Australian Visa Subclass Database 2026: Major Visa Types Explained

5 days ago

2 min read

Australia's migration system uses visa subclasses to separate different legal pathways. This database gives readers a practical starting point for the major visas that matter in 2026. It is designed as a living reference: Top10Migration can expand individual subclasses into dedicated pages as rules, charges and policy settings change.

Skilled migration visas

The core points-tested skilled visas are subclass 189, subclass 190 and subclass 491. All three use SkillSelect and the points test. Home Affairs states that applicants need at least 65 points to be eligible for invitation, but meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Read our Skilled Migration Statistics Australia 2026 for the broader program context.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa: a permanent points-tested visa that does not require state or territory nomination.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa: a permanent points-tested visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: a five-year provisional visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional): a permanent residence pathway for eligible regional provisional visa holders who meet the applicable requirements.

Employer-sponsored visas

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand visa: the main temporary employer-sponsored work visa.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa: a permanent employer-sponsored pathway.
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa: a regional employer-sponsored provisional visa.

Student and graduate visas

Subclass 500 – Student visa: for eligible international students undertaking registered study in Australia.
Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate visa: for eligible recent graduates who satisfy the stream-specific requirements.

Visa holders should always check the conditions attached to their particular grant. Our Australian Visa Conditions Database explains many common Schedule 8 conditions.

Family and partner visas

Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage visa.
Subclass 309 and 100 – offshore Partner visa pathway.
Subclass 820 and 801 – onshore Partner visa pathway.
Parent visa subclasses include contributory and non-contributory pathways, each with different eligibility, costs and processing settings.

Visitor, working holiday and protection visas

Subclass 600 – Visitor visa.
Subclass 417 and 462 – Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visas.
Subclass 866 – Protection visa for eligible applicants in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations.

How to use this database

Do not choose a visa only because its label appears to fit your circumstances. Each subclass has separate Schedule 1 application requirements, Schedule 2 grant criteria, health and character rules, visa conditions and sometimes nomination or sponsorship requirements. Fees and policy settings also change. Check the current Home Affairs visa information and the Migration Regulations before acting.