Australia attracts millions of travellers and aspiring migrants every year, but one question comes up more than any other: What’s the easiest visa to get? With different visa subclasses, eligibility rules and processing times, finding the simplest option can save you time, stress and money.

In most cases, the easiest visas to get are the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). These options have light documentation, lower fees and quick approvals. For young travellers, the Working Holiday Visa is also one of the most accessible ways to experience Australia while earning money along the way.

Read on for a quick overview of which visas are considered the simplest based on your purpose and background.

What Is the Easiest Visa to Get for Australia? A Brief Overview

The easiest visa depends on your age, nationality and the reason you’re travelling. Some visas are designed for quick trips with minimal paperwork, while others offer work rights or longer-term pathways. Below is a simple breakdown to help you understand which option fits your situation best.

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and ETA (Subclass 601) – Ideal for short-term tourism or visiting family. These visas have simple requirements, minimal paperwork and fast online processing.

• Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) – A popular option for eligible travellers aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries). It allows casual work and extended travel throughout Australia.

• Regional Skilled Visa (Subclass 491) – Suitable for applicants with in-demand skills who want a long-term pathway. While not as simple as tourist visas, it offers realistic prospects for permanent residency.

Choosing the right visa for your situation keeps the process smooth and helps you begin your Australian journey with fewer delays.

Explore the Easiest Visa Options with Lewis & Bollard in Sydney

Planning your move to Australia should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At Lewis & Bollard, our Sydney-based team of experienced migration lawyers is here to make the visa process simple and stress-free. 

We take the time to understand your goals and guide you toward the easiest visa options that match your background, skills and lifestyle. Whether you’re in NSW, VIC or QLD, our experts provide clear advice and reliable support from start to finish. 

Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on preparing for your new chapter in Australia. Call us today on +612 9283 0888 or visit our Contact Us page to start your journey with confidence.

What Does the Term ‘Easiest Visa’ Really Mean?

When we talk about the ‘easiest visa’ for Australia, we’re referring to options with simple requirements, minimal documentation and faster processing times. It doesn’t mean zero effort. You’ll still need to meet health, character and eligibility standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.

The level of difficulty also varies from person to person. Your nationality, age, occupation, finances and purpose of travel all influence how straightforward your application will be.

Keep in mind that easier visas usually come with shorter stays, limited rights (such as work restrictions) and no direct pathway to permanent residency. While they’re convenient, always consider how they align with your long-term goals.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Easiest Australian Visas

Australia offers several visa options that are simple to apply for when you understand the process. This step-by-step breakdown explains how each easy visa works, what you’ll need to prepare and how to make your application smoother and more successful.

1. Visitor / Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is one of the most accessible visas for entering Australia. It is designed for people who want to visit for tourism, family visits or short business activities such as meetings or conferences. The visa does not allow paid work but offers the freedom to explore Australia and experience its lifestyle for a limited period.

Visa Requirements:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
• Proof of financial capacity to cover your stay and return
• Evidence of travel purpose (tourism, family visit or short business activity)
• Genuine intent to leave Australia before visa expiry
• Health and character certificates (if required)
• Travel history and proof of strong ties to the home country
• Completed online application through ImmiAccount or the Australian High Commission

Why It Is Considered Easy:

The Visitor Visa involves minimal documentation compared to skilled or permanent visas. It is non-points-based and usually processed within a few weeks. Applicants only need to show that they can financially support their trip and intend to return home after the visit. Because it does not require sponsorship or nomination, many travellers find it the simplest entry option.

Process for the Visa:

1. Visit the Department of Home Affairs visa page and choose the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).
2. Create an ImmiAccount and complete the online form.
3. Upload the required documents, including your passport copy and financial evidence.
4. Pay the visa application fee online.
5. Wait for the decision notice, usually within 14 to 28 days, depending on your application location.

Limitations of the Visa:

• You cannot work in Australia under this visa.
• The study is limited to three months.
• The stay is temporary, with no direct pathway to permanent residence.
• Extensions are rare and overstaying may impact future applications.

Ideal for:

This visa suits tourists, family visitors or business travellers who want a straightforward and short-term entry to Australia. It is perfect for people who value flexibility and ease over long-term immigration benefits.

2. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) / eVisitor (Subclass 601 / 651)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and eVisitor visas are designed for citizens of specific countries, including most European nations and selected Asian countries. These visas allow short stays for tourism or business and are among the fastest and easiest to obtain for eligible passport holders.

Visa Requirements:

• A passport from an eligible country listed by the Department of Home Affairs
• No criminal convictions or pending cases
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Clean travel and immigration record
• Valid health and character documentation
• Access to the official ETA mobile app (for ETA) or online portal (for eVisitor)
• Must apply outside Australia

Why It Is Considered Easy:

The ETA (Subclass 601) can be applied for through the official mobile app or website in just a few minutes and approval often comes within hours. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free of charge and processed online. Both require no physical interviews or paper submissions, making them highly convenient.

Process for the Visa:

1. Check if your passport is on the eligible country list on australia.com or the Home Affairs website.
2. Apply via the official ETA app (for Subclass 601) or through the online portal (for Subclass 651).
3. Enter your passport details, purpose of travel and personal information.
4. Apply and wait for the automated decision.

Limitations of the Visa:

• The stay period is generally three months per visit.
• No work rights are allowed; only limited business visitor activities.
• Available only for specific nationalities.
• Cannot be extended or converted to long-term visas inside Australia.

