Compare visa pathways, eligibility patterns, processing timelines, and next planning steps.
Business / Investor Visa
Business · 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Family / Spouse Visa
Family · 6-24 weeks (varies by relationship and country)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Class A/B — Mining/Agriculture (Investor)
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Class C — Prescribed Professions (Specialist)
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Class D — Formal Employment (Skilled Worker)
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required
Class F — Manufacturing
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Class G — Business / Self-Employment
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required
Class G Permit (Investor)
Migration · 17-25 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Class K — Retiree
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Digital Nomad (via Class D or G)
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Seasonal / Short-Term Work Permit
Migration · 1-2 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Permanent Residence
Residency · 6-12 months
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Permanent Residency / Settlement
Residency · 4-12 months
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Student Visa
Student · 2-6 weeks (Highly dependent on institutional vetting queues and eFNS processing backlogs).
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Tourist · Up to 3 working days
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Tourist / Visitor Visa
Tourist · 5-30 days (varies by mission)
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Class D Work Permit
Work · 4-12 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required
Digital Nomad Work Permit
Work · 2-8 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Work / Employment Visa
Work · 4-16 weeks (employer + government processing)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required