What does each visa category mean? Where should people who have never been to Australia start, and what should people already living in Australia prepare if they wish to extend their stay or explore permanent residency opportunities?

Read on to find out more.

1. Overview of the 9 Visa Categories in Australia’s Visa Finder

Visa Finder is a tool provided by the Department of Home Affairs to help users identify visa options that may suit their intended purpose of travel and personal circumstances.

The nine official categories are outlined below.

1.1. Visit and Tourism – Visitor and Tourist Visas

This category is for people who wish to visit Australia for a short period for holidays, to visit relatives or friends, or to take part in certain business activities that do not involve paid employment.

Some notable visa options include:

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For tourism, visiting family and friends, and certain business visitor activities in Australia.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601): For citizens of certain eligible countries.

eVisitor (Subclass 651): For citizens of certain eligible countries.

Working Holiday (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (Subclass 462): For eligible applicants participating in programmes that combine travel and work.

Please note that a visitor visa does not allow the holder to work in Australia. If your main purpose is to work or study long-term, you should explore the relevant visa category.

1.2. Study – Student and Training Visas

This category is for people who wish to undertake education or training programmes, as well as people accompanying a young student as their guardian.

Some commonly used visa types include:

Student Visa (Subclass 500): For international students enrolled in an eligible course of study.

Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): For eligible guardians of international students under 18 years of age.

Training Visa (Subclass 407): For people participating in occupational training programmes in Australia, subject to the applicable requirements.

For Vietnamese nationals who wish to study in Australia, the Subclass 500 visa is one of the most frequently considered options. Applicants must meet requirements relating to their course, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), financial capacity, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other applicable criteria.

1.3. Work – Work and Employment Visas

This category is particularly relevant to people who want to work in Australia, develop their careers or explore long-term employment opportunities.

The Work category includes options for short-term and long-term employment, skilled workers, employer sponsorship, business, investment and working holiday arrangements.

Some visa types worth exploring include:

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): An employer-sponsored work visa.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A permanent visa for workers nominated by an employer.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494): A skilled work visa for employment in regional areas.

Training Visa (Subclass 407): A visa for occupational training in eligible circumstances.

Among these options, the Subclass 482 visa is an important pathway for overseas workers with suitable skills who have secured sponsorship from an eligible Australian employer.

1.4. Live Here Permanently – Permanent Residency Visas

If your goal is to live in Australia permanently, this is the visa category you should explore.

Permanent visas allow successful applicants to live, work and study in Australia with the rights and benefits associated with permanent resident status.

Some common visa types include:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-tested independent skilled visa.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A skilled visa requiring nomination by a state or territory.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A permanent visa through employer nomination.

Partner Visa: Partner visa pathways, depending on whether the application is lodged inside or outside Australia.

Each visa has its own requirements relating to occupation, age, work experience, English proficiency, sponsorship or nomination. Anyone considering permanent residency should therefore have their circumstances assessed before choosing a pathway.

1.5. Join Partner or Family – Family Reunion Visas

This category is for people who wish to reunite with a spouse, partner or family member living in Australia and who meet the relevant sponsorship requirements.

Available options include:

Partner Visa Subclass 820/801: An onshore partner visa pathway.

Partner Visa Subclass 309/100: An offshore partner visa pathway.

Parent Visa: Visa options for eligible parents.

Child Visa: Visa options for eligible children.

Applications generally require evidence of the family or partner relationship, sponsorship eligibility and other relevant requirements.

1.6. Stay Longer in Australia – Extending Your Stay in Australia

This category is for people who are already in Australia and wish to explore options for remaining in the country. For example, people holding student, work or visitor visas may need to consider their next visa option as their current visa approaches its expiry date. However, changing to another visa is not always permitted.

Applicants should check their visa expiry date, any No Further Stay condition and the rules governing where an application may be lodged. If they are eligible to lodge a new visa application in Australia, they may be granted a Bridging Visa to maintain lawful status while their application is being processed.

1.7. Refugee and Humanitarian – Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

This category is for people who qualify for refugee or humanitarian protection under the Australian Government’s policies. Applications are assessed against international protection criteria, individual circumstances and relevant legal requirements. These visas are not intended for ordinary employment or migration purposes.

