Are you interested in working in Australia? If so, you’ll need to obtain a work visa. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about work visas in Australia, including the application process, requirements, and different visa types.
What is a work visa?
A work visa is a type of visa that allows you to work in a foreign country. In Australia, work visas are issued to individuals who wish to work temporarily or permanently in the country.
There are several types of work visas available depending on the nature of the work you’ll be doing and the length of time you’ll be staying in Australia.
Types of work visas in Australia
There are several types of work visas available in Australia, including:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, also known as the TSS visa, is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved sponsor to work in Australia for up to four years.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job, as well as meet the English language requirements.
The TSS visa has three streams:
- Short-term stream
- Medium-term stream
- Labour Agreement stream
The stream you apply for will depend on the skill level of your occupation and the duration of your stay in Australia.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa is designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member, and who have skills in demand in Australia.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have an occupation that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), meet the English language requirements, and score enough points on the points system.
The Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa, which means you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have studied and completed a degree or qualification in Australia within the last six months, have a certain level of English language proficiency, and meet other eligibility requirements.
The Temporary Graduate Visa allows you to work in Australia for up to four years, depending on your qualification.
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have an occupation that is on the MLTSSL or the STSOL, meet the English language requirements, and score enough points on the points system.
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in regional Australia for up to four years. After two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer to work in Australia on a permanent basis.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job, as well as meet the English language requirements.
The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa has three streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Direct Entry stream
- Agreement stream
The stream you apply for will depend on your situation and the requirements of your employer.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer to work in a regional area of Australia on a permanent basis.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job, as well as meet the English language requirements.
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa has two streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Direct Entry stream
The stream you apply for will depend on your situation and the requirements of your employer.
Application process and requirements
The application process and requirements for a work visa in Australia will depend on the type of visa you’re applying for.
Generally speaking, you’ll need to:
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Meet the English language requirements
- Have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the job
- Score enough points on the points system (for certain visas)
- Be nominated by an approved sponsor (for certain visas)
The application process will typically involve submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, and attending a biometric appointment.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in working in Australia, there are several types of work visas available depending on your situation and the nature of your work. By understanding the different visa types and the application process, you can take the necessary steps to obtain a work visa and start your new life in Australia.
