Work visas
Employer-sponsored visas for skilled migrants
Work visas are designed to address labor shortages in Australia. By attracting skilled workers, the government aims to fill temporary shortages in specific occupations and in regional and remote areas. The main tools used by the government include lists of in-demand occupations that qualify for work visas, as well as various labor agreements between the government, states and territories, and specific employers. While mining and agriculture are major industrial sectors in Australia, the rapid pace of economic development has created a need for workers in mechanical engineering, food processing, chemical industries, the fuel industry, forestry, construction, and many other sectors.
The main difference between work visas and professional visas is that work visas do not have independent categories—all applicants must be sponsored by an Australian employer. In other words, a work visa allows a migrant to work for a specific employer who sponsors them for the visa. For a work visa, the Department of Home Affairs must approve the employer, the position, and the worker. Typically, work visas also allow the main applicant to bring their family members.
General requirements for a work visa applicant include:
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Be no older than 45 years old (exceptions apply)
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Have relevant education and at least 1 year of work experience in the field of intended employment in Australia (full-time or equivalent)
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Have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the absence of relevant education (exceptions apply depending on the profession)
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Have skills assessed by an authorized organization (exceptions may apply)
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Have a certain level of English proficiency
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Have a profession listed in a relevant list of occupations
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Have an employment contract or a job offer
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Be of good character and have no criminal record
Discover our special rates for work visas
General requirements for a sponsoring employer include:
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An existing, legally registered business under Australian law (or a foreign business legally operating in Australia)
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No adverse information about the business, its founders, or affiliates (e.g., tax or wage evasion, bankruptcy, involvement in illegal activities)
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Extensive experience and a demonstrated commitment to hiring local workers
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To be a sponsor approved by the Department of Home Affairs
Provides expert assistance to legal entities and individual entrepreneurs in obtaining and extending their right to sponsor overseas workers for Australian visas.
To receive advice or request a service, please contact us via any channel convenient for you.
In line with the Australian government's policy of attracting skilled labor from overseas, work visas play a significant role within the broader immigration visa system. Australian legislation offers migrants both short-term and long-term visas, with the possibility of eventually obtaining a permanent resident visa.
Let's look at the subclasses of work visas.*
*These are the most popular subclasses of work visas, but are not exhaustive options.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
This temporary visa can be granted for a period of up to 4 years. It allows employers to bring skilled workers from overseas if they are unable to find suitable workers in Australia. The visa is attractive because it has no age limit and relatively low English language proficiency requirements (IELTS: 5.0 overall/4.5 in each component for the Core Skills stream, 5.0/5.0 for the Specialist Skills stream). This visa can be the first step towards permanent residency. If the visa holder meets certain conditions, they can apply for a permanent visa, such as a subclass 186 visa via the Temporary Transition stream, after a few years. The subclass 482 visa has four streams: Core Skills stream: Employers can bring workers in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List. Specialist Skills stream: Employers can sponsor skilled workers in occupations listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. There is also a minimum salary requirement for workers brought under this stream—the Specialist Skills Threshold. For the current financial year (until 30 June 2025), it is AU$135,000. Labour Agreement stream: If a business cannot bring a skilled worker under the two streams above for any reason, they can enter into an agreement with the Australian Government and agree on specific requirements for overseas workers, such as age and language concessions. Subsequent Entrant stream: Family members of a worker holding a subclass 482 visa can apply separately and come to Australia later via this stream.
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
A permanent visa (PR) for skilled workers sponsored by an employer. The visa leads directly to becoming an Australian citizen. The visa has three streams: 1. Direct Entry stream is for workers whose occupation is on the list of eligible skilled occupations and who have at least 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation. The candidate must be under 45 years of age (with some exceptions) and demonstrate at least a Competent level of English proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 6.0). 2. Labour agreement stream is for workers who are employed or intend to be employed by an employer who has a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. The applicant must be under 45 years of age unless the Labour Agreement specifies different age conditions. Occupation, experience, skills, and English language proficiency are also determined by the terms of the specific Labour Agreement. 3. Temporary Residence Transition stream is for workers have held a subclass 482 visa and worked full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for at least two years. Generally, the candidate must not be over 45 years of age, but exceptions apply for certain professions (e.g., scientists, university lecturers, doctors) as well as for workers earning above the high-income threshold set by the Fair Work Commission. All candidates without exceptions must demonstrate a Competent level of English proficiency.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
This is a temporary visa for 5 years enabling skilled workers to work in regional Australia (all of Australia excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). The worker must be sponsored by a regional employer approved by the Department and is required to work for that employer for the visa period. The applicant's occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list. If all visa conditions are met, the worker can apply for a permanent residency (PR) visa after 3 years. An applicant must be 45 years of age or younger with exceptions for certain occupations and high-income earners, and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the occupation within the last 5 years preceding the visa application. The candidate's professional skills must be demonstrated via a formal skills assessment (exceptions apply to some applicants). The applicant must also demonstrate a Competent level of English proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 6.0).
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
This is a temporary visa valid for 3 to 6 months and designed for short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. An applicant must possess specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that are either unavailable or difficult to find in Australia. This visa is typically intended for specialists invited by Australian organisations, although sole proprietors or freelancers may also use this visa to run some activities in Australia. While there are no specific age or English language requirements, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members for the period of their stay in Australia. The applicant must apply from outside Australia, and the visa cannot be extended while in Australia. Processing times are typically fast, with most applications finalised within one month.
To obtain more information on all available Australian visas book a consultation with a migration agent here
Expert Advice
When going through the skills assessment process, remember that the qualifying organization will assess your qualifications and skills against Australian education standards and a typical job description for a similar occupation. While many assessments are document-based, the organization may decide to interview you. During the interview, you may be asked about your education, work experience, and the main functions you performed in your previous positions. The interviewer will assess your answers against the standards and practices followed in Australia.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the requirements of local companies and adjust your skills assessment portfolio accordingly. Additionally, prepare for the interview with the expectations of the Australian labor market in mind.
We will select a sought-after occupation from a relevant list and in line with the conditions of your planned visa. We will also prepare the necessary documents and submit an application to the relevant organization for skills assessment.
Work visas are suitable for:
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Immigration purposes, including obtaining Australian permanent residency and citizenship
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Earning money in a country with one of the world's highest income levels
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Recognition and advancement of professional qualifications on an international scale
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Access to education, including free schooling for children
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The ability to sponsor parents and other eligible relatives for migration to Australia in the future
Work visas may impose limitations on:
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Your choice of a residence between states and territories
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Your selection of employers