Australia offers 13 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | N/A | N/A | 240-330d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Business Innovation & Investor (188) — CLOSED | N/A | €496,000 | 200-350d | 8/10 | Yes |
| National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) | €110,000/mo | N/A | 90-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Pacific Engagement (Subclass 191) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | N/A | €18,420 | 120-210d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) | N/A | €3,100 | 120-210d | 2/10 | No |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | €46,000/mo | N/A | 60-180d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) | N/A | N/A | 180-365d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Training Visa (Subclass 407) | N/A | N/A | 180-390d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Australia offer?
Australia offers 13 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Australia?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Australia?
The path to permanent residency in Australia typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Australia?
Most long-term visa categories in Australia allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Australia?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Australia may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Australia Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries