Australian immigration FAQ toolkit

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Bridging visas

Can a bridging visa come back into effect after another visa ends?

Sometimes. A bridging visa can come back into effect if it only stopped being in effect because another visa came into effect and the bridging visa period has not ended.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

Can a bridging visa refusal or cancellation be reviewed?

Some bridging visa refusal or cancellation decisions can be reviewed, but not every decision has the same review pathway.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Can a Carer visa be refused if other relatives in Australia can provide care?

Yes. A Carer visa depends partly on whether the required care can reasonably be provided by other relatives in Australia.

Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

Can family members be included in a bridging visa application?

Sometimes. Family members may be able to combine their bridging visa applications, but each person usually still needs to meet the criteria for the bridging visa.

Checked 13 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Can family members be included in a Carer visa application?

Some family members can be included, but they generally need to be part of a combined application and meet the family member rules.

Checked 13 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 186

Can family members be included in a subclass 186 visa application?

Usually yes, eligible family members can be included in a subclass 186 application, but they need to meet the family-member and visa criteria that apply to them.

Checked 14 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 187

Can family members be included in a subclass 187 visa application?

Usually yes, eligible family members can be included in a subclass 187 application, but they need to meet the family-member rules and usually cannot be granted before the primary applicant.

Checked 14 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visas Subclass 485

Can family members be included in a subclass 485 visa, and what visa period and conditions apply?

Eligible family members can be included, but their criteria can affect whether the whole 485 application can be approved.

Reviewed 24 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 590

Can family members be included in a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa application?

Subclass 590 is not a general family visa. Family members usually need to be included in a combined application, and only limited children can be approved as accompanying family members.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Skilled visas Subclasses 189 and 190

Can family members be included in subclass 189 and 190 applications?

Usually yes, family members can be included if they meet the family-member and visa criteria, but they generally cannot be granted before the primary skilled applicant.

Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Can I add family members to a Carer visa application after lodging?

Sometimes. A newborn child may be treated as having applied with the parent, and some family members may be added before the application is decided if the rules are met.

Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Can I apply for one Student visa for packaged courses?

Yes. You may be able to apply for one Student visa covering two or more courses if the courses fit together and show reasonable study progression.

Checked 2 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Can I change to a lower-level course on a Student visa?

Changing to a lower-level course may cause problems for your Student visa. One listed exception is changing from AQF level 10 to AQF level 9.

Checked 2 August 2026
Bridging visas

Can I get work rights on a bridging visa because I need to work?

Sometimes. Some Bridging A, Bridging C and Bridging E holders may be able to apply for another bridging visa without a work restriction if they meet the compelling need to work criteria.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

Can I travel outside Australia on a bridging visa?

Usually no, unless you hold a bridging visa that includes a travel facility, such as a Bridging B visa during its travel period.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 601

Can I work or study on an ETA?

Usually no for work, except limited business visitor activity. Study is also limited, and visa-rule problems can put the ETA at risk.

Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

Can I work, volunteer or do online work on a subclass 600 Visitor visa?

Usually no, if visa rule 8101 is on your Visitor visa. Some unpaid volunteering, unpaid family support, or limited online work for an overseas business may be allowed, but paid work in Australia can put the visa at risk.

Checked 14 August 2026
Training visas Subclass 407

Can my family members be included in a subclass 407 Training visa application?

Eligible family members can usually apply with the primary subclass 407 applicant or apply later as subsequent applicants.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Can my Student visa stop me from applying for another visa in Australia?

Some Student visas include a rule that can limit your ability to apply for another visa while you are in Australia. The effect depends on the exact rule on your visa and whether any exception applies.

Checked 2 August 2026
Bridging visas

Can section 48 or a no further stay rule stop me applying for a bridging visa?

Usually no. Section 48 and no further stay rules do not usually stop you from making a valid bridging visa application, because a bridging visa is not a substantive visa.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

Do I need a new bridging visa if I apply for judicial review?

Usually yes. If you apply for judicial review, a bridging visa connected to your earlier visa application does not automatically carry over.

Checked 13 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 601

Do I need an eligible passport to apply for an ETA?

Usually yes. You need to hold an ETA-eligible passport to be considered for a subclass 601 ETA.

Checked 14 August 2026
Partner visas Subclass 100

Do I need another visa before the subclass 100 Partner visa can be approved?