Ideal for:

Perfect for holidaymakers, short-term business travellers and frequent visitors from eligible countries who want a fast and paper-free process. The ETA and eVisitor options are often the easiest paths to experience Australia briefly without complex paperwork.

3. Working Holiday / Temporary Work Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is an exciting option for young travellers who want to experience Australia while funding their stay through short-term work. It is typically open to applicants aged 18 to 30 years (sometimes 35, depending on nationality) from partner countries.

Visa Requirements:

• A valid passport from a participating country
• Age between 18 and 30 years (or 35 for some countries)
• No dependent children accompanying you
• Proof of sufficient savings (usually around AUD 5,000)
• Evidence of onward travel or funds to purchase a ticket
• Health and character clearance
• Meet specific country program rules (depending on nationality)

Why It Is Considered Easy:

The Working Holiday Visa has a streamlined online process and doesn’t require sponsorship, job offers or skills assessments. Many applicants find it easier because it blends travel freedom with work rights, giving them flexibility to fund their stay while exploring the country.

Process for the Visa:

1. Check your country’s eligibility on the Home Affairs website.
2. Apply online through ImmiAccount and pay the visa fee.
3. Upload passport, proof of funds and health information.
4. Wait for processing, which usually takes less than 30 days.
5. Once approved, you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

Limitations of the Visa:

• Available only to citizens of participating countries.
• Work with one employer is limited to six months.
• Not suitable for permanent settlement.
• Must meet age criteria strictly.

Ideal for:

This visa fits young adventurers who want to travel, gain cultural exposure and work casually while enjoying Australia’s vibrant lifestyle. It is an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable and flexible way to live abroad for a year.

4. Regional Skilled Visa (Subclass 491)

The Regional Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 491) targets skilled professionals willing to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific conditions and is often considered easier for those open to regional relocation.

Visa Requirements:

• • Nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative in regional Australia
  • A positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation
  • Meet the points test requirements
  • English language proficiency proof (IELTS, PTE or equivalent)

• Health and character certificates

• Commitment to live and work in a regional area

• Evidence of financial stability to support the settlement

Why It Is Considered Easy:

Compared with the fully independent Skilled Visa, the 491 is often more attainable because regional areas actively seek skilled migrants to fill shortages. Applicants receive extra points for regional nomination, making it a strategic and accessible route for qualified professionals.

Process for the Visa:

1. Complete a skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
3. Wait for state or territory nomination or relative sponsorship.
4. Once invited, lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
5. Provide supporting documents and pay the application fee.
6. Await decision, typically within six to eight months, depending on the case.

Limitations of the Visa:

• You must live and work in regional areas for at least three years before applying for permanent residence.
• The process requires skills assessment and a competitive points threshold.
• Relocation to smaller regions may be necessary.

Ideal for:

This visa suits qualified professionals, graduates and skilled tradespeople seeking a clear route to Australian permanent residency. It is ideal for those ready to contribute to regional communities while enjoying the lifestyle advantages of smaller Australian cities and towns.

How to Check Which Visa Is Easy for You

You’re not just looking for the easiest visa; you’re looking for the easiest right visa. Start by asking yourself key questions. Then evaluate factors beyond mere ‘ease’.

• What is my purpose (travel, study, work, immigration)?
• What is my nationality?
• What is my age?
• Do I have the required skills or qualifications?
• Can I meet financial, health and character requirements?
• Am I willing to live in a regional area of Australia?

Consider these influencing factors:

• Nationality eligibility (some visas are only for certain passport holders)
• Required documentation (skills assessment, job offer, health/character checks)
• Cost and processing time
• Risk of refusal
• Longevity of the visa (short stay vs long-term)
• Whether work rights are included
• Whether the visa leads to permanent residence or not

Important reminder: You should not chase ‘ease’ at the cost of suitability. An easy visa that does not match your goal may lead to regret. For example, a Visitor visa is easy to get for many, but it will not allow long-term settlement or work rights.

Mini-Checklist Worksheet:

• I know my purpose (visit/study/work/migrate).
• I have checked my nationality eligibility for the visa.
• I meet the age and qualification criteria.
• I have the necessary documentation (passport, finances, skills, job offer if required).
• I understand visa conditions (stay length, work/study rights).
• I checked whether this visa aligns with my longer-term goal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for what seems like the ‘easy’ visa can still be ruined by common pitfalls. Be aware of them.

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing supporting documents.
• Misunderstanding the purpose of the visa (for example, applying for a Visitor visa while expecting to work).
• Overstaying or violating visa conditions (this can affect eligibility for future visas).
• Not checking whether your nationality is eligible for certain ‘easier’ visa subclasses (e.g., ETA or working holiday).
• Under-estimating health/character requirements. Everyone must meet these standards when entering Australia.
• Assuming a short-term or ‘easy’ visa gives you a clear path to permanent residency, often, that is not the case.

Summing Up

Choosing the easiest visa for Australia isn’t about finding a shortcut but understanding which option fits your goals best. Whether you’re visiting loved ones, chasing career growth or simply exploring the beaches and cities you’ve dreamed about, the right visa can make that journey effortless. 

Start with your purpose, assess your eligibility and prepare your documents with care. Australia rewards genuine applicants who plan and meet requirements honestly. With the right approach, you can move closer to your Australian experience with confidence and excitement.