Temporary Visas

Temporary visas is a term used to cover all visas that have a limited time of validity. In general, the screening for entry on a permanent visa is much more thorough than the entry for a temporary visa: the health checks are more thorough, a Police Clearance certificate is required and your ability to earn a living is also assessed, unless you are sponsored on a Family Program visa. All permanent visas include the right to work and seek employment in Australia.

Some temporary visas have working provision but many do not - you must check carefully to see if you can work on your visa, otherwise you are illegal in Australia.

There are many types of Temporary visas - those that permit the holder to work in Australia, and those that do not. Click the one that applies to your needs below.

• Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405).
  This visa is valid for 4 years, and permits part-time work for a primary applicant over 55. It is for wealthy people.
• Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417).
  This is a 12 month (only) visa to permit young people to travel and work in Australia.
• Business Visitors Visa (Subclass 456).
  A 3 months visitor's visa for business people to attend conferences, check contacts - no work allowance.
  
• Business Employment Visa (Subclass 457).
  A 4 year employer sponsored visa to allow temporary employment in Australia for skilled people.
  - How to sponsor for a Subclass 457 visa. This page is for employers who want to sponsor a worker from overseas on a temporary visa.
• Graduate Skilled Temporary Visa (Subclass 497).
  Allows overseas Australian graduates to remain lawfully in Australia while their permanent visa is processed.
• Visiting Academics Visa (Subclass 419).
  Allows Australian Universities or research institutions to invite overseas experts for a visit - no work.
• Sport Visa (Subclass 421).
  A short-term visa for sponsored sporting professionals of high achievement.
• Entertainment Visa (Subclass 420).
  This is a temporary visa for entertainers, both professional and cultural (not paid) who have been invited here to perform.
• Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 685)
  For people planning medical treatment or medical consultation in Australia.
• Medical Practitioner Visa (Subclass 422)
  Temporary Visa to allow medical practitioners to work in Australia.
• Skilled Exchange Visa (Subclass 411).
  This is a temporary visa to allow for the exchange of skilled people under arrangements with overseas countries - for example school teachers.
• Film, Media, Actors and Support Staff, Photographers and Journalists Visa (Subclass 423).
  A sponsored temporary visa for the media professionals and support staff.
• Emergency Visas (Subclasses 302 & 303).
  Visas for an emergency situation that may arise while your permanent or temporary visa is being processed.
• New Zealand Citizen's Family Members Visa (Subclass 461).
  For the family of a New Zealand citizen, who is either travelling to Australia, or already living here on a temporary Special Category Visa, Subclass 444.
• Religious Worker Visa (Subclass 428).
  A temporary visa to allow sponsorship by an organisation of monastics and lay religious officers.
• Foreign Government Agency Visa (Subclass 415).
  A visa to allow temporary entry of foreign government employees, Embassy staff, etc.
• Expatriates Visa (Subclass 432).
  A temporary visa to allow families of people working offshore to live in Australia.
• Lecturers and Experts on Public Topics Visa (Subclass 424).
  A temporary visa to allow lecturers and other experts to make presentations.
• Special Program Visa (Subclass 416).
  For people travelling to Australia as Churchill Fellows, or other arranged programs for young people.
• Domestic Workers Visa (Subclass 426).
  This is a temporary visa for the domestic staff of consular officials, or diplomats posted to Australia
• Special Category Visa (Subclass 444).
  This Temporary Visa allows New Zealand citizens to enter Australia. Although classed as a temporary visa, it allows indefinite stay.
• Diplomats Visa (Subclass 995).
  This is a visa for diplomats, a consular officials or staff members, or people employed by the specialist agencies of the United Nations.
• Contributory Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 173).
  This visa allows parents with children in Australia to visit for 2 years. It has full working rights. For application overseas or in Australia. With this temporary visa you can go on to apply for the parent's permanent visa, with reduced costs. Check Australia Immigration Visa Services for full details.
• Contributory Temporary Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884).
  This visa allows parents with children in Australia to visit for 2 years. It has full working rights. For application in Australia by Aged (Retirement aged) parents only. With this temporary visa you can go on to apply for parents permanent visa, with reduced costs. Check Australia Immigration Visa Services for full details.
• Sponsored Family Visitors Visa (Subclass 679)
  For long term visits of family members from non-ETA countries.

Student Visas allow part-time work, on application, after your studies have started.

• Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 580)
  For a parent or guardian to accompany a student to Australia. Full Visa information available.
• Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Student Visa (Subclass 570).
  These visas are usually for less than 12 months, to allow students to learn English before starting their main courses at University or college. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• Vocational Education and Training Student Visa (Subclass 572).
  A student visa for people coming to Australia to learn a trade or take a Diploma. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• Higher Education Student Visa (Subclass 573).
  A visa to allow an overseas student to take an undergraduate degree, or a Post-graduate Diploma at University. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• Masters and Doctorate Student Visa (Subclass 574).
  A visa to allow overseas students to study a Masters or Doctorate degree at an Australian University. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• Schools Student Visa (Subclass 571).
  A visa for young students to attend primary or secondary (high) school in Australia. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• Non-Award Foundation Student Visa (Subclass 575).
  This visa allows students to attend educational courses in Australia that do not give an Award at the end - for example, a craft course, or something at a religious organisation. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.
• AusAID or Defence Sponsored Student Visa (Subclass 576).
  These student visas are for young people who have been awarded a special scholarship to study in Australia. Brief information only on Australia Visa website.