Australia is one of the most popular destinations for individuals seeking better opportunities, whether for education, work, or permanent residence. However, navigating the Australian visa system can be challenging due to the wide range of visa types, each with different requirements. For those looking for the easiest pathway to enter Australia, understanding which visa best suits your qualifications, situation, and goals is essential.
In this article, we will explore several Australian visas and determine which Australia visa may be the easiest to obtain depending on your purpose of visit, eligibility, and the process involved.
1. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
One of the simplest visas to obtain in Australia is the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600). This visa is designed for individuals who want to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, to visit friends and family, or for other non-work-related short stays.
Key Features of the Tourist Visa:
Stay for up to 12 months (depending on the grant)
Available for multiple entry options
Does not allow work or study (beyond a short course)
Why It’s Easy to Get: The Tourist Visa is relatively easy to obtain because it has fewer eligibility criteria compared to other visas. The application process is straightforward, and many applicants do not require a sponsorship or a skills assessment. Most applicants only need to provide evidence of sufficient funds, a valid passport, and demonstrate that they will leave Australia at the end of their stay.
However, ease of approval may depend on the applicant’s country of origin, travel history, and the ability to prove ties to their home country to ensure compliance with the visa conditions.
2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
For young individuals looking to combine work and travel, the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is another relatively simple visa to apply for. This visa is available to citizens of certain countries aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 in some countries).
Key Features of the Working Holiday Visa:
Stay up to 12 months
Work while in Australia to fund your holiday
May be eligible for a second or third visa if you complete specified work (e.g., in agriculture)
Why It’s Easy to Get: The Working Holiday Visa is relatively easy to apply for, especially for young travelers. There is no need for a job offer before arriving in Australia, making the process less complicated. Applicants must simply meet age, nationality, and health requirements. Additionally, the Working Holiday Visa allows flexibility as it is primarily designed for temporary work, meaning applicants don’t need a high level of formal skills or qualifications to qualify.
It is important to note that eligibility for this visa depends on your nationality, and only certain countries are part of the program.
3. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
For those who want to study in Australia, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) is a popular and accessible option. This visa allows international students to study full-time in a recognized Australian educational institution.
Key Features of the Student Visa:
Allows students to stay in Australia for the duration of their study program
Includes permission to work part-time (up to 40 hours per fortnight) during study periods
Post-study work options available for graduates
Why It’s Easy to Get: The Student Visa is relatively easy to obtain for individuals who meet the academic and financial requirements of their chosen educational institution. The process involves providing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution and demonstrating that you can cover your living expenses and tuition fees.
Students are also required to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria, which involves proving that their intention is to stay temporarily for the purpose of study. For applicants who have a clear study plan, sufficient funds, and meet health and character requirements, this visa can be one of the easier pathways to enter Australia.
4. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
For skilled workers looking to migrate to Australia permanently, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after options. While this visa has higher eligibility criteria, it is considered “easier” in the sense that it does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Key Features of the Skilled Independent Visa:
Allows permanent residency
Based on points tested on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English proficiency
No employer sponsorship required
Why It’s Considered Easier: Although this visa has more rigorous eligibility criteria, it is considered relatively easy for highly skilled individuals who meet the points requirements. If you have qualifications in an occupation that is in demand in Australia and meet the necessary points threshold, this visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
The main challenge is accumulating enough points in the points test, which is why this visa is easier for highly skilled and experienced professionals. If your occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and you meet the required points, this visa can be a straightforward path to Australian residency.
5. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Another option for skilled workers is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482). This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill labor shortages in their company.
Key Features of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa:
Short-term or medium-term stay (up to four years)
Requires employer sponsorship
May lead to permanent residency
Why It’s Considered Easier: For skilled workers who have a job offer in Australia, this visa can be easier to obtain as the employer handles part of the application process. Once an employer nominates you, meeting the visa’s criteria often becomes more straightforward. Applicants need to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills for the job and meet health and character requirements.
However, the difficulty of obtaining this visa depends largely on finding an employer who is willing to sponsor you, making it a viable option for those already in contact with Australian employers.
6. Visitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 651) is another option that is relatively simple to apply for. This visa is for individuals who want to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time.
Key Features of the Visitor Visa:
Available for citizens of certain countries
Stay for up to three months at a time
Simple online application
Why It’s Easy to Get: The Visitor Visa is a low-cost, easy-to-apply-for visa that is available online. It requires minimal documentation and is aimed at individuals who do not intend to stay long-term. As long as applicants meet health and character requirements and show that they will leave at the end of their visit, the application process is typically swift.
See also: What To Do After Visa Refusal In Australia
Conclusion
Determining which Australian visa is the easiest to get depends largely on your individual circumstances, such as your reason for visiting, your skills, and your nationality. For short-term stays, the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) and Visitor Visa (Subclass 651) are some of the simplest options. For young people looking for temporary work and travel, the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is a great choice.
For those looking to study, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) offers an accessible entry point. Meanwhile, for skilled workers, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) offer opportunities for long-term or permanent migration, although they have more rigorous criteria.
Each visa has its own set of requirements, and ease of application can vary depending on the individual’s background. It’s always a good idea to carefully review the eligibility criteria and consult with a migration expert if needed before starting the visa application process.
Related topics:
