This article provides general information for visa holders, migrants, and job seekers who are living in Australia and want to explore options to extend their stay or remain in Australia long-term.
Australia has different visa pathways depending on your circumstances, including working holiday visas, student visas, temporary work visas, employer-sponsored visas, and skilled migration visas.
Important
This article is general information only.
Workinitiatives does not provide migration advice, legal advice, visa eligibility assessments, or visa application support.
Visa rules, eligibility requirements, fees, and processing times can change. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before making any visa decisions.
Are you looking to stay in Australia longer?
If you are enjoying life in Australia and want to extend your stay, there may be several visa pathways to consider.
The right option depends on your:
current visa
occupation
work experience
qualifications
age
English language ability
location in Australia
employer sponsorship options
study plans
long-term migration goals
Some people may be able to extend their stay through further work, study, regional work, employer sponsorship, or skilled migration pathways.
Common visa pathways to explore
Working Holiday visas
Working Holiday visas may be suitable for eligible passport holders who want to live, work, and travel in Australia for a temporary period.
These visas are commonly used by people who want to experience Australia while doing short-term or casual work.
Depending on your visa type and eligibility, you may be able to apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa after completing specified work in an eligible location or industry.
Working Holiday visa requirements depend on your passport country, age, work history, and visa conditions.
Student visas
A Student visa may allow you to live, study, and work in Australia while completing an eligible course.
The Department of Home Affairs states that the Student visa, subclass 500, allows eligible visa holders to participate in a course of study, travel in and out of Australia, and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Before applying for a Student visa, you usually need to be accepted into an eligible course with an Australian education provider.
Student visa holders are generally required to have Overseas Student Health Cover, also known as OSHC, for the relevant period of stay. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
A Student visa may be worth exploring if you want to:
gain an Australian qualification
change career direction
improve your skills
study in a field related to future employment
stay in Australia temporarily while studying
Temporary work visas
Temporary work visas may allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia for an approved employer.
One common employer-sponsored pathway is the subclass 482 visa, now known as the Skills in Demand visa.
Temporary work visas may require:
an approved employer sponsor
a nominated position
relevant skills and experience
English language requirements
an eligible occupation
health and character checks
These visas may suit people who have a job offer from an Australian employer and the skills required for the role.
Permanent work visa pathways
If you want to stay in Australia long-term, you may want to explore permanent skilled migration options.
Permanent visa requirements are often more complex than temporary visas, so you should seek independent migration advice before applying.
The Department of Home Affairs lists permanent skilled migration visa options including the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186, Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, and Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186, is a permanent employer-sponsored visa.
The Department of Home Affairs describes this visa as allowing skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
This pathway may be relevant if:
an Australian employer wants to nominate you
your occupation is eligible
you have the required skills, qualifications, or experience
you meet the relevant visa requirements
Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, is a permanent visa for invited skilled workers.
The Department of Home Affairs describes the subclass 189 points-tested stream as allowing invited workers with needed skills to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
This pathway may be relevant if:
you have an eligible skilled occupation
you meet the points test requirements
you receive an invitation to apply
you meet the relevant skills, English, health, and character requirements
This visa does not usually require employer sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
This pathway may be relevant if:
your occupation is needed by a state or territory
you meet the points test requirements
you are nominated by a state or territory government
you receive an invitation to apply
you meet the relevant visa requirements
Each state or territory may have its own occupation lists, criteria, and nomination process.
Choosing the right pathway
The best pathway depends on your individual circumstances.
For example:
Situation | Possible pathway to explore |
You want to travel and work temporarily | Working Holiday visa |
You want to study in Australia | Student visa |
You have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you | Temporary work visa or employer-sponsored visa |
You want permanent residency and have skilled work experience | Skilled independent or skilled nominated visa |
You want to work in regional Australia | Regional skilled visa options |
You are unsure which visa applies | Speak with a registered migration agent |
Getting migration advice
Visa pathways can be complicated.
You may want to speak with a registered migration agent if you are unsure about:
whether you can extend your current visa
which visa you may be eligible for
whether your occupation is on a skilled occupation list
whether you need employer sponsorship
whether study could support your future pathway
whether regional work or regional study may help
what documents you need
when you should apply
You can use Migration Marketplace to browse migration specialists and book a consultation.
Before making plans
Before making travel, study, work, or financial decisions, check:
your current visa expiry date
your current visa conditions
whether you can apply for another visa while in Australia
whether your current visa has a “No Further Stay” condition
your work rights
your health insurance requirements
official Department of Home Affairs information
advice from a registered migration agent, if needed