Excerpted from the Australia Career Guide

Overview

When traveling to Australia for work or pleasure, foreign nationals will need to obtain the correct documentation from Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). This department manages the entry of people into the country for tourism, business, education and permanent relocation. Australia’s government emphasizes its commitment to five basic freedoms: speech, association, assembly, religion and movement. There is also a clear emphasis on the importance of tolerance and cultural respect in Australian society. These aspects of Australia are demonstrated in the very detailed and complex visa regulations that cover numerous classes of travelers.

Business Visas

The Business Visa is appropriate for business people visiting Australia for business purposes, for example, to attend a conference or training session, to conduct business with an Australia-based organization, to conduct business negotiations or for an exploratory business visit.

There are several visa class programs possible for those wishing to work in Australia:

• Employer Sponsored Workers is for people with recognized skills seeking to work in Australia after being sponsored by an Australian or overseas employer....

Student Visas

Different factors such as age, intended main course of study and the home country’s assessment level all determine whether a student is qualified to study in Australia. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship determines a student’s Assessment Level according to the passport country and course(s) of study. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has a website designed to walk an applicant for a Student Visa through the visa selection and application process. The starting point is selecting the type of education the applicant is looking to pursue in Australia....

Types of Student Visas

1. Temporary Visa for Primary or Secondary School Courses: International students who want to study (a) primary school courses, (b) secondary school/junior or senior courses, or (c) approved secondary school exchange programs in Australia need this type of visa.
2. Temporary Visa for Vocational Education and Training: This type of Australian student visa applies to international students whose main study courses are one of the following: (a) vocational graduate certificates, (b) vocational graduate diplomas (c) certificates I, II, III and IV (with the exception of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) or (d) diplomas/advanced diplomas....

This is just a short sample of what you’ll find in over 100 pages of information in the Australia Guide.