Usually yes. The primary applicant must have been granted a subclass 309 visa, or hold a subclass 445 Dependent Child visa, before subclass 100 can be approved.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Do I need evidence of enrolment for a Student visa?

Yes. Most students need to provide evidence of enrolment for each course or study-related activity when they apply.

Checked 2 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Do I need to declare family members in a Student visa application?

Yes. You should include your existing family members in your first Student visa application.

Checked 2 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

Do I need to show money or support for a Visitor visa?

Usually yes. You need to show that you have, or can access, enough support for the visit.

Checked 14 August 2026
Partner visas Subclass 100

Do I need to still be with my sponsoring partner for subclass 100?

Usually yes. The subclass 100 relationship is normally the same partner relationship that led to the subclass 309 visa.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Do people applying for a Student visa need English language evidence?

Some people applying for a Student visa need to provide English language evidence. Some people do not need to, and some may only be asked in particular situations.

Checked 2 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Do people applying for a Student visa need Overseas Student Health Cover?

Generally, people applying for a Student visa and family members coming with them need adequate health insurance, usually Overseas Student Health Cover.

Checked 2 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

Do school-age children need education arrangements for a Student visa?

Yes. School-age children generally need suitable school arrangements, and school costs may need to be included when showing enough money for the visa.

Checked 2 August 2026
Bridging visas

How can I apply for a bridging visa?

There are three broad ways: with some visa applications, by lodging a separate bridging visa form, or in limited cases where the rules treat a bridging visa application as already made.

Checked 13 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

How does Home Affairs assess whether my Visitor visa stay is temporary?

Home Affairs looks at whether your planned stay matches a real temporary visit and whether you are likely to follow the visa rules.

Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 601

How long does an ETA last, and what happens if my passport expires?

An ETA is generally linked to your passport and may allow multiple trips, but it can end earlier if the passport stops being valid.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

How many hours can I work on a Student visa?

Most students cannot work before their course starts. While the course is in session, the usual limit is 48 hours per fortnight, unless an exception applies.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 2 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

How much money do I need to show for a Student visa?

You need to show that you have real access to enough money for yourself and any family members coming with you for your planned stay in Australia.

Checked 2 August 2026
Bridging visas

Is a bridging visa a substantive visa?

No. A bridging visa is not a substantive visa, even though it is still a visa.

Checked 13 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visas Subclass 485

What age, English and health insurance rules apply to a subclass 485 visa?

Subclass 485 rules can require you to meet an age limit, provide English evidence and maintain health insurance.

Reviewed 24 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Skilled visas Subclasses 189 and 190

What are subclass 189 and subclass 190 skilled visas?

Subclass 189 and subclass 190 are permanent skilled visas. Subclass 189 is generally an independent skilled pathway, while subclass 190 requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

Checked 14 August 2026
Parent visas

What are the main Parent visa subclasses?

The main Parent visa subclasses are 103, 804, 143, 173, 864 and 884.

Checked 14 August 2026
Bridging visas

What are the main types of bridging visas?

The main bridging visa types are Bridging A, B, C, D, E, F and R. Each type is used for different immigration situations.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What arrangements are needed if a Student visa student is under 18?

If the student will be under 18 in Australia, they generally need to show that suitable accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements are planned.

Checked 2 August 2026
Working holiday visas Subclass 462

What basic eligibility rules apply to a subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa?

Subclass 462 eligibility can involve passport country, age, genuine visitor, funds and dependent-child rules.

Reviewed 27 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

What business activities can I do on a Visitor visa?

You can usually do short business visitor activities, such as business meetings, contract discussions, employment enquiries, government visits, or conferences where you are not paid by the organiser.

Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 601

What can I visit Australia for on an ETA?

An ETA is usually for a short tourism visit or limited business visitor activities, not for work or living in Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Child visas Subclass 101

What child-parent relationship is needed for a subclass 101 Child visa?

The applicant must be the dependent child of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent visa holder or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclass 836

What do settled and usually resident mean for a subclass 836 Carer visa sponsor?

For subclass 836, Home Affairs generally looks at whether the sponsor has lawfully lived in Australia for a reasonable period and whether Australia is their usual home.

Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

What does finally determined mean for a bridging visa?

