A temporary visa allowing a stay in Australia of up to three, six or 12 months for tourism purposes. Tourism purposes include holidays, recreation, visiting family and/or friends. Applicants can apply from both outside and in Australia.

Subclass 679 - Sponsored Family Visitor: This visa allows people to travel to Australia to take a holiday or visit their family for a period of three, six or twelve months. To be eligible for this visa you must have an eligible relative in Australia sponsor you. The sponsor provides a guarantee that the visitor will leave Australia before the visa expires.

Subclass 685 - Medical Treatment (Long Stay): This visa allows people to travel to Australia for medical treatment or medical consultations and stay for a period of three to twelve months. This visa is suitable if you are planning any medical treatment in Australia (except surrogate motherhood), travelling to Australia to donate an organ or are accompanying the person needing treatment.

Subclass 771 - Transit: This visa allows people to transit through, enter and remain in Australia for up to 72 hours. You will need this visa if you do not qualify for transit without visa or you are travelling to Australia to join a vessel as a crew member.

Subclass 773 - Border: This temporary visa is for people entering Australia who are seeking immigration clearance but do not seek to remain in Australia as a refugee or on humanitarian grounds. To be eligible for this visa you must be a spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen or a person eligible for a Return visa, or is a person who entered Australia with a visa that was cancelled because they entered Australia before a person specified on their visa, or a person who immediately before departing Australia last time held a specified visa or is the dependent child of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or the holder of a specified visa.

Subclass 786 - Temporary (Humanitarian Concern): This temporary visa is for holders of the Temporary Safe Haven visa who satisfy the Minister that because of humanitarian concerns they should remain in Australia for a further period.

Subclass 800 - Territorial Asylum: This is a permanent visa which is available for people who are granted territorial asylum by the Minister.

Subclass 801 - Partner: This permanent visa allows you to enter or remain in Australia on the basis of your married or de facto relationship with your partner. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. If you hold a Partner Temporary (subclass 820) visa you may apply for this permanent visa after the two year waiting period if you relationship still exists. You may be granted this permanent visa without before the waiting period elapses if you have been in a married or de facto relationship for three years or more, two years or more and there is a dependent child of the relationship or your partner was granted a Protection visa or a permanent visa under the humanitarian program and you were in a relationship before the grant of that visa.

Subclass 802 - Child: This visa is a permanent visa that allows a single dependent child, stepchild (if the stepchild is under 18 years of age) or adopted child to remain in Australia with their parent. The parent must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible for this visa the dependent child must be under 25 years of age, their parent must act as a sponsor for the child and must provide support for the child including accommodation and financial assistance. To be dependent the child must be either under 18 years of age or over 18 years of age and a full-time student and financially dependent on their sponsoring parent.

Subclass 804 - Aged Parent: This visa allows aged parents to remain in Australia permanently, with their children who are living in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must meet the age requirements, be the parent of a child or stepchild who is a settled Australian citizen, settled permanent resident or settled eligible New Zealand citizen, at least half of your children are permanently resident in Australia or you have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other country and be sponsored by your child or another eligible sponsor. You may choose to apply for a Contributory Parent visa and pay a much larger application fee to avoid the long waiting periods.

Subclass 808 - Confirmatory (Residence): This visa is a permanent visa for people who have entered Australia on a conditional basis (i.e. on a Resident Return (Temporary visa (subclass 159), Emergency (Temporary) visa (subclass 302)) or a Border (Temporary) visa (subclass 773))) and have now satisfied the outstanding criteria.

Subclass 820 - Partner: This visa is for people who are married or in a de-facto relationship with an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. In order to be eligible to apply for this visa, you must currently be in Australia and must be sponsored by your partner. Once the temporary visa has been granted and you have spent approximately 2 years on the temporary visa in Australia with your partner, a permanent visa may be granted on the basis of your relationship.

Subclass 834 - Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island: This permanent visa is for permanent residents of Norfolk Island who hold a valid passport. This visa allows the holder to remain in Australia indefinitely.

Subclass 835 - Remaining Relative: This visa is for people whose only near relatives are usually resident in Australia and are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. To be eligible for this visa you must have an eligible brother, sister, parent or step-equivalent and you and your partner must not have any brothers, sisters, non-dependent children, parents or step-equivalent other than those in Australia. You must also be sponsored by an eligible relative or their partner.

Subclass 836 - Carer: This visa is for people who are needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit who has a medical condition. The relative who requires care must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible for this visa you need to be sponsored by the Australian relative or the Australian relative’s partner and must be willing and capable of providing the care required to care for the relative.

