Sydney

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Visa Requirements

Sections

To work in Australia, you need a visa that permits employment. The type of visa you should apply for depends on your skills, job type, and duration of stay. Below are the main visa categories for working in Australia:

1. General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

For individuals with in-demand skills.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Eligibility: For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory.
  • Key Points:
    • Points-tested.
    • Must have skills on the relevant skilled occupation list.
    • Allows permanent residence.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Eligibility: For skilled workers nominated by a state/territory government.
  • Key Points:
    • Requires nomination from a state or territory.
    • Permanent residence visa.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Eligibility: For skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a family member living in a regional area.
  • Key Points:
    • Valid for 5 years.
    • Pathway to permanent residency.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

For individuals with a job offer from an Australian employer.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

  • Eligibility: For workers with skills on the Short-Term or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation Lists.
  • Key Points:
    • Employer sponsorship required.
    • Short-term (2 years) or medium-term (up to 4 years) options.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

  • Eligibility: For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
  • Key Points:
    • Requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
    • Permanent residence visa.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)

  • Eligibility: For workers nominated by an employer in a regional area.
  • Key Points:
    • Permanent residence visa.
    • Replaced by Subclass 494 in some cases.

3. Temporary and Working Holiday Visas

For short-term work or younger workers.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) / Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

  • Eligibility: For individuals aged 18โ€“30 (or 35 for some countries) from eligible countries.
  • Key Points:
    • Allows you to work for up to 12 months.
    • Ideal for casual or temporary work.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

  • Eligibility: For recent graduates of Australian institutions.
  • Key Points:
    • Temporary work rights for up to 4 years.
    • Provides work experience after studies.

4. Business and Investment Visas

For entrepreneurs or investors.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

  • Eligibility: For business owners or investors with significant capital.
  • Key Points:
    • Temporary visa leading to permanent residency (Subclass 888).

Global Talent Visa Program (Subclass 858)

  • Eligibility: For highly skilled individuals in key industries like technology, engineering, and healthcare.
  • Key Points:
    • Priority processing.
    • Permanent residency pathway.

5. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

  • Eligibility: For short-term work in specific circumstances, like cultural or sporting activities, or during a COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Key Points:
    • Not a pathway to permanent residency.
    • Valid for up to 2 years.

6. Regional Visas

For living and working in regional areas.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

  • Eligibility: Requires holding a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and fulfilling conditions.
  • Key Points:
    • Permanent residence for regional visa holders.

How to Choose the Right Visa

  1. Assess Your Skills: Check the Skilled Occupation List to see if your profession is in demand.
  2. Check Employer Sponsorship: If you have a job offer, your employer may sponsor you.
  3. Consider Your Long-Term Plans: If you want to settle permanently, choose a visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
  4. Age and Work Type: Younger applicants might prefer Working Holiday Visas, while skilled professionals should consider GSM or Employer-Sponsored visas.

Resources to Explore Further

  • Visit the Department of Home Affairs for visa details.
  • Use the Visa Finder Tool to identify suitable visas.

If you'd like help with the application process or understanding visa requirements, let me know!