Finally determined generally means the visa application has reached an endpoint under the migration rules, such as a grant, a refusal with no review pathway left, or completion of merits review.

Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What does Home Affairs consider when deciding if I am a genuine student?

Home Affairs looks at your personal situation, immigration history, study plans, and whether you are likely to follow your visa rules.

Checked 2 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

What does willing and able to provide care mean for a Carer visa?

Home Affairs looks at whether you can realistically provide substantial and continuing care, not just whether you want to help.

Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What enrolment and course progress rules apply to a Student visa?

Student visa holders generally need to stay enrolled, keep satisfactory course progress and attendance, and stay at the same or a higher course level unless an exception applies.

Checked 2 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

What extra checks apply when a child applies for a Visitor visa?

Children may need extra evidence about parental consent, welfare arrangements, and whether the visit is in the child's best interests.

Checked 14 August 2026
Working holiday visas Subclass 462

What extra requirements can apply to a first subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa?

A first subclass 462 visa can involve government support, functional English, education and country-cap requirements, depending on the applicant's passport country.

Reviewed 27 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 590

What financial capacity and health insurance evidence is needed for a subclass 590 visa?

You need to show genuine access to enough funds and adequate health insurance for your intended stay in Australia.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What funds must a Student visa family member show?

A family member applying later generally needs to show real access to enough money for themselves and any family members included in the application.

Checked 2 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

What happens after a Carer visa is approved?

A Carer visa is permanent. It lets the holder stay in Australia indefinitely and usually includes a five-year travel facility from the approval date.

Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

What happens if a child is born in Australia while a parent holds or has applied for a bridging visa?

It depends on whether the parent holds a bridging visa or has a pending visa application when the child is born.

Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What happens if I finish my course early on a Student visa?

If you finish your main course early, your enrolment may end earlier than expected. Home Affairs generally allows up to three months after early completion before considering visa cancellation for this issue.

Checked 2 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

What happens if my Visitor visa has a stay limit or departure rule?

You must follow the stay period and any extra stay-limit rules on the visa grant. Going over the allowed period can create cancellation, bond, sponsor and future visa problems.

Checked 14 August 2026
Bridging visas

What happens to my bridging visa if I withdraw my visa or review application?

Withdrawing the related visa or review application can cause the bridging visa to cease after a set period. The timing depends on the type of withdrawal and when the bridging visa was granted.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Bridging visas

What is a bridging visa for?

A bridging visa is usually a temporary visa that helps a person stay lawfully in Australia while another immigration matter is being processed or resolved.

Checked 13 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

What is a Carer visa for?

A Carer visa lets a sponsored family member live permanently in Australia so they can provide care to an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition, when that care is not reasonably available in Australia.

Checked 13 August 2026
Resident Return visas Subclasses 155 and 157

What is a Resident Return visa for?

A Resident Return visa lets an eligible permanent resident, former permanent resident or former Australian citizen travel to and return to Australia as a permanent resident.

Checked 14 August 2026
Partner visas Subclass 100

What is a subclass 100 Partner visa?

Subclass 100 is the permanent stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.

Checked 14 August 2026
Child visas Subclass 101

What is a subclass 101 Child visa?

Subclass 101 is a permanent Child visa for a dependent child outside Australia whose parent can sponsor them.

Checked 14 August 2026
Child visas Subclass 102

What is a subclass 102 Adoption visa?

Subclass 102 is a permanent visa for a child outside Australia who has been adopted, or is being adopted, by an eligible Australian sponsor.

Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclass 114

What is a subclass 114 Aged Dependent Relative visa?

Subclass 114 is a permanent family visa for an aged dependent relative outside Australia who is sponsored by an eligible Australian relative.

Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclass 115

What is a subclass 115 Remaining Relative visa?

Subclass 115 is a permanent family visa for a person who is the remaining relative of an eligible Australian relative.

Checked 14 August 2026
Child visas Subclass 117

What is a subclass 117 Orphan Relative visa?

Subclass 117 is a permanent child visa for a child outside Australia who cannot be cared for by either parent and has an eligible Australian relative.

Checked 14 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 186

What is a subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa?

The subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated for genuine positions in Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 187

What is a subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa?

The subclass 187 RSMS visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa pathway connected to regional sponsored employment. This FAQ covers the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Checked 14 August 2026
Partner visas Subclass 300

What is a subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa?

