Which visa is actually yours?
Answer a few quick questions for ranked visa options and an estimated points score, then read the plain-English detail on every subclass a UK mover is likely to consider.
This page is general information, not migration advice. Rules, costs and processing times change often — always check the Department of Home Affairs website before acting, and consider registered professional advice for anything but the simplest case.
Visa processing times vary and are updated regularly. Check the current Department of Home Affairs processing-time guide for the latest information.
Visa information last reviewed: September 2026
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This gives a rough steer and an indicative points estimate — not an eligibility check.
Answer all six questions to see your results.
Deep detail on every subclass
189 — Skilled Independent (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Skilled workers under 45 with an occupation on the relevant skilled list and no need for sponsorship.
Requirement
Points test (65+ competitive), positive skills assessment, invitation via SkillSelect.
Rough cost
From A$4,940 for the main applicant
Our honest take
The cleanest pathway if your occupation and points stack up, but invitations for popular occupations are competitive.
190 — Skilled Nominated (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Skilled workers willing to commit to living in a specific state or territory that nominates them.
Requirement
Points test plus state nomination (adds 5 points), occupation on that state's list.
Rough cost
From A$4,940 for the main applicant
Our honest take
A solid option if your points fall just short of 189 — the extra 5 points often tips the balance.
491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia for at least three years.
Requirement
Points test plus state/territory or family nomination in a regional area.
Rough cost
From A$4,640 for the main applicant
Our honest take
Genuinely easier to qualify for than 189/190, and it converts to permanent residency (191) after three years.
482 — Skills in Demand (formerly TSS) (temporary)+
Who it's for
Workers with a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Requirement
Employer sponsorship, relevant skills/experience, market salary rate.
Rough cost
From A$1,455 (main applicant) plus employer nomination fees
Our honest take
The fastest way into the country if you already have a job offer.
494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Workers with a job offer from a regional employer.
Requirement
Employer sponsorship in a regional area, relevant skills, labour market testing.
Rough cost
From A$4,240 for the main applicant
Our honest take
A genuine PR pathway (via 191 after three years) if you're happy to work regionally.
186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Workers already on a 482 (or similar) whose employer wants to sponsor them permanently.
Requirement
Employer nomination, usually after time on a temporary sponsored visa, relevant experience.
Rough cost
From A$4,770 for the main applicant
Our honest take
The natural next step after a 482 if your employer is happy to keep you.
500 — Student (temporary)+
Who it's for
Anyone enrolling in a registered Australian course, from short diplomas to full degrees.
Requirement
Confirmed enrolment (CoE), proof of funds, genuine student requirement, health insurance.
Rough cost
From A$710, plus course fees and health cover
Our honest take
A legitimate route to residency and work experience, but a long, expensive way in.
417 — Working Holiday (temporary)+
Who it's for
UK citizens aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) wanting up to a year of casual work and travel.
Requirement
Age 18–35, no dependent children, sufficient funds, generally a first-time applicant.
Rough cost
From A$650
Our honest take
Great reconnaissance, but it doesn't lead anywhere on its own.
870 — Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (temporary)+
Who it's for
Parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents who want extended stays.
Requirement
Sponsorship by a settled child, health insurance, no direct path to PR.
Rough cost
From A$5,895 for up to 3 years, more for 5 years
Our honest take
Expensive and temporary by design — useful for long visits, not settling permanently.
Partner (820/801 or 309/100) — Partner Visa (leads to PR)+
Who it's for
Spouses, de facto partners and fiancé(e)s of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Requirement
Genuine and continuing relationship, evidence of shared life, sponsorship by your partner.
Rough cost
From A$9,095 for the main applicant
Our honest take
Reliable if the relationship is genuine and well-documented, but processing times are long.
Still not sure which visa fits?
A registered migration agent can assess your specific situation properly — this page can only point you in a general direction.