Australia Work Visa: Requirements, Costs, and Application Guide

An Australia work visa allows you to work and live in Australia for a specific period. Australia is renowned for its robust economy, high quality of life, and diverse job opportunities, which make its work visa one of the most sought-after globally.

Most people that do apply for the Australia Work Visa do so not just because they are chasing a career, but also because they want to enjoy the country’s multicultural lifestyle, beautiful environment, and healthcare system.

There are a lot of Australia Work Visa and we will cover most of them in this article. It doesn’t matter if you are seeking a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, the Skilled Independent Visa, the Working Holiday Visa, or the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa. We will cover each with its requirements, benefits, and the right pathway that will allow you to apply to me.

What is an Australia Work Visa?

This is the official document that allows a foreign national to move into Australia and work legally. Now, depending on the kind of work visa you have, it may either be temporary or permanent. Some even require you to have a sponsorship from an employer, a nomination from the state, or a skills-based invitation.

As long as you are not a citizen of Australia, you are required to have a work visa to take up employment in the country. This applies to a wide range, including skilled professionals, graduates, and those whose employers would like to sponsor.

Many benefits come with getting an Australia Work Visa, some of which include stronger workers’ protection, having wide access to different jobs, competitive salaries, and the possibility of transitioning into permanent residency.

Types of Australia Work Visas

There are several types of Australia Work Visas, each designed for different purposes and applicants. Below are some of the most common options:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS – Subclass 482): Allows skilled workers to fill job shortages in Australia when employers cannot find suitable local talent.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462): Lets young people from eligible countries work and travel in Australia for up to one year, with the option to extend.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to fill long-term roles.

Eligibility Requirements for an Australia Work Visa

There are requirements every applicant must meet before they can qualify for an Australia Work Visa. Depending on the visa type you are applying for, the conditions might vary. Here are a few requirements;

You must meet the age limit, which is often between the ages of 18 – 45 years old
You must have the relevant skill set, work experience, and qualifications that are in demand at the time of your application
As an applicant, you must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance to show that you meet Australia’s health and character standards.
In the case where you are applying for a visa like TSS, you will be required to present your proof of sponsorship, as this visa requires you to have a sponsorship from an employer in Australia.
Finally, you will be required to have a minimum score in tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE

How to Apply for an Australia Work Visa (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type

You have to pick the kind of visa that matches your purpose of application. Someone who is immigrating for a working holiday will have a different visa from someone who has an employer sponsorship. So, ensure you are applying for the right kind of visa.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Ensure you review all the requirements, such as your age limits, skill sets, English proficiency, and health checks. You don’t want to waste your time applying for something you did not qualify for.

Step 3: Gather Documents

When applying for a work visa, it is important to have all the necessary documents. This is because they will double-check to the letter. Ensure you have your passport, skill assessments, English test, health report, and police clearance.

Step 4: Submit EOI or Sponsorship

This doesn’t apply to all work visas, but if you are applying for a point-based visa like the subclass 189 or 190, ensure you lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system. If your visa is sponsored, ensure your employer has nominated you.

Step 5: Apply Online

Create an account on the official Australian immigration website and complete your application. This will take you about 15 minutes to complete, but do not be in a rush. Ensure to verify your details after you have completed your form to avoid mistakes, and when all that is done, click on submit.

Step 6: Pay Visa Fees

There is a visa fee associated with every visa category. The visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and you will pay that visa fee before you can completely submit your application.

Cost of an Australia Work Visa

As stated earlier, the cost of an Australia Work Visa may vary depending on the one you are applying for. Here is a cost breakdown of all the visa categories;

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): costs around AUD 1,400 to about 3,000
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): costs around AUD 4,000 for the main applicant
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Approximately AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Around AUD 4,640.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462): About AUD 635.

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Processing Time for an Australia Work Visa

Visas usually take anywhere from a few weeks to several months; the Australia Work Visa is no different. Factors like how accurate your documents are and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs can play a huge role in the processing time. Here is a breakdown of the processing time of each work visa;

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462): Usually processed within a few weeks.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): May take 1 to 3 months.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Can take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on demand and points ranking.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Often processed in 6 to 9 months.