A Guide to Australian Work Visas

If you want to work in Australia, you will most likely need a work visa. Australia has a structured immigration system with several visa types for different workers, from skilled professionals to temporary employees. This guide breaks down the key visa categories, requirements, and application steps to help you find the best path.

Understanding Australia’s Work Visa System

Australia’s work visa system is managed by the Department of Home Affairs. It is designed to bring in skilled workers who can fill gaps in the Australian job market. The system uses a points-based and employer-sponsored framework, meaning your eligibility depends on factors like your occupation, qualifications, and whether an Australian employer supports your application.

Work Visa vs. Work Permit

In many countries, a “work visa” and a “work permit” are separate documents. A work permit is usually an approval from a labor department for a specific job, while a work visa is the travel document that lets you enter the country. In Australia, however, there is no separate work permit. Your work visa gives you the legal right to both enter the country and work there. The conditions of your employment, such as which employer you can work for and how long you can stay, are all attached directly to your visa.

Who Needs a Work Visa to Work in Australia?

Anyone who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident generally needs a valid work visa to work in Australia. This includes foreign nationals with a job offer, skilled workers migrating independently, and people on working holiday arrangements. Some visa types, like student visas, allow limited work rights but are not full work visas.

New Zealand citizens are a special case. According to the Department of Home Affairs, they can live and work in Australia under the Special Category Visa (subclass 444), which is granted automatically on arrival. If you are unsure whether your current visa allows you to work, you can check through the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) service on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Visas at a Glance: Which Fits You?

Australia offers a range of work visas, and the right one depends on your skills, salary, and long-term goals. Some visas are temporary and tied to an employer, while others lead directly to permanent residency. The table below will help you quickly compare your options.

Quick-Reference Comparison Table by Visa Subclass

The following table summarizes the most common Australian work visas. Pay attention to the duration, whether an employer sponsor is required, and whether the visa offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR). According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage visa on December 7, 2024, is now the primary route for employer-sponsored temporary workers.

Decision Flowchart: Choosing Based on Your Situation

Start by asking yourself whether you have a job offer from an Australian employer. If yes, employer-sponsored visas like the subclass 482 or 186 are your most direct options. If you do not have an employer but your occupation appears on a skilled occupation list, you may qualify for independent or state-nominated visas such as subclass 189 or 190.

For younger applicants aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for select nationalities) who want short-term work experience, the Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are designed for that purpose. If you are coming for a brief specialist assignment of a few months, the Short Stay Specialist visa (subclass 400) may be the best fit.

Types of Temporary Work Visas in Australia

Temporary work visas allow you to live and work in Australia for a set period without gaining permanent residency right away. Each subclass has its own rules about duration, the type of work allowed, and whether you need a sponsor.

Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is Australia’s main employer-sponsored temporary work visa. According to the Department of Home Affairs, it replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage visa on December 7, 2024 and operates through three streams: the Core Skills stream for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), the Specialist Skills stream for high earners, and the Labour Agreement stream for roles covered by labour agreements. The visa lasts up to four years and requires at least one year of relevant work experience. After two years with an approved sponsor, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

The subclass 408 visa is for people coming to Australia for specific short-term activities rather than standard employment. It covers streams including entertainment, sports, research, religious work, and government-endorsed events. The length of stay ranges from three months to up to four years depending on the stream. Applicants generally need sponsorship or an invitation from an approved Australian organization, along with health insurance and proof of financial support.

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

The subclass 400 visa is for highly specialized, short-term work that cannot be done by a local worker. It is commonly used for expert consultations, equipment installations, or conference participation. The standard stay is up to three months, with extensions to six months in exceptional cases. You do not need a formal employer sponsor, but you must have an invitation from an Australian host and evidence of your specialist skills.

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The subclass 407 visa allows you to come to Australia for workplace-based training that improves your skills in your current occupation. It is not a standard employment visa; its purpose is structured learning. You need a sponsor or host organization with an approved training program, and the visa can be granted for up to two years. Holders must meet health and character requirements, and switching to most other visa types from within Australia is generally not permitted.

Employer-Sponsored Work Visas Explained

Employer-sponsored visas are among the most popular pathways to working in Australia because the employer takes an active role in supporting your application. Unlike independent skilled visas, these require a specific Australian business to nominate you for a position they cannot fill locally. In return, many of these visas offer a clear route to permanent residency.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The subclass 186 visa grants permanent residency to skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It has three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream (for workers already on a subclass 482 visa), the Direct Entry stream (for applicants without prior Australian temporary work), and the Labour Agreement stream. Applicants typically need at least three years of work experience, a positive skills assessment, and competent English.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

The subclass 494 visa is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers in designated regional areas of Australia (most of the country outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane). Employers in these regions can sponsor overseas workers when no suitable local candidate is available. Workers must have at least three years of relevant experience and a valid skills assessment. After three years of regional work, holders can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional authority that allows employers in specific areas to sponsor workers under more flexible terms than standard visa programs. Concessions can include a higher age limit (up to 55), reduced English requirements, and access to occupations not on national skilled lists. According to the Department of Home Affairs, there are currently 13 active DAMAs across Australia. Workers sponsored through a DAMA typically enter on a subclass 482 or 494 visa and can later transition to permanent residency.

Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled migration visas are for people who want to move to Australia based on their own qualifications, work experience, and language ability rather than relying on an employer. These visas use a points-based system managed through SkillSelect, where you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation to apply.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The subclass 189 is a permanent residency visa that does not require any sponsorship. You apply through SkillSelect by submitting an EOI, and if your points score is high enough, you receive an invitation to lodge your application. Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). While the minimum threshold is 65 points, competitive rounds in 2025–26 typically require scores of 85 or higher depending on your occupation.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The subclass 190 also leads to permanent residency but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This nomination adds 5 points to your EOI score, which can make a big difference in competitive rounds. Each state has its own priority occupations and criteria, so eligibility varies. Once granted, you are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a regional area. It adds 15 points to your EOI, the largest points boost available through any nomination pathway. Holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. After three years of regional residence and meeting a minimum income threshold, you can apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Understanding the Points System

All three skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, and 491) require at least 65 points on the SkillSelect points test. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and Australian study or work history. For example, applicants aged 25 to 32 receive the maximum 30 age points, while a “Superior” English score adds 20 points. Keep in mind that 65 points is only the minimum to enter the pool. Actual invitation cutoffs are often much higher.

Working Holiday and Graduate Visas

These visas serve younger applicants and recent international graduates who want Australian work experience without needing a formal job offer or a high points score.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

The subclass 417 lets young people aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for select nationalities, including the UK, Canada, France, and Ireland) from eligible countries work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. You can extend for a second and third year by completing specified regional work, such as farming or construction. No employer sponsorship or skills assessment is needed, but you must hold a passport from a participating country and have enough savings (generally around AUD 5,000). This visa does not lead to permanent residency on its own.

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

The subclass 462 is similar to the 417 but open to a different set of nationalities under reciprocal government agreements. Applicants are typically aged 18 to 30 and must meet additional requirements such as holding a tertiary qualification or having functional English ability. Like the 417, it allows 12 months of work and travel with the option to extend by doing regional work. Some countries, including India and China, use a ballot system with limited places each year.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The subclass 485 is for international students who have recently completed an eligible qualification at an Australian institution. It allows graduates to stay and work full-time after their studies. As of 2025–26, the age limit for most applicants has been reduced to 35 (with an exception for Master’s by research and PhD graduates, who remain eligible up to age 50). Stay durations have returned to standard lengths: two years for bachelor’s and coursework master’s degrees, three years for research master’s degrees, and four years for doctoral degrees. Graduates who studied in regional areas may qualify for an additional one to two years. This visa does not require employer sponsorship or a points test.

Key Requirements and Eligibility

Regardless of which work visa you apply for, there are several common eligibility requirements. These include skills assessments, English proficiency, health and character checks, and in many employer-sponsored cases, minimum salary thresholds.

Skills Assessments and Occupation Lists (CSOL)

Most skilled and employer-sponsored visas require your qualifications and work experience to be assessed by an approved assessing authority. Each occupation is linked to a specific body (for example, Engineers Australia for engineering roles, or the Australian Computer Society for IT positions). Your occupation must also appear on a relevant list. For employer-sponsored visas like the subclass 482, the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the main reference. For points-tested visas such as the subclass 189, you need to be on the MLTSSL. Always check the most current version of these lists on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

English Language Proficiency

Nearly all Australian work visas require you to demonstrate English language ability. The required level varies by visa type. For example, the subclass 482 generally requires “Competent” English (IELTS 6.0 in each band), while the subclass 485 now requires an overall 6.5. For points-tested visas, higher English scores earn more points. The table below shows how the main tests compare. Note: PTE Academic score thresholds were updated from August 7, 2025 to component-specific scores; the overall benchmarks below remain a useful general reference.

Health, Character, and Age Requirements

All applicants must meet health and character standards. The health requirement involves a medical examination by a Department-approved panel physician. For character, you must provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years. Age limits also apply: skilled migration visas generally require applicants to be under 45, working holiday visas are restricted to ages 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on nationality), and the subclass 485 now caps most applicants at 35.

Salary Thresholds and Labour Market Testing

Employer-sponsored visas have minimum salary requirements to ensure overseas workers are paid at levels comparable to local employees. According to the Department of Home Affairs, for 2025–26 (effective from July 1, 2025), the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD 76,515 per year (approximately ¥8,340,000 at 1 AUD ≈ 109 JPY, as of February 18, 2026), and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is AUD 141,210 (approximately ¥15,390,000). These figures exclude superannuation and are indexed annually. The offered salary must also equal or exceed the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.

Employers must also complete Labour Market Testing (LMT) before nominating an overseas worker. This requires advertising the position in Australia for at least 28 days to demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available.