1.8. Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs – Visas for Special Circumstances

This category covers special arrangements for players, club officials, supporters and media representatives associated with Papua New Guinea. It is not a common option for Vietnamese nationals seeking to study, work or settle in Australia.

1.9. See Other Visas – Other Visa Types

In addition to the categories above, the Department of Home Affairs provides visa options for other specific circumstances.

Examples include:

Bridging Visa: A visa that may allow a person to remain in Australia lawfully while their immigration status or another visa application is being resolved.

Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157): For permanent residents or certain former Australian citizens who meet the requirements for returning to Australia.

Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602): A visa for people seeking medical treatment.

Crew Travel Authority: For certain crew members.

Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151): A visa pathway for certain eligible former permanent residents.

As you can see, Australia’s visa system is designed to serve a wide range of purposes. Identifying the correct visa category is the first step towards developing an appropriate plan.

2. Which Visa Pathway Should People Who Have Never Been to Australia Consider?

If you live in Vietnam and have never been to Australia, you do not necessarily have to start with a student visa. Depending on your qualifications and goals, you may wish to explore the following pathways.

2.1. Study Pathway – Subclass 500

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is suitable for people who intend to study, improve their professional qualifications or undertake a training programme in Australia.

Holders of this visa may study at an eligible education provider, work for up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and travel in and out of Australia in accordance with their visa conditions.

To apply, students need to prepare their enrolment documents and CoE, provide evidence of financial capacity as required, obtain OSHC and meet health, character and Genuine Student requirements.

After graduation, eligible students may explore the Subclass 485 visa or other skilled and work visa options.

However, the Subclass 500 is a temporary student visa and does not guarantee permanent residency after the course has been completed.

2.2. Work Pathway – Subclass 482

For people with work experience who wish to develop their careers in Australia, the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is an option worth considering.

To qualify for this visa pathway, an applicant must have an approved sponsoring employer and a position that meets the applicable requirements.

The Subclass 482 visa currently has three main streams:

Core Skills Stream: For workers whose occupations are included on the Core Skills Occupation List and who meet the relevant income requirements.

Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled workers who meet the income threshold applicable to this stream.

Labour Agreement Stream: For cases in which an employer recruits workers under a labour agreement approved by the Australian Government.

Important requirements may include relevant work experience, professional skills, English proficiency, salary and other applicable criteria.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Subclass 482 visa generally allows the holder to stay for between one and four years, depending on the circumstances. Visa holders may explore permanent residency opportunities if they meet the requirements of an appropriate visa pathway.

2.3. Skilled Migration Pathway – Subclasses 189, 190 and 491

If you have qualifications, professional experience and an occupation covered by the relevant skilled migration programme, skilled visas may also be worth considering.

Subclass 189: For skilled workers who are invited to apply. The points-tested stream does not require employer sponsorship or state or territory nomination.

Subclass 190: For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.

Subclass 491: A provisional skilled visa for eligible applicants nominated or sponsored to live and work in a regional area.

For points-tested visa streams, applicants generally need to score at least 65 points to be eligible to receive an invitation. However, meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation. These visa pathways have specific skills and application requirements. Applicants should check their skills assessment and the applicable criteria at the time they apply.

3. Which Visa Pathways Should People Already Living in Australia Explore?

For people who are already in Australia, the next visa option depends largely on their current visa type and individual circumstances.

3.1. From Subclass 500 to Subclass 485

This pathway may suit some international students who wish to remain in Australia and work after graduating. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible applicants to live, study and work in Australia temporarily.

Two key streams include:

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: For certain graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an eligible occupation.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For graduates who have completed an eligible bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification.

Applicants must meet requirements relating to age, their previous student visa, qualifications, health insurance and other relevant criteria. After gaining work experience, they may explore employer-sponsored or skilled visa options if they meet the requirements.

3.2. From Subclass 482 to Permanent Residency through Subclass 186

For people working in Australia under an employer-sponsored visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is one pathway worth exploring. One commonly used stream is the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

Under the current rules, applicants generally need to:

Hold a Subclass 457 or 482 visa, or an eligible bridging visa.

