Australian immigration & visa terms explained

Visa types

Student visa (subclass 500)

Lets international students study full-time in Australia with a registered education provider. Student visas

Skilled visas (189, 190, 491)

Points-tested visas for people with skills Australia needs: Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491). Skilled migration

Partner visa

For spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens (820/801 onshore, 309/100 offshore). Partner visas

Parent visa

For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens, including contributory and non-contributory options. Parent visas

Employer sponsored visa

For skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer, such as the Skills in Demand (482), Employer Nomination Scheme (186) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) visas. Employer sponsored visas

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

The temporary employer-sponsored visa that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024.

National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

A permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

For tourism, visiting family or short business visits.

Training visa (subclass 407)

For workplace-based occupational training or professional development. Training visas

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Lets eligible international graduates live and work in Australia after their studies.

Bridging visa

A temporary visa that lets you stay lawfully in Australia while another visa application is being decided. A Bridging visa B lets you travel and return during that time.

Protection visa

For people in Australia who are owed protection, such as refugees.

Residency & citizenship

Permanent residency (PR)

Lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. A permanent visa’s travel facility (usually 5 years) controls when you can re-enter Australia.

Australian citizenship

Full membership of the Australian community, including the right to vote and hold an Australian passport.

Provisional visa

A temporary visa that can lead to permanent residency if you meet the requirements, such as the 491 or 494 visa.

Applying for a visa

Points test

The scoring system for skilled visas, based on age, English, work experience, qualifications and other factors. The pass mark is 65. PR points calculator

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Your profile in SkillSelect showing your points and occupation. You must be invited before you can apply for a skilled visa.

SkillSelect

The Australian Government’s online system where skilled applicants lodge an EOI and receive invitations.

Skills assessment

A check by an assessing authority that your qualifications and experience match your nominated occupation.

State or territory nomination

Support from a state or territory government that adds points to a 190 or 491 application.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

The document your education provider issues once you have enrolled in a course.

Genuine Student (GS) requirement

Student visa applicants must show they genuinely intend to study in Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Health insurance that student visa holders must have for their whole stay.

English language requirement

Proof of your English level through an accepted test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or OET.

Health requirement

Medical examinations to show you meet Australia’s health standards.

Character requirement

Checks such as police certificates to show you meet Australia’s character standards.

Balance of Family test

A requirement for most parent visas about how many of your children live permanently in Australia.

Assurance of Support (AoS)

A commitment and bond for some family visas so the applicant does not rely on certain government payments.

Sponsor

A person or business that supports your visa application, such as your partner, a family member or an employer.

Decisions, reviews & advice

Visa refusal

When the Department of Home Affairs decides not to grant a visa. Strict time limits apply to seek a review.

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

The tribunal that reviews many visa decisions. It replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in October 2024.

Ministerial intervention

A request asking the Minister to use their personal powers in a case, usually after a tribunal decision.

Registered migration agent

A professional registered to give Australian immigration assistance. Always check the agent’s registration number.

MARN

Migration Agent Registration Number. Ours is MARN 2418455.

OMARA

The Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, which registers and regulates migration agents.

Department of Home Affairs

The Australian Government department that manages visas and citizenship.

This glossary is general information only and is not migration advice. Official information: Department of Home Affairs.

Last reviewed: 22 October 2026