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Work Permits

Information on permits and visas that allow individuals to work in Australia, including temporary and skilled worker options.

Sections

1. Overview of Work Permits in Australia

In Australia, a "work permit" is generally referred to as a work visa. These visas allow foreign nationals to work legally in Australia for a specified period and under certain conditions. Work visas are issued under the Migration Act 1958 and are regulated by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Australia offers a variety of work visas tailored to different skill levels, industries, and durations of stay. The most common categories include:

  • Temporary Work Visas (e.g., subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
  • Permanent Work Visas (e.g., subclass 186 - Employer Nomination Scheme Visa)
  • Working Holiday Visas (e.g., subclass 417 and 462)
  • Skilled Migration Visas (e.g., subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa)

2. National Regulations

The Australian government has strict regulations to ensure that work visas align with the country’s labor market needs. Key regulations include:

a. Labor Market Testing (LMT)

Employers sponsoring foreign workers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to hire Australian citizens or permanent residents before offering the position to a foreign worker. This is mandatory for most employer-sponsored visas.

b. Skills Assessment

For many work visas, applicants must undergo a skills assessment to prove their qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. This is conducted by an approved assessing authority specific to the occupation.

c. Occupation Lists

Australia maintains lists of occupations in demand, which are updated regularly:

  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Your eligibility for certain visas depends on whether your occupation is on one of these lists.

d. English Language Proficiency

Most work visas require applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET. Minimum scores vary depending on the visa type.

e. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including:

  • Undergoing a medical examination
  • Providing police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years

3. General Costs

The cost of obtaining a work visa in Australia varies depending on the visa type, duration, and whether dependents are included. Below are approximate costs for common work visas (as of October 2023):

a. Temporary Work Visas

  • Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): AUD 1,330 to AUD 2,770
  • Subclass 400 (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa): AUD 325

b. Permanent Work Visas

  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa): AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa): AUD 4,640

c. Skilled Migration Visas

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): AUD 4,640
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): AUD 4,240

d. Working Holiday Visas

  • Subclass 417 and 462: AUD 635

Additional Costs

  • Skills Assessment Fees: AUD 300–1,000 (varies by assessing authority)
  • English Language Tests: AUD 300–400
  • Health Checks: AUD 200–500
  • Police Clearance Certificates: Varies by country

4. Standard Procedures

The process for obtaining a work visa in Australia typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Check if your occupation is on the relevant occupation list.
  • Ensure you meet the age, skills, English proficiency, and health/character requirements.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

  • If required, apply for a skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This process can take several weeks to months.

Step 3: Employer Sponsorship (if applicable)

  • For employer-sponsored visas, your employer must:
    • Be an approved sponsor.
    • Lodge a nomination application with the DHA.
    • Provide evidence of Labor Market Testing (if required).

Step 4: Gather Documentation

Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:

  • Passport
  • Skills assessment outcome
  • English language test results
  • Employment contracts or job offers
  • Health and police clearance certificates

Step 5: Lodge the Visa Application

  • Submit your visa application online through the ImmiAccount portal on the DHA website.
  • Pay the visa application fee.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

  • Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. For example:
    • Subclass 482: 1–4 months
    • Subclass 186: 5–9 months
    • Subclass 189: 6–12 months

Step 7: Receive Visa Decision

  • If approved, you will receive a visa grant notice with details of your visa conditions.

5. Country-Specific Considerations

a. Regional Work Opportunities

Australia encourages skilled workers to settle in regional areas through visas like the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa). These visas often have additional incentives, such as priority processing and pathways to permanent residency.

b. Working Holiday Visas

Citizens of certain countries (e.g., the UK, Canada, Germany) aged 18–35 can apply for Working Holiday Visas (subclass 417 or 462). These visas allow short-term work and travel in Australia, with the option to extend by completing specified work (e.g., farm work) in regional areas.

c. Reciprocal Agreements

Australia has reciprocal work agreements with some countries, such as New Zealand. New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia indefinitely under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444).

d. SkillSelect System

For skilled migration visas, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. EOIs are ranked based on a points system, and only the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for a visa.

e. COVID-19 Considerations

While most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, applicants should check for any updated travel or health requirements before applying.

6. Tips for a Successful Application

  • Start Early: Some steps, like skills assessments and health checks, can take time.
  • Use the Points Calculator: For skilled migration visas, ensure you meet the minimum points requirement (currently 65 points).
  • Consult a Migration Agent: If your case is complex, consider hiring a registered migration agent for guidance.
  • Stay Updated: Visa rules and occupation lists are subject to change, so regularly check the DHA website.

7. Useful Resources

By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the work permit process in Australia. If you have specific questions about a particular visa type or need further assistance, feel free to ask!