Have worked full-time for at least two years in an eligible sponsored occupation during the three years before applying.

Be nominated by an eligible employer.

Meet age, English language, skills and other requirements, unless an exemption applies.

The Subclass 186 is a permanent visa that allows successful applicants to live and work in Australia permanently. Please note that holding a Subclass 482 visa does not automatically result in the grant of a Subclass 186 visa. Workers must meet all relevant requirements and obtain a valid employer nomination.

3.3. From a Temporary Visa to a Skilled Visa

If you are living in Australia and have accumulated professional work experience, check whether you may qualify for Subclass 189, 190 or 491 visas. Important factors include your occupation, skills assessment, points score, English proficiency and an invitation or nomination, as required.

One important point: submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect is not the same as lodging a visa application. It does not automatically grant permission to remain in Australia or result in a Bridging Visa. Therefore, if your current visa is approaching its expiry date, you should proactively explore lawful options for remaining in Australia.

3.4. Holding a Visitor Visa Subclass 600 and Wanting to Stay Longer

People holding a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) should check their visa expiry date and conditions before exploring their next options.

A visitor visa does not permit employment. In some circumstances, a person in Australia may be able to lodge an application for another visa if they meet the requirements, but this is not permitted in every case.

In particular, you should check whether a No Further Stay condition applies and review the rules on lodging an application while in Australia. You should also avoid waiting until your visa expires before looking for a solution.

4. Five Factors to Assess Before Choosing an Australian Visa

Whether you are living in Vietnam or already in Australia, your visa choice should be based on an assessment of your actual circumstances.

Age: Some skilled and work visa pathways have age limits. For example, applicants for the points-tested Subclass 189 visa must be under 45 years of age at the time they are invited to apply.

Educational qualifications: Degrees, trade qualifications and professional credentials may affect whether you meet the visa requirements.

Work experience: Some visa pathways require experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.

English proficiency: Each visa category has its own English language requirements. Applicants should check the exact standard that applies to their circumstances.

Current visa status and long-term goals: If you are in Australia, check the conditions of your current visa. If you are in Vietnam, clarify whether your goal is to study, work or settle in Australia.

5. timvieclamuc – Supporting You as You Explore Study and Work Pathways in Australia

There is no single visa pathway that suits everyone. People who have never been to Australia may need to build their educational background, professional skills or work experience before exploring employment opportunities. Meanwhile, people already living in Australia may need to reassess their circumstances to identify options for extending their stay or pursuing permanent residency.

Through the timvieclamuc website, we aim to help clients explore study programmes, vocational training and career development opportunities in Australia.

Through our partner network, timvieclamuc supports clients as they learn about options that may align with their abilities and personal direction.

Have you never been to Australia but want to explore employment opportunities there? Or are you already living in Australia and looking into your next visa pathway?

Contact us to discuss your circumstances, clarify your goals and explore options that may be suitable for your situation.

WEDC – Supporting you as you build your future in Australia.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Visa Pathways

1. Can I apply directly for a permanent visa if I have never been to Australia?

Yes. Certain permanent visa subclasses, such as 189, 190 and 186, allow eligible applicants to apply from outside Australia. It is not compulsory to enter Australia on a student visa first.

2. Can I work in Australia if I do not have a university degree?

It may be possible. Some technical, trade and skilled occupations have different qualification requirements. However, applicants must still meet the relevant skills, work experience, employer sponsorship and visa criteria.

3. Can I move from a Subclass 482 visa to a Subclass 186 visa?

Yes, if the worker meets the requirements of the Temporary Residence Transition stream or another applicable Subclass 186 stream. The transition is not automatic.

4. Can I switch from a visitor visa to a work visa while in Australia?

You need to check your visa type, visa conditions and whether you are permitted to lodge another application. A visitor visa does not allow you to work.

5. What should I do if my current visa is about to expire?

You should check your status through VEVO, review your visa conditions and explore your next visa options before the expiry date. If you lodge a valid new application and meet the relevant requirements, you may be granted a Bridging Visa to maintain lawful status while the application is being processed.