Find the right options
for your situation
Australia’s visa system is complex, and identifying which options apply to you can take time.
At First Tree, we classify supported visas by sponsorship requirements and relationship type, allowing you to explore suitable pathways based on your current circumstances.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
Visas in which an Australian business sponsors a specific employee for temporary work or permanent residency. We design the sponsorship requirements, position requirements, and applicant requirements as one integrated framework.
A visa based on a structured, employer-designed training program. The core of the assessment focuses on the relevance of the occupation and the appropriateness of the training plan.
The primary employer-sponsored work visa. Streams are divided by occupation and salary level (CSIT / SSIT), and long‑term planning often includes pathways to permanent residency.
A permanent residency visa based on employer nomination.
- TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) from visas such as Subclass 482
- DE (Direct Entry) for direct applications
A provisional visa linked to employment in a designated regional area. After three years of residence and meeting income requirements, applicants may progress to Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence).
A federal-local agreement that allows employers in designated regions (NT, Adelaide, Pilbara, Orana, Far North Queensland, etc.) to sponsor workers under SC482 / SC494 / SC186 beyond the standard occupation lists and requirements.
- Eligible occupations
- Regional boundaries
- Concessions for age, English, and salary
Many key hospitality occupations are included across multiple DAMAs.
Success depends on employer preparation and ensuring alignment with the specific DAMA framework.
Family-Sponsored Visas
Visas supported by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen — such as a spouse, fiancé(e), or eligible relative. The core of the assessment focuses on demonstrating the genuineness and ongoing nature of the relationship.
The first stage of the onshore partner visa. Applied together with Subclass 801, with the temporary stage granted first.
The permanent stage following Subclass 820. Granted by demonstrating the continued genuineness of the relationship.
The first stage of the offshore partner visa. Lodged together with Subclass 100.
The permanent stage following Subclass 309. Granted by demonstrating the ongoing nature of the relationship.
A visa allowing entry to Australia for the purpose of marriage. Marriage must occur within 9 months of entry, followed by a partner visa application.
A provisional visa supported by an eligible relative (such as a parent or sibling) living in a designated regional area. Holders may progress to Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) after meeting residence and income requirements.
State or Territory Nominated Visas
Skilled visas that require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Because each state has different eligible occupations, criteria, and nomination quotas, strategic selection is essential.
A provisional visa requiring nomination from a state or territory government, with residence and employment in a designated regional area. After three years of residence and meeting income requirements, applicants may progress to Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence).
A permanent residency visa based on nomination from a state or territory government. Holders are expected to live and work in the nominating state for a specified period as part of the nomination conditions.
Visas That Do Not Require Sponsorship
Visas that can be applied for based solely on the applicant’s own circumstances — without support from an employer, family member, or state/territory government. Because requirements are complex and vary by stream, strategic planning is essential.
A work visa for graduates of Australian education programs. Streams and stay periods differ based on qualification level, field of study, and regional factors.
A work visa for graduates of Australian study programs. Stream and stay duration depend on qualification level, field of study, and region.
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (extension for regional study)
A visa for formal study in Australia. Approval risk varies significantly depending on school selection, financial evidence, and the GTE/GS requirements — making application design critical.
A permanent residency visa that does not require sponsorship. Applicants must receive an invitation through SkillSelect and meet points-test requirements. Success depends on a comprehensive strategy across skills assessment, English level, age, and occupation competitiveness.
A permanent residency pathway for holders of Subclass 491 or 494 who have met the required period of regional residence and income thresholds.
For Permanent Residents
Visas for maintaining or restoring permanent residency status. The key considerations are managing the travel facility (the re‑entry period attached to PR) and understanding the options available if it has expired.
A visa that renews the travel facility attached to permanent residency. Eligibility is based on either two years of residence in the past five years or demonstrating substantial ties to Australia.
A permanent visa for individuals who previously held Australian permanent residency. Eligibility is limited and may include factors such as spending part of childhood in Australia or having completed military service.
Long-term permanent residents may apply for Australian Citizenship by Conferral. Although citizenship is not a visa and is treated as a separate pathway, we assist with eligibility assessment and requirement clarification.
Review After Refusal
Merits review after a visa refusal. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) was abolished in October 2024 and replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Following a refusal, we handle the entire review process as one integrated strategy. This includes extracting the key issues from the Refusal Notice, assessing eligibility and deadlines for an ART review, rebuilding missing or insufficient evidence, and designing the written submissions and supporting documents required for the hearing. The speed and accuracy of the initial response have a significant impact on the outcome.
Let's Begin With Design,
Not Just With Decisions
Consultation is not about reaching a conclusion — it is about starting the design.
First Tree treats employment and visas not as paperwork alone, but as design for workplaces and lives that keep moving. Before we talk applications, we clarify where you are and what conditions apply — then, if needed, we decide the next step together.
In an initial consultation, we typically cover:
- Your current situation (employer or worker) and the conditions that apply
- An overview of the process — information needed, timing, and next actions
- What First Tree can support and how roles are divided (including external partners where needed)
※ Depending on your situation, we explain our scope and recommend the best way forward.