Subclass 837 - Orphan Relative: This visa is a permanent visa for overseas children whose parents are unable to care for them. A child is considered an orphan if their parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated or of unknown whereabouts. To be eligible for this visa the child must be under 18 years of age and single. You must also be sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent visa or eligible New Zealand citizen who your brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or step equivalents, has lawfully resided in Australia for two years and have turned 18 years of age. The sponsor must provide support (accommodation and financial assistance) for the child for two years from the visa grant.

Subclass 838 - Aged Dependent Relative: This visa allows aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs to migrate to Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must meet the age requirements, have been financially dependent on a relative in Australia for at least a continuing period of three years and be single, having never married or entered into a de facto relationship, or are widowed, divorced or formally separated from your partner. You must also be sponsored by your relative in Australia, who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Subclass 845 - Established Business in Australia: This is a permanent visa for business people who have established a business in Australia or have developed an ownership interest in an Australian business while on a temporary visa. To be eligible for this visa you must hold a temporary resident visa, have an overall successful business career, have an ownership interest in an Australian business, own significant assets, be actively involved in your Australian business, have an acceptable business record and score at least 105 points in the established business points test.

Subclass 846 - State/Territory Sponsored Regional Established Business in Australia: If you are a temporary resident in Australia, and have a proven ownership interest in one or more successful businesses in Australia, you can apply for permanent migration under this visa. To be eligible for this visa you must hold a Business (Long Stay) (subclass 457) visa, be sponsored by a State/Territory government authority and have been living in a designated regional area for at least 12 months before the date of the application. You must also score at least 105 points in the regional established business in Australia points test (unless there are exceptional circumstances).

Subclass 850 - Resolution of Status (Temporary):

Subclass 851 - Resolution of Status: This is a permanent visa for people who hold a Temporary Protection (subclass 785) visa or a Temporary Humanitarian (subclass 451 or 447) visa. This visa provides all of the same benefits and entitlements as a permanent protection visa.

Subclass 852 - Witness Protection (Trafficking) (Permanent): This permanent visa is for an applicant and their family who are able to assist with the investigation and prosecution of a people trafficking offence.

Subclass 855 - Labour Agreement: This visa is for workers who are employed under a Labour Agreement. Labour Agreements are formal arrangements negotiated between the Australian Government and an employer or industrial association. These agreements enable Australian employers to recruit a specified number of workers from overseas in response to identified or emerging labour market (or skill shortages) in Australia. They are for either permanent or temporary entry to Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must be nominated for a position on the Skills Matching database, accept an offer of employment and meet the age (under 45 years of age), skill and language requirements.

Subclass 856 - Employer Nomination Scheme: This is a permanent visa that allows employers to sponsor employees for permanent residency. To be eligible for permanent residency under this visa you must have worked full-time in Australia on a Subclass 418, 421, 422, 428, 457 or 461 temporary visa, be nominated for a employment position that relates to an eligible occupation and be sponsored by an eligible employer. You must also meet the age, skill and language requirements.

Subclass 857 - Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia to sponsor overseas employees for a permanent visa to work in Australia. To be eligible for this permanent visa you must hold a qualifying visa, have the relevant qualifications for the nominated position, meet any licensing or registration requirements, be offered a full-time position for a period of at least two years, be under 45 years of age and have functional English language ability.

Subclass 858 - Distinguished Talent: This is a permanent visa for people in Australia, nominated for migration on the basis of their internationally recognised record of achievement in a profession, the arts, sport, research or academia. To be eligible for this visa you must still be active in your field of expertise and you will need an eligible person or organisation to nominate you.

Subclass 859 - Designated Parent: This permanent visa is for an aged parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The parent must be nominated and sponsored by their child who is over 18 years of age and is settled in Australia. The aged parent must have made a valid application for a Parent (Residence) visa between 1 November 1998 to the end of 30 March 1999, satisfy the balance of family test and an assurance of support must be given.

Subclass 861 - Skilled - Onshore Independent New Zealand Citizen: Subclass 861 visa applicants should already have been assessed against a points test, and have scored at least the applicable ‘pool mark’.

Subclass 862 - Skilled - Onshore Australian-sponsored New Zealand Citizen:

Subclass 863 - Skilled - Onshore Designated Area-sponsored New Zealand Citizen:

Subclass 864 - Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent Residence): This permanent visa allows aged parents to remain in Australia with their children who are living in Australia. This visa requires that you be sponsored by your child or another eligible sponsor in Australia. To be eligible for this visa you must meet the age requirements and be the parent of a child or stepchild who is a settled Australian citizen, settled permanent resident or settled eligible New Zealand citizen, at least half of your children are permanently resident in Australia or you have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other country and be sponsored by your child or another eligible sponsor. This visa involves a large application fee, but the waiting period for this subclass is smaller than that of other aged parent visas.

