For detailed information on options for people wanting to live and work in Australia temporarily please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website at www.immi.gov.au/skilled/index.htm and www.immi.gov.au/visitors/special-activity/visa-options.htm There is a wide variety of visa options available to participate in specific professional, cultural or social activities in Australia

Applications for some categories of Temporary Residence visa (for instance, Entertainers, Medical Practitioners, Working Holiday Makers) must be sent directly to a processing office in Australia. Details of how and where to lodge applications are shown on the website.

Who should apply?

Australia's temporary residence policy facilitates the entry, on a temporary basis, of people who can contribute to the economic, cultural and social development of the Australian community. Temporary residence visas allow people to live and work in Australia for a limited time. Most subclasses require sponsorship by an Australian organisation which must be approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Australia before the application is lodged.

There are a variety of visas available.

Prospective applicants are advised to obtain Form 147 and indicate the sub-class of visa that they wish to apply for. The form can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website at www.immi.gov.au/allforms/index.htm or obtained from VFS.

Some applications for Temporary Residence visas where the intended stay in Australia is less than 3 months, and all categories where intended stay in Australia is more than 3 months, must be accompanied by a sponsorship.

A visa application charge is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable. For information on fees see the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website at www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i.htm