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Definitions

Australian Citizen

Generally, after living in Australia for four years with a Permanent Residency (i.e., a Permanent Visa), you can become an Australian Citizen.

The Australian Government allows dual citizenship. This means you can be a citizen of Australia and also remain a citizen of any other country.

You can also be an Australian Citizen if one of your parents (including by adoption) is an Australian Citizen, even if you were born outside of Australia.

Australian Mission

An Australian Government office, such as an Australian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate, Consulate-General or Australian Trade Commission.

Family Unit​

A member of the family unit can be included in a visa application if they are:

  • The principal applicant’s spouse or de facto partner
  • The principal applicant’s child, or their partner’s child, who is not engaged, married or in a de facto relationship and is:
    1. aged under 18 years, or
    2. aged 18 to 23 years and dependent on the principal applicant or the principal applicant’s partner, or
    3. aged 23 years or older and dependent on the principal applicant or the principal applicant’s partner due to a partial or total physical or mental disability
  • The dependent child of the child above.

Migrate

To come to Australia to live.

Onshore and Offshore Visa Application

Some visas can only be applied for while you are in Australia (onshore application), some can only be applied for while you are outside of Australia (offshore application), and some visas can be used for either onshore or offshore purposes. It is essential to know where you need to be when your visa application is lodged.

Partner

When applying for a visa, people are considered to be partners if they are:

  • In a valid married relationship OR
  • In a de facto relationship, meaning they live like a married couple but are not married, OR
  • Engaged to be married.

Note that same-sex couples are considered partners.

Permanent Resident or Permanent Visa​

A permanent visa is the legal status that allows someone to become a permanent resident, meaning they can live in Australia indefinitely and have full work rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to sponsor family members. You are not a permanent resident until the permanent visa is granted; the permanent visa is the mechanism for achieving that status.

Visitor's Visa

A Visitor Visa is a temporary visa that allows someone to enter a country for a short stay. It is usually for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business activities. Visitor visa holders cannot work full-time or permanently settle in that country.

Permanent Resident or Permanent Visa​

A permanent visa is the legal status that allows someone to become a permanent resident, meaning they can live in Australia indefinitely and have full work rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to sponsor family members. You are not a permanent resident until the permanent visa is granted; the permanent visa is the mechanism for achieving that status.

Visitor's Visa

A Visitor Visa is a temporary visa that allows someone to enter a country for a short stay. It is usually for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business activities. Visitor visa holders cannot work full-time or permanently settle in that country.

Family

Relative

A relative includes a parent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or child, but does not include other relatives, such as a cousin.

Partner

Temporary Visa

A visa that allows you to remain in Australia for a limited period. The period can vary from one day to many years.
Skilled

Visa

To travel to Australia for any purpose, you must have a visa issued by the Australian Government.