Plain-English glossary of Australian visa terms.
Definitions for the terms you'll meet when preparing Australian visa paperwork. Each entry cites the official source and links to related guides.
A
E
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)A permanent employer-sponsored visa with two main streams: Direct Entry from off…
- Employer sponsorshipThe arrangement where an approved Australian employer agrees to sponsor you for…
- Expression of interest (EOI)A declaration through SkillSelect that you want to be invited to apply for a ski…
F
M
N
P
S
- Skills assessmentA formal check by a designated authority that your overseas qualifications and e…
- Skills in Demand Visa (482)An employer-sponsored temporary work visa that replaced the TSS visa in December…
- SkillSelectThe Department of Home Affairs online system that manages Expressions of Interes…
- Specified workHome Affairs work-and-area pairings used in the specified-work test for some sec…
- SuperannuationAustralia's compulsory employer-funded retirement system. Employers contribute o…
T
W
- Anonymous to start
- No account needed
- Stays in your browser
- Every claim cites a source
Common questions
Is this glossary legal or migration advice?
No. These definitions are plain-English explanations to help you understand terms you'll encounter in the visa process. For advice on your specific application, speak with a MARA-registered migration agent.
How do I know when a definition was last updated?
Each term page shows a 'Last updated' date in the sidebar. Definitions are reviewed whenever the underlying Department of Home Affairs or regulatory guidance changes.
What if a term I need isn't here?
Try the Ask section — you can ask a plain-English question and get an answer grounded in the official source material.
Ready to start