Australian Work Visas

Work visa options Australia

Australia offers various work visa options, each designed for different categories of workers. Here are some of the main work visas in Australia:

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 Australia work permit 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. As of 1st, July 2024, application to this visa was permanently closed. You can explore other options.
3. Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Visa): This visa has two streams or subclasses: the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education 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. Skills in Demand (SID 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. Australian 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.  Although the working holiday visa lasts for 12 months, it can be extended under some conditions, such as working as a seasonal worker in specified industries in regional Australia for a minimum of three months during the first visa period.
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 to become an Australian citizen 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. To qualify, applicants must be employed in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring organization.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (190 Visa): This type of skilled worker visa is for 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 skilled workers visa is for individuals nominated by an Australian employer in a regional area. Applicants must be employed in the nominated occupation within the designated regional area to qualify.
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. In most cases, applicants will also need to undergo a skills assessment and English testing as part of the Skilled Migration Visa process.
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 limits, 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.

Australian visa application supporting documents

1. A valid passport with up to six months of validity remaining.
2. Recent passport-sized photographs that meet specific Australian immigration requirements.
3. Birth certificate
4. Recent bank statements showing available funds.
5. Employment contracts outlining your salary and terms of employment.
6. Financial guarantees from family or sponsors.
7. Academic certificates and academic transcripts 
8. Skills assessment if required for your nominated occupation
9. Reference letters, and payslips.
10. English language proficiency test results (IELTS or TOEFL).
11. Police clearance certificate from your country of residence and any other countries where you have resided for 12 months or more.
12. Form 80: Complete Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Character Assessment).
13. Medical examinations and chest x-rays.
14. Health Insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
15. Job offer letter
16. Sponsorship documents if your visa requires employer sponsorship
17. Visa application form
18. Evidence of visa fee payment
19. Invitation letter from an Australian organisation or individual.

Note that when applying for an Australian work permit, 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. 

How to get a work visa in Australia

To get a work visa in Australia, you’ll need to follow a structured process, depending on the type of work, your skills, and whether you have an employer sponsor. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

If your primary intention is to study in Australia, you should consider applying for a student visa, which allows you to study and work part-time during your course.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Determine which type of Australian work visa fits your situation. For example, if you have in-demand skills but no job offer, you may be eligible for a skilled visa like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which doesn’t require sponsorship and is points-based, or the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), which requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. There’s also the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), which allows you to live and work in regional areas with potential sponsorship from a family member or state.

Use the Australian Government's Visa Finder tool to help identify the right visa for you.

Step 2: Check the skilled occupation list

Your job must be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List for most work visas. Check the Skilled Occupation List to confirm if you qualify before proceeding. If your skill is not on the list, you can explore other Australian visa options. 

Step 3: Get a skills assessment

For many skilled visas, you’ll need a skills' assessment from an approved authority (like Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, etc.). Some visa on the list include the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Step 4: Take an English test (If Required)

Most work visas require proof of English proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English (CAE). 
 

Step 5: Find an employer sponsor (If Applicable)

If applying for a sponsored visa like Subclass 482 you should apply for jobs in Australia and get an official job offer from an approved sponsor. Employers may be unable to fill certain positions with local workers, which is why they seek skilled overseas workers through sponsorship programs. When that’s done, your employer will submit a nomination application.
 

Step 6: Submit your visa application

Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website and apply online. You’ll need your skills assessment, ID documents, passport, proof of qualifications/work experience, and English test results. You will also have to submit your sponsorship/nomination documents, if applicable, and pay application fees.

Step 7: Wait for visa decision

Processing times vary based on visa type, application completeness, and demand. You can track your application in ImmiAccount. If your visa is approved, you will get a notification on next steps. 

How to access and navigate the portal

To begin your visa application, simply visit the Home Affairs website and follow the prompts to create a secure account. You’ll be asked to enter personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and passport information. Once your account is set up, you can easily locate the relevant visa application form for your chosen holiday visa or working holiday visa. The portal guides applicants through each section, allowing you to upload all required supporting documents, pay the application fee securely online, and submit your completed application with just a few clicks. The intuitive design ensures that applicants can track the status of their visa and receive updates directly through the portal.

Tips for a smooth online application

To make your online application process as efficient as possible, it’s important to:

• Gather all necessary documents and information before you start. This includes a valid passport, proof of identity, and evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia.
• Double-check that you meet all eligibility requirements for the Australian working holiday visa, such as the age limit and character requirements, before submitting your application.
• Have digital copies of your documents ready for upload tol save time and help prevent delays.
• Regularly check the Home Affairs website for the latest updates on visa requirements and application procedures, ensuring you have the most current information.
• Prepare in advance and follow the portal’s instructions carefully, to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

How long you can stay on different work visas

For young people applying for the Australian working holiday visa (subclass 417) or the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), the standard stay in Australia is up to 12 months. In certain cases, applicants may be eligible to extend their working holiday for an additional 12 months by completing specified work in approved industries and regions, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. 

Skilled workers who obtain a skilled worker visa may be granted a longer stay, which can range from several years to permanent residency, depending on their nominated occupation and the specific visa subclass. For example, some skilled worker visas can lead to indefinite stay in Australia, allowing applicants to live and work without a set end date. 

It’s important to note that the duration of your stay on a working holiday visa is subject to strict conditions, such as not working for the same employer for more than six months and only engaging in authorised types of employment or business activities. 

Always review the terms of your visa carefully and ensure you comply with all requirements to maintain your eligibility to stay in Australia.

How much is a working visa in australia?

When applying for a working visa in Australia, the processing fees vary depending on whether the visa is temporary or permanent. Most permanent visas have the following costs:

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 all the details on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or consult a migration expert.

Typical processing times 

Processing times for a working visa in Australia 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 permit:
  • 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 working visa in Australia is a big achievement, but it’s just the beginning of your journey. Many people use their employment in Australia to fund their stay and travel, making it easier to manage expenses during their trip. Here are some practical tips to stay in Australia and start 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.

Remove delays from your Australia visa application process. 

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