Like most
developed nations, Australia has a rigid visa system that allows people to
visit for a range of purposes ranging from tourism to visiting family or
seeking employment. If you are unsure as to which visa you should apply for
when looking to obtain permission to visit Australia, here is a brief
description of the more common visas.
Visitor Visas
There are several
types of visit visas for entering Australia:
- First,
second & third work & holiday visa – This allows people from 18-30 years old visit
Australia for a period of 12 months and they are allowed to work to fund their
stay. To qualify for this visa, you must be the holder of a passport from an
eligible country, and after the first 12-month period, you can apply for a
second 12-month term, providing you meet the criteria, and then if you wish to
extend your stay in Australia to a further 12 months, you can apply for a third
work & holiday visa. - Tourist
stream visa – This visa
allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, while on a cruise, or to visit
family or friends. You might be granted a 3, 6, or 12-month visa, depending on
your requirements and the state department’s decision. If you would like some
assistance applying for a visa to visit Australia, contact the experts at www.hermis.com.au, who can help you to decide which visa is
suitable. - Sponsored
family stream visa – This
type of visa is for those who have family members who are Australian citizens
or permanent residents, and the duration is up to 12 months. Your family
member(s) might be asked to pay a security bond. - Business
stream visa – This visa
allows you to visit Australia for business reasons and is valid for a period of
3 months. You must be outside Australia when you apply and, subject to
approval, you can enter and leave the country multiple times on the same visa.
The holder of this visa is not allowed to sell products or services. - Temporary
skill shortage visa –
There are short term (ST) steam, medium-term (MT) stream, and labour agreement
(LA) stream options. This visa is available if your employer wishes to sponsor
you as a skilled worker and your occupation is listed in the short-term skilled
occupation list.
Prospective
Marriage Visa
If you are
planning to marry an Australian citizen, this visa allows you to come to
Australia and marry, as long as this takes place during the 9-month validity
period of the visa. Once you have married, you can then apply for the Onshore
Partner visa, which allows you to remain in Australia.
Australian
Parent Visa
If you are an
Australian citizen and are looking to have your parents stay with you, there
are several types of Parent Visa, which are as follows:
- Contributory
Parent Visa – Either temporary or permanent. - Non-Contributory
Parent Visa – This visa might take a long time to process. - Aged
Parent Visa – This can be applied for when a parent reaches a certain age.
It is always
advisable to seek professional help when applying for any visa to visit
Australia, as the experts can make sure that your application is likely to be
granted.