How Long Can You Stay in Australia? | Visa Duration & Stay Options Explained
If you’re planning to visit, study, work, or live in Australia, one of the first questions that comes to mind is:
The answer depends entirely on the type of visa you apply for. From short holidays to permanent residency, Australia offers a range of visa options — each with different rules and stay periods. Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect.
1. Tourist & Visitor Visas (Subclass 600, 601, 651)
- Stay Duration: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months
- Perfect for: Holidays, visiting friends or family, short-term business trips
- You cannot work on a tourist visa, but some visitor visas allow volunteering or short-term unpaid activities.
2. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Stay Duration: Usually matches the length of your course, plus a little extra (e.g., a few months after completion).
- You can stay up to 5 years, depending on your course type and level.
- Allows part-time work (48 hours per fortnight during study periods, full-time during breaks).
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (depending on your occupation and stream).
- You must be sponsored by an approved Australian employer.
- Can be renewed, and may lead to permanent residency through the ENS visa (186).
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
- Stay Duration: 12 months
- Allows you to work and travel in Australia.
- You can apply for a 2nd or 3rd year visa by completing specific regional work, like farming or mining.
5. Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Permanent residency
- Subclass 190 (State Sponsored): Permanent residency
- Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored): 5-year provisional visa with a pathway to PR
These visas allow you to live and work in Australia long-term — no employer sponsorship needed!
6. Permanent Residency & Citizenship
- If you’ve been granted PR (Permanent Residency), you can stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Most PR visas are valid for 5 years of travel, after which you can renew or apply for Australian citizenship.
- Once you become a citizen, you can stay forever, vote, and even apply for an Australian passport.
Can You Extend Your Stay in Australia?
Yes, in many cases! You can:
- Apply for another visa before your current one expires
- Transition from a student visa to a work visa
- Apply for partner, skilled, or PR visas from within Australia
How Long Can You Stay in Australia?
| Visa Type | Typical Stay |
|---|---|
| Tourist/Visitor | 3–12 months |
| Student Visa | Course length (up to 5 years) |
| 482 Visa | Up to 4 years |
| Working Holiday | 1–3 years |
| Skilled Visas (189, 190) | Permanent |
| 491 Visa | 5 years (pathway to PR) |
| PR | Indefinite |
