| A visa is a document that allows a person entrance | | | | Australian citizens must hold a permanent residency |
| into a country. They are formally registered with the | | | | visa in order to be a citizen. They last for 5 years and |
| government and are usually a requisite for entrance | | | | allow a person to stay indefinitely, but can be revoked |
| into a country by foreigners. The actual rules governing | | | | by the Minister for Immigration, in the case of criminal |
| visas and when they are needed varies vastly | | | | activity. Employers can sponsor an overseas |
| between countries. | | | | employee to fill a vacancy, and families can sponsor a |
| Visas are split between categories. Australia, among | | | | family member for immigration. For visitors like holiday |
| other countries, is divided into Skilled Visa for workers | | | | makers a temporary visa is easier to obtain and is |
| emigrating to the country, Working Holiday Visa for | | | | done through the ETA scheme, an electronic system |
| someone under 30 looking to work and live in Australia | | | | which replaces the visa label or stamp on a passport |
| for under 2 years, Visitor Visa for small holiday or | | | | and removes the need for application forms. To be |
| business trips, Business Visa for entrepreneurs or | | | | eligible you must have a passport from an ETA |
| executives looking to emigrate to Australia, Family Visa | | | | (Electronic Travel Authority) using country; most |
| if you have a family who can sponsor your move to | | | | western countries fall into this category but advice can |
| the country, and Fiancée/Spouse Visa if you | | | | be found on Australia's visa website or from the |
| are married or engaged to an Australian or eligible | | | | proper authorities. There is a simple online application |
| New Zealand citizen. These can all be applied for | | | | form and once obtained the visa allows a tourist to |
| through the Australian Visa Bureau. | | | | stay in Australia for up to three months. |