• Australia has many immigration programs.The Australian flag blowing in the wind image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
  
  Australia has several immigration opportunities, but the application requirements vary for the different types. Citizens can sponsor family members, but all other applicants must basically prove to the Australian government that they will benefit the society. The Visa Capping Bill of 2010 allows the minister of immigration to "cap and terminate all applications for a certain class or subclass of visa," so immigration requirements may be getting more stringent.
  
  

Research Immigration Options

• Visa classifications include family member, workers, businesspeople, students and refugee or humanitarian entrants. Each classification has sub-classifications. Research all options at immi.gov.au to find if you qualify for any of these programs. The site describes each visa and its requirements in detail, but you must navigate the site extensively to find each list.
  
  

Acquire Your Documents

• Standard documents you need for visa application include a passport, photographs, a medical certificate and a police report. Each Australian consulate can give you a list of acceptable medical facilities that you can go to for your examination. Your police report must come from all the areas you have lived for specific amounts of time before the date of your application. Also you need documents to prove your education and work experience for any employment or business visa. Contact an Australian consulate for exact details.
  
  

Start Your Online Application

• Each type of visa has its own application process. Navigate immi.gov.au to find the application you want and open the link. Begin filling in all the appropriate information. You can save your application as you go, submit information as you discover it and attach documents as you acquire them. You cannot find all the information you will need until you actually start an application.
  
  

Pay Fees and Submit Application

• Depending on the particular application you fill out, you will be prompted to submit it and pay the application fees. Once submitted, you can check the progress of your application as you wait for the final decision. You may be asked to provide additional information as the government goes through its decision-making process.