Subclass 300 is a temporary visa for a person outside Australia who intends to come to Australia, marry their sponsor, and then apply for a Partner visa in Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Partner visas Subclass 309

What is a subclass 309 Partner visa?

Subclass 309 is the provisional stage of the offshore Partner visa pathway.

Checked 14 August 2026
Training visas Subclass 407

What is a subclass 407 Training visa?

The subclass 407 Training visa is for a person coming to Australia to take part in an approved occupational training or professional development activity.

Checked 14 August 2026
New Zealand visas Subclass 444

What is a subclass 444 Special Category visa for New Zealand citizens?

The subclass 444 Special Category visa is a temporary visa for eligible New Zealand citizens who enter Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 482

What is a subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa?

The subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled overseas worker for a nominated position in Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visas Subclass 485

What is a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa?

The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa lets eligible international students live, study and work in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.

Reviewed 24 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Employer sponsored visas Subclass 494

What is a subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa?

The subclass 494 visa is a temporary regional employer-sponsored visa that can lead to subclass 191 permanent residence.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 590

What is a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa?

The subclass 590 Student Guardian visa lets an eligible person stay in Australia to support and care for a student visa holder.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 600

What is a subclass 600 Visitor visa?

Subclass 600 is a Visitor visa for temporary visits to Australia. The right stream depends on why you are travelling.

Checked 14 August 2026
Visitor visas Subclass 601

What is a subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority?

Subclass 601, often called an ETA, is a visitor visa for short tourism or business visitor trips to Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Parent visas

What is the balance of family test for Parent visas?

The balance of family test looks at where your children live and how many are eligible children in Australia.

Checked 14 August 2026
Bridging visas

What makes a bridging visa application valid?

A bridging visa application must meet the application requirements for that bridging visa class before Home Affairs can consider granting or refusing it.

Reviewed 14 August 2026 Checked 13 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 590

What visa period, work and study rules apply to a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa?

The 590 visa period is usually linked to the student's visa and age, and the guardian is usually restricted from working and from studying for more than a limited period.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 500

What work and study limits apply to Student visa family members?

Family members on a Student visa may have work limits. Adult family members are generally limited to no more than three months of study or training in Australia.

Checked 2 August 2026
Bridging visas

When does a bridging visa come into effect and cease?

A bridging visa can be held before it is in effect. It usually comes into effect when the person no longer holds another visa that keeps them lawful, and it ceases when a specified event or date occurs.

Checked 13 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visas Subclass 485

Where can I apply for a subclass 485 visa, and what previous visa do I need?

It depends on your visa history and where you are when you apply. Many 485 applicants need a recent eligible student visa, and some must be in Australia when they apply.

Reviewed 24 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Working holiday visas Subclass 462

Where do I need to be when applying for a first or second subclass 462 visa?

A first subclass 462 applicant needed to be outside Australia when applying, while a second 462 applicant could apply in or outside Australia but not in immigration clearance.

Reviewed 27 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Which relatives can apply for a Carer visa?

You must be a qualifying relative of the Australian person. This can include close family and some extended family relationships.

Checked 13 August 2026
Resident Return visas Subclasses 155 and 157

Who can apply for a Resident Return visa?

You may be eligible if you are a current Australian permanent resident, a former Australian citizen, or a former Australian permanent resident whose most recent permanent visa was not cancelled.

Checked 14 August 2026
Student visas Subclass 590

Who can be nominated as a subclass 590 Student Guardian?

Usually the guardian is the student's parent, custodian or an eligible relative aged at least 21 with the required written support.

Reviewed 21 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026
Family visas Subclasses 116 and 836

Who can sponsor a Carer visa applicant?

The sponsor must usually be an adult Australian relative, or that relative's spouse or de facto partner, who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Checked 13 August 2026
Child visas Subclass 101

Who can sponsor a subclass 101 Child visa applicant?

The sponsor must usually be at least 18 and be the eligible parent, or that parent's cohabiting spouse or de facto partner.

Checked 14 August 2026
Temporary Graduate visas Subclass 485

Who can use the subclass 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream?

This stream is usually for certain graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification who nominate an eligible skilled occupation.

Reviewed 24 August 2026 Checked 14 August 2026

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