To work in Australia, you typically need a valid Australia work visa. Different factors, such as the kind of work, qualifications, and duration of stay, determine the specific work visa needed.
What is an Australia Work Visa?
Australian work visa opens doors to incredible professional opportunities to work in Australia depending on your career path and the length of your intended stay. These can be either temporary or permanent visas.
Once granted this eagerly awaited document, you unlock the gateway to working in Australia. This will allow you to pursue your career aspirations for the duration that your visa permits.
Types of Australia Work Visa
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482):
This visa has 3 streams you can apply for, depending on what’s best for you. Getting this visa requires both nomination and sponsorship from your employer to fill in positions in Australia. This visa is temporary but after a few years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189):
Visa 189 is a type of work visa for skilled individuals who have occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet other requirements, such as scoring at least 65 points on the skills table. This visa grants them the ability to permanently live and work in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):
This is a permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Without this nomination, you cannot be able to apply for Visa 190. you can only get the nomination when you meet the required point eligibility criteria.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186):
This visa is created for skilled workers who have been nominated by employers to work permanently in Australia due to their recognized skills. This Visa has 3 available streams:- The Direct Entry stream.
- The Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- The Labour Agreement stream.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187):
Visa 187 is for skilled workers who previously had a valid work visa and are nominated by the same employer.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417):
With a validity of up to 12 months, this visa offers the flexibility to extend your holiday in Australia while being able to work. under certain circumstances to have an extended holiday in Australia while being able to work temporarily. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended in certain circumstances.
Temporary Work Visa for Short Stay Specialist (subclass 400):
If you possess a skill that is in short supply in Australia, applying for this visa could be in your best interest. While typically only issued for three months at a time, sometimes six-month validity periods can also apply.
Temporary Work International Relations Visa (subclass 403):
This visa features six streams, with each stream having different requirements and specifications. You may apply for this visa based on which stream best meets your eligibility criteria.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):
When applying For a 485 visa, there are two streams to consider depending on your occupation. If applying under the graduate work stream, your occupation must fall within the skills occupation list. Whichever stream you choose, this temporary work visa only lasts up to four years before having to reapply for permanent status elsewhere.
Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408):
This Visa is a temporary pandemic visa issued only during pandemic outbreaks to help visitors extend their previous visas. You may qualify for this special permit by providing evidence that shows you were affected by a global pandemic outbreak. To apply for it, provide evidence that you were directly impacted.Global Talent Visa (subclass 858):
Depending on your skills, there are two options for a global talent visa, for the streamlined pathway, you must submit an expression of interest. With a global talent visa, you can remain in Australia permanently.Permanent Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 191):
This is also a permanent work visa, but in order to apply for subclass 191, you must already hold a valid visa. This visa program is designed for skilled workers in Australia.
Does an Australia Work Visa have an age limit?
There is an age requirement for most work visas. you must be under the age of 45 or 50 to be eligible. Some visa types do not have age requirements. however, this will depend on which visa type is being applied for.
How much does an Australian work Visa cost?
The cost of an Australian work visa ranges between AUD325 and AUD4,200. You may not have to pay the visa fee if you are applying for a certain subclass. There are however additional fees for the majority of visas.
You may have to pay additional fees for every family member who applies with you. For some visas, you will have to pay an extra fee for those family members that do not have a good level of English.
Can I obtain permanent residency with a work Visa?
Intriguingly, many work visas grant you permanent residency, allowing you to truly call Australia your newfound home. However, for those holding temporary work visas, there’s still hope to obtain permanency. By dedicating a commendable number of years to working and living in this mesmerizing country, while diligently adhering to the conditions of your short-term visa,
Can I apply for a work visa with my family members?
You can bring family members along with you for most work visas. There are some rules about who counts as a family member. A family member can be your partner, spouse, or children.
Depending on the visa stream that you apply for, you may not be able to bring your family with you. A domestic worker stream of a visa 403 doesn’t allow you to bring family members to Australia.
How long does an Australian work Visa take to be processed?
Most work visas will typically be processed within a year or two. Although processing times cannot be guaranteed due to various factors that could extend or shorten this process.
Certain visas can be processed within weeks, others can even take less time. If any required information is missing from your application, processing your visa could take even longer.
Do I have to be nominated in order to get a work visa?
Work visas do not always require nominations; some such as Visa 189 do not. However, some Work visas can be sponsor-based, and you need to have both a valid sponsorship as well as a nomination in order to apply.
READ MORE: Australia Immigration – A quick guide to Smooth Relocating To Australia