Australia is a popular migration destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, excellent healthcare and education systems, and high quality of life. Whether you’re looking to study, work, reunite with family or settle permanently, there’s a visa pathway for you. Understanding your options is the first step toward making Australia your new home.
At Brightstone Migration, we specialise exclusively in Australian migration law. We’re here to guide you through the complexities of the visa process with clarity, care and confidence.
International Students
Scenario: You’ve completed your studies in Australia and wish to remain long-term through a career pathway.
Common Visa Pathways:
- Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa: Offers 2–4 years post-study work rights to gain experience and improve your eligibility for permanent residency.
- Subclass 482 – Skills In Demand Visa: Employer-sponsored; available if you secure a job post-graduation.
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme: Permanent residency via employer sponsorship; can follow a 482 visa or be direct-entry.
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: Points-tested and does not require a sponsor.
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Requires state or territory nomination; adds 5 points to your points score.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: A 5-year provisional visa that may lead to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years in regional Australia.
How Brightstone Migration Helps:
We assess your points, prepare skills assessments, advise on sponsorship or state/territory nomination options, and assist with your EOI and visa applications.
Skilled Workers
Scenario: You are a qualified professional or tradesperson with skills in demand in Australia.
Common Visa Pathways:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: Points-tested with no need for employer or state/territory sponsorship.
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa: Regional provisional visa leading to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme: Permanent employer-sponsored visa.
- Subclass 494 – Regional Employer Sponsored Visa: Provisional visa leading to permanent residency after working in regional areas.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age under 45.
- Skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
- Points test (for 189, 190, 491).
- Employer nomination (for 186, 494).
- Health and character checks.
How Brightstone Migration Helps:
We assess your eligibility, prepare skills assessments, manage EOIs, assist with state/territory nominations and liaise with all relevant stakeholders.
Family – Partner
Scenario: You are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Common Visa Pathways:
- Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa: Apply while in Australia; includes a bridging visa during processing.
- Subclass 309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa: Apply from outside Australia; permanent residency granted in two stages.
- Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa: For engaged couples intending to marry in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship.
- De facto couples generally need to prove 12 months of cohabitation.
- Includes extensive documentation and relationship history.
- Health and character requirements must be met.
How Brightstone Migration Helps:
We help you prepare a strong partner visa application with detailed relationship evidence and provide guidance in addressing any concerns raised by the Department.
Family – Children
Scenario: You are a parent in Australia wanting your minor or dependent child to join you.
Common Visa Pathways:
- Subclass 101 / 802 – Child Visa: For biological or adopted children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Subclass 102 – Adoption Visa: For overseas-adopted children.
- Subclass 117 / 837 – Orphan Relative Visa: For children without parents being sponsored by close relatives.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Under 18 years, or up to 25 if financially dependent and studying full-time.
- Unmarried and meet health and character requirements.
- Under 18s must have consent from both parents (or a court order).
How Brightstone Migration Helps:
We assist with proving dependency, gathering required parental consent, and navigating adoption or orphan-related visa processes.
Why Choose Brightstone migration?
At Brightstone Migration, we are committed to simplifying the migration process. We:
- Offer expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
- Provide end-to-end case management.
- Ensure your application is complete, compliant, and compelling.
- Liaise directly with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Minimise stress and avoid costly delays.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Contact Brightstone Migration today for a consultation. Whether you are a student, worker, partner or parent, we are here to help you turn your migration goals into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can apply for a Subclass 485 visa to gain local work experience, then pursue permanent residency through visas such as Subclass 189, 190 or 186.
The 485 visa is for recent graduates, while the 482 visa requires a job offer and sponsorship by an Australian employer as well as at least one year of full-time equivalent relevant experience.
Evidence of a genuine, ongoing relationship, such as shared finances, cohabitation, social support and commitment, is essential.
Points are awarded for age, English skills, qualifications, work experience and more. A minimum of 65 points is required for most skilled visas.
Yes, most visa subclasses allow you to include your spouse and dependent children, subject to eligibility and health and character checks.
They vary. Student and Skilled visas may take months, while Parent visas may take years. Always check the Department’s website for the latest statistics.
You may have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). It’s important to act quickly and seek legal advice.
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How we will help
Free Assessment
Please call us or fill in the questionnaire here for a free initial assessment. After a simple communication, we will understand your concerns and visa requirements in detail, and then provide a timely and comprehensive professional consultation with tailor-made plans.
Consultation
Our consultations are typically 45-60 minutes long, which allows us to provide you with a detailed strategy to address the needs and concerns you raised with us during the initial call.
Our fee is $400 + GST for the full session. You can book in a consultation by calling us, emailing us or filling in the Contact Us form.
Developing and Managing a Strategy
During our consultation session, we will go through in more detail your background and circumstances to ensure that we can provide a tailored solution to your problems and making sure that you meet all the legal requirements. If we notice any potential issues, we will also immediately formulate a solution.
We’ll also balance time required, cost and difficulty and allow you choose the most appropriate strategy. We will then attend to all visa application matters on your behalf.