Subclass 866 - Protection: A permanent Protection visa is for asylum seekers who are found to be owed Australia's protection under the Refugees Convention, and who satisfy health, character and security requirements.

Subclass 880 - Skilled - Independent Overseas Student:

Subclass 881 - Skilled - Australian-sponsored Overseas Student:

Subclass 882 - Skilled - Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student: This permanent visa is for people who have been sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in a designated area. The applicant must have qualifications that are relevant to a nominated skilled occupation.

Subclass 883 - Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored (Residence): This permanent visa is for people who have been sponsored by an eligible relative who is over 18 years of age and an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible for this visa you must have lived in a designated area for at least two years and have worked full-time for twelve months in the designated area. You must also have vocational English language skills.

Subclass 884 - Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary): This visa allows aged parents to remain in Australia with their children who are living in Australia. You must be sponsored by your child, or another eligible sponsor in Australia. This visa is for you if you want to apply for a permanent visa Contributory Aged Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 864). You must meet the same requirements as those for a Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) visa.

Subclass 885 - Skilled — Independent: This visa allows overseas students who have completed their course studies in Australia in the last 6 months and holders of certain temporary visas (subclass 485, 476, 471) to apply for permanent residency. This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market. You do not require sponsorship to apply for this visa. To be eligible for this visa you must hold a qualifying visa, be under 45 years of age, have good English language skills and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for your particular occupation.

Subclass 886 - Skilled — Sponsored: This visa allows overseas students who have completed their course studies in Australia and holders of certain temporary visas (subclass 485, 476, 471) to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for this visa you must be sponsored by an eligible relative or be nominated by a State or Territory government agency. You must also pass the points test used to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market, be under 45 years of age, have good English language skills and have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for their particular occupation.

Subclass 887 - Skilled — Regional: The purpose of this visa is to allow holders of Designated Area/Regional provisional visas to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for this visa you must have lived for at least two years and worked full time for 12 months in a Specified Regional Area before lodging your application.

Subclass 890 - Business Owner: This permanent residence visa is for business people to assist in the economic development of Australia. The visa allows business people to stay in Australia on a permanent basis for the purpose of owning a new or existing business. To be eligible for this visa you must hold a qualifying business visa for at least one year before applying for this visa. Your business must have also employed the equivalent of two full-time employees who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand passport holders for the twelve months before the application.

Subclass 891 - Investor: This permanent residence visa is for investors/business people who hold an Investor (provisional) visa, have maintained their designated investments for the minimum 4 years and have been in Australia for the past two years.

Subclass 892 - State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner: The visa allows business people to stay in Australia on a permanent basis for the purpose of owning a new or existing business. To be eligible for this visa you must have held one of the qualifying provisional visas and be sponsored by a State/Territory authority.

Subclass 893 - State/Territory Sponsored Investor: This permanent residence visa is for investors/business people who are willing to make a designated investment in Australia and are sponsored by a State or Territory authority. To be eligible for this visa you must have lived in Australia for the past two years, have an overall successful record of business/investment, have significant net assets, be willing to invest funds in a designated investment in Australia for four years, have a genuine commitment to maintaining business/investment in Australia and hold an State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) visa.

Subclass 956 - Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant - Long Validity): This temporary visa is for people who intend to visit Australia temporarily for business purposes. To be eligible for this visa you must hold an ETA eligible passport. This visa allows you to make temporary visits to Australia for no longer than three months at a time and is valid for the life of the passport.

Subclass 976 - Electronic Travel Authority (Visitor): This visa is for people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for holidays, tourism, recreation or for informal study. You can stay for up to three months on each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions.

Subclass 977 - Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant - Short Validity): These ETA types are designed for business people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for short-term business purposes, including attending business conferences or meetings, networking or informal studies or training. To be eligible for this visa you must be outside Australia and hold a citizen passport of an ETA eligible country. There are a number of eligible countries and regions. This visa allows business people to stay for up to three months.

Subclass 988 - Maritime Crew: This visa is for foreign crew employed, or under offer of employment, on non-military ships on international voyages to Australia. To be eligible for this visa the ship must be used for commercial trading, carrying passengers, be owned by a foreign government to do scientific research or approved for ‘public vessel status.’ This visa allows holders to enter Australia by sea for three years and is not valid for air travel to Australia.

Subclass 995 - Diplomatic (Temporary): This temporary visa is for Diplomats, Consular or International representatives. To be eligible for this visa you must hold a valid passport and the Foreign Minister must recommend to the Minister that the visa be granted.

Australia is suffering from an extreme skill shortage, and there are thousands of jobs available.

Assess your eligibility for a skilled migrant visa here.