Australia Work Visa & Permits

Updated on:
16 Jan, 2024
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Australia is regarded as one of the largest economies globally, making it a great place to expand your business and hire workers. Its highly skilled labor force boasts numerous professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in health, technology, and more.

However, when hiring workers, you must also be aware of the nuances of the Australian work visa. It is a very important document that allows individuals to work in the country for a specific time. Let’s learn more about this in detail below.

Types of Work Permits in Australia

The Australian employment visa can be divided into three main categories:

  • Short-stay work visas
  • Temporary work visas
  • Permanent work visas.

Short-stay work visas in Australia

It is a type of Australian work visa specifically designed for young adults who wish to enjoy an extended holiday and must work in the country to fund it.

Type of visa Eligibility criteria Duration of stay in Australia Australia work visa cost
Work and holiday (subclass 462)
  • Individuals must be within the age group of 18 to 30 years old.
  • Individuals must possess a passport from an eligible country.
  • Dependent children must not accompany individuals.
12 months AUD 650.00
Working holiday Visa (subclass 417)
  • Individuals must be within the age group of 18 to 30 years old. (35 years of age is also permissible in some countries)
  • Individuals must possess a passport from an eligible country/jurisdiction.
  • Dependent children must not accompany individuals.
12 months AUD 650.00

Temporary work visas in Australia

A temporary working visa in Australia allows individuals to work in the country temporarily.

Type of visa Eligibility criteria Duration of stay in Australia Australia work visa cost
Temporary skill shortage Visa (subclass 482)
  • The individual must receive a nomination for a skilled position from an approved sponsor.
  • The individual must have the right skill set for the job.
  • The individual must fulfill the relevant English language requirements.
  • Up to four years.
  • Residents of Hong Kong can stay up to five years.
AUD 3,115.00
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
  • Individuals must not be more than 35 years of age at the time of application.
  • Individuals must hold an eligible visa.
  • Individuals must have held a Student visa in the last six months.
  • Individuals must have a recent qualification in a CRICOS registered course.
One to three years AUD 880.00 to AUD 2,235.00
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
  • Individuals must live, work, and study in specified regions of Australia.
  • They must possess a subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496 visa.
Four years AUD 425.00 to AUD 4,770.00
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188)
  • Individuals must receive a nomination from an Australian government agency or Austrade.
  • Individuals must receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Five years AUD 9,710.00

Please note: Applications for the Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) were permanently closed from July 1, 2024.

Permanent work visa in Australia

Individuals with permanent work visas in Australia are considered permanent residents.

Type of visa Eligibility criteria Duration of stay in Australia Australia work visa cost
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
  • Individuals must not be more than 45 years of age.
  • An Australian employer must nominate them to work in regional Australia.
  • They must have the necessary knowledge and skill set for the job.
Permanently AUD 4,770.00
Permanent resident (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
  • Individuals must hold an eligible visa for a minimum of three years.
  • Individuals must provide notices of assessment issued by the taxation authorities of Australia for three income years out of five years of their eligible visa.
Permanently AUD 490.00
Employer Nomination Skill Visa (subclass 186)
  • An Australian employer must nominate individuals.
  • They must fulfill the health and character guidelines of the visa officials of the country.
Permanently AUD 4,770.00
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
  • Individuals must be below the age of 45 years old.
  • They must be invited to apply.
Permanently AUD 4,765.00
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
  • Individuals need to be invited to apply for the visa.
  • They must satisfy the points test and possess the required skill set.
Permanently AUD 4,770.00
Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887)
  • Individuals must hold an eligible visa for two years before applying for the 887 visa.
  • It can be a subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487 visa.
Permanently AUD 490.00
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888)
  • Applicants need to have a relevant stream of the subclass 188 visa, subclass 444 visa (special category), or subclass 457 visa (Business Long Long Stay).
Permanently AUD 3,400.00
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132)
  • Applicants need to be invited and must possess the necessary funding/assets.
  • A state or territorial government agency of Australia must nominate applicants.
Permanently AUD 7,855.00
National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)
  • Individuals must be invited to apply for this visa, and the application process must be completed within 60 days of the invitation.
  • They must not be on Australian immigration clearance during the application process or when the visa is issued.
  • They must possess an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement in sports, the arts, and research, among other fields.
Permanently AUD 4,840.00
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Australia Work Permit Visa Requirements

The documents required for a work permit in Australia usually vary depending on the type of visa you need. It can often get challenging for businesses to understand these requirements for the visa policy of Australia. Therefore, to help you in this aspect, we have highlighted some of the most common requirements for a work visa in Australia.

  • A passport with a validity of at least six months.
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Copy of job offer letter
  • Proof of English language proficiency 
  • Proof of educational qualifications.
  • Recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Police clearance certificate and 
  • Form 80 for Personal Character Assessment.

How to Apply for Australia Work Visa and Permits

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a work visa in Australia.

  • Obtain the job offer (if required)

The first step is to obtain a job offer from either a public or private institution in Australia. Based on the type of visa you wish to apply for, you also need to check whether you have the skills/qualifications for the job role. Additionally, for certain types of visas, applicants must receive an invitation to apply for the work permit.

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you have selected the type of work visa you need and have been invited for the job, you must submit an EOI. This is an important document that states your interest in working in the country.

  • Get the nomination approval

Wait for your employer, nominee, or sponsor to complete and approve the sponsorship form. Then, you can apply for a visa.

  • Clear the Points Test

Candidates invited to apply for a visa must pass the points test. The test is usually calculated based on factors such as the candidate's age, English language proficiency, educational qualifications, etc.

  • Apply for the visa

Once all these steps are done, you can proceed with the application of work visa process Australia. You can apply online through ImmiAccount to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Make sure to submit all the required documents. You will also be charged an application fee, depending on the type of work you are applying for a visa.

Looking to Hire in Australia? Skuad can Help!

Skuad’s all-in-one platform facilitates all aspects of international hiring. Employment contractors, payroll, benefits management, background checks - we have got it all covered. 

The best thing is that with our in-house team of legal experts, you no longer need to worry about compliance matters. We will ensure you are always updated on all changes in country-specific labor laws, including the varying requirements of work permits and visas, especially when hiring internationally. 

So, book a demo with us today and enjoy a compliant and seamless hiring experience.

FAQs

How can I get a work visa for Australia?

You can apply for a work visa in Australia online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Is it difficult to get a work visa in Australia?

Getting a work visa in Australia can be quite difficult at times. Different types of visas are available for specific job types. Each has its requirements, which can be difficult to understand without proper legal guidance. For instance, if you’re from the US, you need an Australia work visa for US citizens, which has unique requirements.

How much money do you need for an Australian working visa?

Currently, there is no fixed cost for Australian work visas. The Australia work permit cost usually depends on the work permit you are applying for.

How long does it take to get a work visa for Australia?

The processing time for an Australia employment visa depends on its type. Permanent visa programs usually require 7 to 10 months. 

How long do you work in Australia to get a visa?

The duration you need to work in Australia to obtain a visa depends on the work permit you are applying for.

Employ contractors and employees in 160+ countries

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limited-offer-banner
EOR in 
Australia
Monthly
best value
Annually
Pay monthly at a discounted rate with a 12-month commitment
carrot icon
$
299
/month
(billed annually)
G2 badge
limited-offer-banner
EOR in 
Australia
Monthly
$
349
/month
(billed annually)
Annually
Pay monthly at a discounted rate with a 12-month commitment
carrot icon
$
299
/month
(billed monthly)
G2 badge

Employ contractors and employees in 160+ countries

G2 badge

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