Australian Work Visas

Australian work visa types

Temporary work visas

If you’re not ready to commit to moving permanently or just need to be in Australia for a specific period, a temporary work visa is the best option for you. The following are the types of Australian work visas available:

1. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (489 Visa): This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia (towns outside the major capital cities of Syndey, Melbourne and Brisbane). It allows you and your family to stay for up to four years, with the potential of getting permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Visa (887 Visa).
    
2. Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (476 Visa): If you're a recent engineering graduate, this visa lets you live, work, or study in Australia for up to 18 months. You must be under 31 and have a recognised degree or higher qualification from an institution accredited under the Washington Accord within the past two years.
    
3. Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Visa): This visa has two streams or subclasses: the Graduate Work Stream and the Post Study Work Stream. It is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution, allowing them to stay for 18 months to four years, depending on their qualifications.
    
4. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482 Visa): This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor a foreign skilled worker when they can’t find an Australian to fill the position. It has three streams (Short Term, Medium Term, and Labour Agreement) and is valid for up to four years (depending on the subclass).
    
5. Working Holiday Visa (417 Visa) and Work and Holiday Visa (462 Visa): These visas are for young adults aged 18-30 from eligible countries (including Argentina, Austria, China, Israel, Poland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S.), allowing them to stay and work in Australia for 12 months.
    
6. Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (403 Visa): This visa is for people looking to improve Australia's international relations under bilateral agreements between Australia and their home country. It includes streams for government workers, foreign government workers, domestic workers, and the Seasonal Worker Program participants.
    
7. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (400 Visa): This visa is for foreign workers with highly specialised skills not generally available in Australia. It is valid for three months but can be extended to six if required. 
    
8. Temporary Activities Visa (408 Visa): This visa type is for foreigners working in specific short-term roles, including special government programs, religious work, research activities, domestic work for executives, and cultural, sporting, or entertainment activities. 
    
9. Maritime Crew Visa (988 Visa): This visa is for foreign crew members of civilian/merchant ships travelling to and through Australian waters.
    
10. Crew Travel Authority Visa: This visa is for international airline crew who travel to and from Australia, allowing easy entries and exits as part of their work schedule.
     

Permanent work visas

These work visa types grant you permanent residency, allowing you to sponsor your close relatives to come and live with you in Australia, enjoy government services and benefits, and eventually apply for citizenship if eligible.

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (186 Visa): This visa allows skilled workers nominated or sponsored by their Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
    
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (190 Visa): This visa is for skilled foreigners who have received a nomination and application invitation from an Australian state or territory government. 
    
3. Skilled Independent Visa (189 Visa): This visa is for workers not sponsored by an employer or family member nor nominated by a state or territory government. New Zealanders with a history of living in Australia can apply for this visa without invitation. However, foreigners from other countries must receive an application invitation and pass a points test to qualify. 
    
4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (187 Visa): This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer in a regional area.
    
5. Skilled Regional Visa (887 Visa): This is for people who have lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia under a previous visa, such as the 489 visa, and want to transition to permanent residency.

Australian work visa requirements 

Some Australian work visas may have specific age, experience and documentation. But generally speaking, these are the requirements you must meet:  

1. Start with completing the application relevant to the specific work visa type. This form is usually available online on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
    
2. For most skilled work visas, you must undergo skill and qualification assessments by the relevant authorities for your profession in Australia to ensure your qualifications meet Australian standards.
    
3. You may need to prove your English proficiency by taking a test like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge Advanced English (CAE). However, this requirement depends on the visa type and your nationality. 
    
4. You must meet specific health and character requirements, including undergoing a medical examination and providing a police clearance certificate to prove you don’t have a criminal record.
    
5. If your profession requires registration or licensing in Australia (like medicine or teaching), you must secure this before applying for your visa.
    
6. Many visas require you to demonstrate relevant work experience in your field. You must provide evidence like employment references, job descriptions, and pay slips.
    
7. Certain visas have age restrictions, typically requiring applicants to be under a certain age (often 45 or 50 years old, depending on the visa type).
    
8. You may need to sign an Australian values statement agreeing that you will respect the Australian way of life and comply with Australian laws.

Note that when applying for an Australian work visa, you must ensure all your documents are in English. If they're not, you'll need NAATI-certified translations to meet the Australian Government's requirements. The best and safest option is to use a translation company with NAATI-certified translators like Translayte to handle your document translations. 

Application processing fees 

When applying for Australian work visas, the processing fees vary depending on whether the visa is temporary or permanent. Most permanent visas have the following costs:

• The applicant: A$4,045.
• Each dependent over 18: A$2,025.
• Each dependent Under 18: A$1,010.

The only exception is the Skilled Regional Visa, which has a lower fee of A$425 for the applicant, A$210 for each dependent over 18, and A$110 for those under 18.

Here's the breakdown of the application costs for temporary work visas:

Remember, these prices are just for applying and don't cover other costs you might need to pay, like health checks or police certificates. Always verify the latest prices and details on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or consult a migration expert.
 

Typical processing times 

Processing times for Australian work visas depend on the type and complexity of the application. Here’s what you can typically expect, depending on whether you’re applying for a permanent or temporary work visa:

• Permanent Work Visas:
  • Skilled Nominated Visa: Six to eight months.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme: Five to ten months, depending on the stream.
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: 12 to 18 months.
  • Skilled Independent Visa: Eight to 11 months.
  • Skilled Regional Visa: Ten to 14 months.
     
• Temporary Work Visas:
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa: 11 to 14 months.
  • Skilled - Recognised Graduate Visa: Four to five months.
  • Temporary Graduate Visa): Three to four months, depending on the stream.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: 45 to 75 days.
  • Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa: 10 to 20 days.

Practical tips for living and working in Australia as a foreigner 

Getting your Australian work visa is a big achievement, but it's just the beginning of your journey. Here are some practical tips for settling into Australia and starting your new job:

1. Accommodation: While you might initially stay in temporary housing like a hotel or hostel, look for more permanent rental accommodation as soon as possible. You can often find listings through reputable real estate websites and local networks. You may also be eligible to qualify for a home loan, which can ease the financial burden.
    
2. Tax File Number (TFN): You must also apply for a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You’ll need this for employment and to file tax returns.
    
3. Bank Account: Open a bank account to manage your finances more efficiently. You’ll likely need your passport and proof of address for this.
    
4. Medicare: Depending on your visa and nationality, you might be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme. Check your eligibility and enrol if possible.
    
5. Social Security Number: If eligible, apply for a Social Security number to access government services and benefits.

Starting work

1. Understanding Employment Terms: Familiarise yourself with your work contract and the terms of employment, including your salary, work hours, and other entitlements.
    
2. Workplace Culture: Australian workplace culture might differ from what you're used to, often emphasising equality, directness, and work-life balance. Learn to be open to new ways of communication and interaction to integrate better with your colleagues and superiors. 
    
3. Networking: Building a professional network can help you adjust and find opportunities for career advancement. Consider joining relevant organisations or online groups related to your profession.
    
4. Further Training: Depending on your field, additional qualifications or certifications in Australia might improve your employment prospects or be necessary for certain positions.
    
5. Rights and Responsibilities: Understand your rights as an employee under Australian immigration laws, including minimum wage, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination laws.

Settling into a new country can be challenging but also exciting. Take the time to explore your new environment, understand the local customs, and connect with the community. Doing so will help you adjust quickly and enrich your experience in Australia.

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