There are several types of Australian work visas, depending on your skills, qualifications, and the nature of the work you intend to do. Here’s a detailed guide on some of the most common work visas:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
- Purpose: Allows Australian employers to sponsor a skilled worker from overseas to fill a position they cannot find a qualified Australian to fill.
- Streams:
- Short-Term Stream: Up to 2 years (or up to 4 years if an international trade obligation applies).
- Medium-Term Stream: Up to 4 years; eligible for permanent residency after 3 years.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian government.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor.
- Must meet the skills and qualifications required for the position.
- English language proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Processing Time: Varies depending on the stream but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.
- Cost: AUD $1,330 – $2,770 depending on the stream.
2. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Purpose: Allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
- Must be invited to apply.
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Must pass a points test (minimum 65 points).
- English language proficiency.
- Must be under 45 years of age.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 8 months.
- Cost: AUD $4,640.
3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- Purpose: Allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Streams:
- Direct Entry Stream: For those who have been nominated by an employer and have the required skills and qualifications.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For TSS visa holders who have worked for their employer for 3 years and are nominated for a permanent position.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated position.
- English language proficiency.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Processing Time: 5 to 10 months.
- Cost: AUD $4,640.
4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa – Subclass 187
- Purpose: Allows skilled workers who are nominated by an employer in regional Australia to live and work permanently in Australia.
- Streams: Similar to the ENS Visa with Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition options.
- Eligibility Requirements: Same as the ENS Visa but specifically for regional areas.
- Processing Time: Approximately 10 to 15 months.
- Cost: AUD $4,640.
5. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- Purpose: For young people (18-30 or 35 in some countries) to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold a passport from an eligible country.
- Must be between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries).
- Must not have any dependent children accompanying them.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Processing Time: 2 to 5 days.
- Cost: AUD $635.