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Work and skilled visas Australia

For foreign workers, especially those in skilled occupations, there are a number of temporary and permanent visas available for various different circumstances. The appropriateness of these visas will depend on the individual applicant, meaning potential applicants should carefully consider their current situation, future plans and family circumstances before applying for visas at random.

While there are numerous visas available, choosing the right one can be difficult, stressful and time-consuming. At Australian Migration Agents we understand this, so below is some summary information and guidance about skilled visas in Australia. If you or someone you know needs tailored advice or assistance in choosing and applying for an Australia skilled visa, please contact us at Australian Migration Agents today.

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Australian Migration Agents are fully registered: MARN 2318221

What sets Australian Migration Agents apart

Types of work and skilled visas in Australia

As stated, Australia’s immigration program includes a large number of skilled visas, allowing foreign workers who wish to enjoy Australia’s living and working conditions to migrate to the country. These visas are often differentiated on their eligibility criteria. This can include requirements of applicants being sponsored by an Australian employer, invitation requirements, receiving a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority or an applicant’s occupation being present on a skilled occupation list. Additionally, the benefits of skilled visas can vary, with some visas providing applicants with a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency (and Australian Citizenship where eligible) whereas others prove to be cheaper and have lower-processing times.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186)

For skilled workers either on a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa or for highly skilled workers who have never held a TSS visa in the past, permanent residency in Australia is a highly attractive prospect.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (187)

A Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa is a visa that allows skilled workers who are nominated by their Australian employer in regional Australia to live and work permanently within Australia.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is a visa that enables skilled overseas workers to migrate to Australia to work with regional employers who are struggling to source appropriately skilled Australian workers.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482)

This is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to be sponsored by Australian employers where they are unable to find a suitably skilled Australian to fill a position in their business. This visa subclass is divided into three streams, with an applicant’s occupation being relevant to the stream they apply under.

Global Talent Visa 858

Where individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and have international standing wish to immigrate to Australia permanently, the Global Talent visa provides an attractive pathway.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (191)

The 191 visa Australia provides a pathway for skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency in designated regional areas.

Skilled Independent Visa (189)

The process of obtaining a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) involves meeting various criteria, including the points test pass mark, which requires a minimum score of 65 in SkillSelect.

Skilled Nominated Visa (190)

The Skilled Nominated visa offers a pathway for highly skilled individuals to secure permanent residency in Australia, granting them the opportunity to establish indefinite residence and employment in the country.

Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (476)

Tailored for recent engineering graduates, the 476 visa offers an 18-month opportunity in Australia for study, work, and residence. Applicants must have a recent engineering degree from a Washington Accord-accredited institution and be under 31 years old.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491)

A Skilled Work Regional (provisional) (subclass 491) visa is a visa that allows skilled workers who are nominated by a State (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania) or Territory (the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory) government, or an eligible family member, to live and work in regional Australia.

Temporary Graduate Visa (485)

The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa is a work visa that allows international students who have finished their studies in Australia to live, study and work further in Australia on a temporary basis.

Temporary Work Short Stay Visa (400)

This visa, known as the Subclass 400 visa, facilitates short-term employment for highly specialised work streams.

Benefits of using an Australian Migration Agent for your work or skilled visa

At Australian Migration Agents, we are experienced with and knowledgeable of Australia’s immigration system and committed to assisting applicants navigate its ever-changing, complex and confusing nature.

This includes in relation to handling skilled or work visa applications, where we work with applicants and any sponsors to draft and lodge complete applications with all of the relevant supporting material, minimising any potential delays that are avoidable.

Our team of registered migration agents can help applicants at any stage of the process, from an initial consultation to responding to additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs.

While applicants can apply for a visa alone, engaging the help of an Australian Migration Agent can help enhance an applicant’s chances of success and give them the best opportunity for a successful visa application outcome.

Australian visa application steps

The application process can be a complex and time-consuming journey, with strict eligibility criteria and a certain amount of evidence required to support your application. A registered migration agent can help you gather the correct documents and improve your chances of visa success. 

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Step 1

Initial consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents, where we’ll discuss your situation and see how we can help you move forward.

Step 2

Application preparation & submission

Your Australia visa agent will prepare a submission to support your application, tailored to your unique situation and backed by all the documents required. Once completed, we’ll submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 3

Visa outcome

We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.

Work visa requirements

While the requirements for work and skilled visas in Australia will differ depending on the type of visa that is being applied for, common eligibility criteria set by the Department include:

  • Demonstrating at least two or three years of relevant work experience
  • Meeting the various health and character requirements set by the Department
  • Meeting the required level of English language proficiency 
  • Holding all of the necessary qualifications, registrations and licences for the relevant occupation 
  • Engaging in an occupation that is identified on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Meet the age requirements set by the Department
  • Being sponsored by an approved relative or nominating employer 
  • Meeting the points test requirements and receiving an invitation to apply 
  • Having a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

Work visa costs involved

When applying for a work and skilled visa in Australia, there are usually two main costs that are associated with the visa application

Department Fees

The fees charged by the Department of Home Affairs will differ depending on the visa subclass that is being applied for. Generally, regional visas often have lower fees, while employer-sponsored visas will usually entail additional expenses for nomination, sponsorship and where the Skilling Australians Fund levy needs to be paid.

Australian Migration Agents Professional Fees

At Australian Migration Agents, our pricing is tailored to the specific needs of each client to acknowledge that no two applications are the same. Furthermore, through using a fixed-fee framework, we ensure that our clients have transparency and predictability concerning the expenses associated with their visa application.

Work visa processing times

Like the costs, the processing time for work and skilled visas will depend on the type of visa which is being applied for. As visas are processed on a case-by-case basis, it can be difficult to make an exact estimate on how long any given visa application will take. Furthermore, there are various factors that can affect how long a visa application may take, both relating to the Department and the applicant themselves.

At Australian Migration Agents, we strive to submit complete, accurate and comprehensive applications to minimise any avoidable delays in the application process.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most frequently asked questions

What are the types of skilled worker visas in Australia?

As detailed above, there are a number of skilled and work visas available to meet the different circumstances of potential applicants. Broadly, skilled and work visas are designed to meet shortages in the Australian labour market, and as such, these visas will often be restricted to differing occupations and industries.

What qualifies for a skilled visa in Australia?

The requirements for skilled and work visas will differ depending on what visa subclass is being applied for. The requirements can include working in a particular occupation, being sponsored by an Australian employer, having a positive skills assessment or meeting various health and character requirements. For precise information, applicants should visit the Department’s website or click on the relevant visa subclass above

What is a skilled Visa in Australia?

A skilled visa is generally related to visas that are for certain work that has various skills requirements. These visas are available in line with the demands of the Australian labour market and designed to address skill shortages in Australia.

How do I get a work visa in Australia?

The process for seeking a work visa in Australia can be complex. Depending on the visa which is being sought, there will be differing requirements that need to be fulfilled. For precise information on getting a work visa applicants should visit the Department’s website or click on the relevant visa subclass above.

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Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our agents will get back to you as soon as possible.

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