Visa Guide

Australian visas, explained simply

The five visa subclasses most Korean visitors, students, workers, and partners encounter. Plain English and 한국어 side by side.

Important

General information only — not immigration advice.
Always verify current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.
For complex cases, consider a registered MARA agent.

Official source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · Find a MARA agent

At a glance

Visa	Best for	Stay	Work	From
Working Holiday (subclass 417) subclass 417	Korean citizens aged 18–30 (or 35 for select nationalities) holding a valid Korean passport.	Up to 12 months from the date of first entry. Can extend to a second and (for some) third year via specified work in regional areas.	Full-time work with any one employer for up to 6 months. Can do 3 months specified work to qualify for a second-year visa.	Main applicant: AUD 650 (as of 2024).
Student visa (subclass 500) subclass 500	International students accepted into a registered course of study in Australia. Korean applicants must satisfy GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements.	Matches course duration, typically 1–4 years plus a few weeks before/after.	Up to 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session; unlimited hours during official breaks.	Main applicant: AUD 1,600 (as of 2024). Plus OSHC (health cover) — typically AUD 500+/year.
Skilled Independent (189) / Skilled Nominated (190) subclass 189 / 190	Skilled workers under 45 with recognised qualifications, English ability, and a points-eligible occupation on the skilled occupation list.	Permanent residency (5-year travel facility, renewable).	Unrestricted work and study rights; live anywhere in Australia; access to Medicare.	Main applicant: AUD 4,640. Plus skills assessment, English test, and (for 190) state nomination fees.
Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) subclass 820 / 801	Spouses or de facto partners in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an eligible Australian sponsor.	Two-stage visa: 820 is a temporary visa leading to 801 permanent residency (usually after 2 years).	Full work and study rights in Australia from grant of 820.	From AUD 8,850 (applicant only, as of 2024). Higher fees apply if applying from outside Australia.
Visitor visas (subclasses 600, 601, 651) subclass 600 / 601 / 651	Tourists, family visitors, and short-term business travellers. Korean passport holders can use eVisitor (651) for up to 90 days per visit, or Visitor visa (600) for longer or multiple-entry stays.	651: up to 90 days per visit. 600: typically 3, 6, or 12 months, single or multiple entry.	No work permitted on any visitor visa subclass.	651: free. 600: AUD 200+ depending on stream and length.

Pick a visa

subclass 417

Working Holiday (subclass 417)

For young adults (18–30, or 35 for some countries) who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year.

subclass 500

Student visa (subclass 500)

For international students enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian institution (university, VET, school, ELICOS).

subclass 189 / 190

Skilled Independent (189) / Skilled Nominated (190)

Points-tested permanent residency visas for skilled workers in occupations on the relevant skilled occupation list.

subclass 820 / 801

Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801)

For partners (married or de facto) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

subclass 600 / 601 / 651

Visitor visas (subclasses 600, 601, 651)

Short-stay visas for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. Korean citizens often use eVisitor (651) for short visits.