Migration law regulates who has a right to enter and remain in Australia. It is Commonwealth law, and the law is therefore the same across Australia.

Some brief information about major visa categories is provided below. The law in this area changes frequently, and people contemplating making a visa application will often need to seek the advice of a migration agent.

Relevant legislation and resources

Migration Act 1958 (Cth)

Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth)

Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA)

Jennifer Burn and Sudrishti Reich, The Immigration Kit: A Practical Guide to Australia’s Immigration Law (7th Edition, 2005, The Federation Press)