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EnglishHow to Explore Australian Visa Options on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Updated
Start with the "Explore visa options" tool on the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and citizenship website. It asks you a few questions and then identifies which visas might be suitable for you and your family. Use it when you don't yet know which visa fits your situation; if you already know the visa you want, go straight to ImmiAccount to apply or to VEVO to check your status.
What the site is for
The site is the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs portal for visas, immigration and citizenship. Its main sections cover:
- Entering and leaving Australia
- Visas
- Australian citizenship
- Settling in Australia
- Help and support
The homepage also lets you customise what you see by selecting a starting point, such as applying for a visa, Australian citizenship, entering or leaving Australia, employing or sponsoring workers, already holding a visa, New Zealand citizens, or permanent residence (PR).
Use the "Explore visa options" tool
- Open the "Explore visa options" section from the homepage.
- Answer the questions about yourself and your family. The tool uses your answers to narrow down which visas might be suitable.
- Review the suggested visa categories and read the requirements for each before deciding.
The tool is a starting point for identifying options, not an application. Once you have a shortlist, check the specific eligibility criteria on each visa's page.
Find your situation in the visitor categories
The homepage groups common situations so you can jump to the right guidance:
| Your situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Applying for a visa | Visa options and application steps |
| Already have a visa | Check status and conditions |
| New Zealand citizens | Specific arrangements for NZ citizens |
| Permanent residence (PR) | PR rights, travel facility and obligations |
| Employing or sponsoring workers | Bringing someone to Australia to work for you |
| Visa expiring or has expired | Options and what you need to do |
| Your situation has changed | Moved, had a baby, new passport, changed plans |
| Visa conditions | What you can and can't do in Australia |
Apply, check or withdraw through online services
The "Our online forms and services" section is where you apply, notify the department of changes, check the status of an application, or withdraw one. Two services are named:
- ImmiAccount — for applications and managing them
- VEVO — for checking visa details and status
Use these after you have identified the visa you need.
Know your visa conditions
A visa comes with conditions that determine what you can and cannot do in Australia. Check the conditions attached to your specific visa before you rely on it for work, study or travel. One point the site highlights in its news: a permanent visa does not by itself allow you to enter Australia without a valid travel facility, so permanent residents should check their travel facility before going overseas.
If something looks wrong
The site also provides a route to report suspicious or illegal immigration, citizenship, customs and trade activity, and lists a National Security Hotline. Use these if you need to report a concern rather than apply for a visa.