Hobart

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Work Visa Requirements

Information on work visas, permits, and eligibility criteria for immigrants in Hobart.

Sections

1. Types of Work Visas Available for Hobart, Australia

Australia offers several work visa options depending on your skills, qualifications, and the nature of your employment. The most relevant work visas for Hobart include:

a. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer to fill a position that cannot be filled by an Australian worker.
  • Streams:
    • Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
    • Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
    • Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored under a labour agreement.
  • Duration: 2-4 years depending on the stream.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Available under the Medium-Term Stream.

b. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government, including Tasmania.
  • Eligibility: Requires nomination by the Tasmanian Government and an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Duration: Permanent residency.

c. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional areas, including Hobart.
  • Eligibility: Requires nomination by the Tasmanian Government and an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Duration: 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.

d. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residency.
  • Streams:
    • Direct Entry Stream: For workers who meet the skills and experience requirements.
    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have held a TSS visa for at least 3 years.

e. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

  • Purpose: For young people (18-30 or 18-35 for some countries) to work and travel in Australia.
  • Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension if specific work requirements are met.

f. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

  • Purpose: For highly skilled individuals in targeted sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology.
  • Duration: Permanent residency.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the visa type. Below are the general requirements:

a. General Requirements

  • Age: Most work visas have an age limit of 45 years, except for exemptions (e.g., Global Talent Visa).
  • Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is required for most skilled visas.
  • English Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) is required.
  • Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards, including a medical examination and police clearance.
  • Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL).

b. Tasmanian-Specific Requirements

For state-nominated visas (Subclass 190 and 491), Tasmania has specific requirements:

  • Residency: You may need to live in Tasmania for a certain period before applying.
  • Employment: Evidence of ongoing employment in Tasmania in your nominated occupation.
  • Study: Graduates of Tasmanian educational institutions may receive additional points or priority.

3. Costs

The costs for work visas vary depending on the type of visa and the number of applicants (e.g., family members). Below are approximate costs as of 2023:

  • TSS Visa (Subclass 482): AUD 1,330 (Short-Term Stream) or AUD 2,770 (Medium-Term Stream).
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): AUD 4,640.
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): AUD 4,640.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): AUD 4,640.
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): AUD 510.
  • Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): AUD 4,640.

Additional costs may include:

  • Skills assessment fees: AUD 300โ€“1,000 (varies by occupation).
  • English language test: AUD 300โ€“400.
  • Health examination: AUD 300โ€“500.
  • Police clearance: AUD 50โ€“100 per country.

4. Application Procedures

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Check the relevant skilled occupation list and ensure you meet the criteria for your chosen visa.

Step 2: Skills Assessment

  • Apply for a skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • For skilled visas (Subclass 190 and 491), submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system.

Step 4: State Nomination (if applicable)

  • Apply for nomination from the Tasmanian Government if required.

Step 5: Gather Documents

  • Collect all required documents, including proof of identity, skills assessment, English proficiency, employment contracts, and health/character checks.

Step 6: Submit Visa Application

  • Lodge your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

  • Processing times vary by visa type (see below).

5. Processing Times

Processing times depend on the visa type and individual circumstances:

  • TSS Visa (Subclass 482): 1-4 months.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 6-12 months.
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 6-12 months.
  • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186): 5-9 months.
  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): 1-2 months.
  • Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): 2-3 months.

6. Local Considerations for Hobart

a. Industries in Demand

Hobart has a strong demand for skilled workers in the following sectors:

  • Healthcare and social assistance (e.g., nurses, aged care workers).
  • Education and training.
  • Tourism and hospitality.
  • Agriculture and aquaculture (e.g., fisheries, farming).
  • Construction and engineering.

b. Tasmanian Government Support

The Tasmanian Government provides resources and support for skilled migrants, including:

  • Migration Tasmania: Offers guidance on state nomination and settlement in Tasmania.
  • Skilled Occupation List for Tasmania: Updated regularly to reflect local labor market needs.

c. Regional Incentives

Hobart is classified as a regional area, making it eligible for regional visa incentives, such as additional points for skilled visas and access to the Subclass 491 visa.

d. Cost of Living

Hobart has a lower cost of living compared to major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, but housing availability can be limited. Plan accordingly for accommodation.

7. Resources

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the work visa process for Hobart, Australia. If you need further assistance, consider consulting a registered migration agent for personalized advice.