How to Apply for an Australian Work Visa

Once you have identified the right visa and confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to prepare and submit your application. The process is handled almost entirely online through the Department of Home Affairs’ digital portal.

Preparing Your Documents

Before starting your application, gather all required supporting documents. Most work visas ask for a valid passport, skills assessment outcome, English test results, educational certificates, and evidence of work experience (such as reference letters or employment contracts). For employer-sponsored visas, your employer also needs to provide sponsorship-related documents. Health examination results and police clearances are also required. Have certified copies or translations of any documents not in English, as the Department may reject untranslated materials.

Submitting Your Application via ImmiAccount

All Australian visa applications are submitted through ImmiAccount, the Department’s online portal. You create a free account, select your visa subclass, fill in the forms, upload documents, and pay the application charge. For points-tested visas (subclass 189, 190, 491), you must first submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before lodging in ImmiAccount. For employer-sponsored visas, the employer lodges sponsorship and nomination first, and you then submit your own application.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Processing times vary widely by subclass and case complexity. The Specialist Skills stream of the subclass 482 can be processed in as little as seven days, while the Core Skills stream typically takes several weeks to a few months. Points-tested visas like the subclass 189 and 190 often take six to twelve months. A bridging visa is usually granted automatically if you apply for a new visa while your current one is still valid and you are in Australia. You can check estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Visa Costs and Fee Breakdown

Every application requires a Visa Application Charge (VAC) paid at lodgment. The 2025–26 rates (effective from July 1, 2025) reflect a roughly 3% increase over the previous year. The table below shows the current fees for the most common work visas (amounts shown in both AUD and approximate JPY at 1 AUD ≈ 109 JPY as of February 18, 2026). Keep in mind that you may also need to budget for skills assessments, English tests, medical exams, police clearances, document translations, and migration agent fees. For employer-sponsored visas, the employer must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy (AUD 1,200–AUD 1,800 per year per nominee for temporary visas, or AUD 3,000–AUD 5,000 for permanent visas, depending on business size). All fees are non-refundable.

Source: Department of Home Affairs – Visa Pricing Table (effective July 1, 2025). Exchange rate: 1 AUD ≈ 109 JPY as of February 18, 2026.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Australian Work Visa Rejections

Even well-qualified applicants can have their visa refused due to avoidable errors. Understanding the most frequent reasons for rejection will help you prepare a stronger application.

Incomplete Documentation and Skills Assessment Errors

One of the leading causes of visa refusal is submitting an application with missing or incorrect documents. This can include forgetting a police clearance, uploading an expired English test result, or providing reference letters that do not clearly state your job title, duties, and employment dates. The Department does not always give applicants a second chance to provide missing information.

Skills assessment errors are equally problematic. If you nominate the wrong ANZSCO code or your qualifications do not match the requirements for your nominated occupation, your application will likely be refused. Double-check every document against the checklist for your visa subclass and verify that the ANZSCO code on your assessment matches the one on your application exactly.

Choosing the Wrong Visa Subclass

Applying for a visa subclass that does not match your situation is another common and costly mistake. For example, some applicants apply for the subclass 189 without realizing their occupation is not on the MLTSSL, or choose the subclass 482 without confirming their employer meets sponsorship requirements. Since application fees are non-refundable, choosing the wrong subclass means losing thousands of dollars. Before lodging, carefully compare your circumstances against each visa’s eligibility criteria. If you are unsure, consulting a registered migration agent can help.

Overlooking Visa Conditions and Compliance Rules

Receiving a visa grant is not the end of the process. You must comply with the conditions attached to your visa for its entire duration. For example, subclass 482 holders must generally work only for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Subclass 494 holders must live and work in a designated regional area. Working holiday visa holders face limits on how long they can work for a single employer.

Breaching visa conditions can lead to visa cancellation, a ban on future applications, or removal from Australia. Always read the conditions on your visa grant notice, check your obligations through VEVO, and seek professional advice before making any changes to your employment or living arrangements.

FAQ

Q. Can I Work in Australia Without a Job Offer?

A. Yes. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is entirely points-based and does not require employer sponsorship. Working Holiday visas (subclass 417 and 462) also let you find work after you arrive. However, most employer-sponsored visas (such as the subclass 482 and 186) do require a confirmed job offer and nomination from an approved employer.

Q. Can I Bring My Family on an Australian Work Visa?

A. Most Australian work visas allow you to include immediate family members (spouse or partner and dependent children) in your application. They generally receive the same visa conditions, including work and study rights. Additional fees apply for each family member. Adult dependents over 18 may need to demonstrate functional English for some visa subclasses.

Q. How Much Does an Australian Work Visa Cost?

A. Costs depend on the subclass. As of 2025–26, the main applicant fee ranges from AUD 445 (Training visa, subclass 407) to AUD 4,910 (skilled and employer-sponsored visas like subclass 189 or 186). Budget for additional expenses such as skills assessments, English tests, medical exams, and police clearances.

Conclusion

Australia’s work visa system offers multiple pathways for skilled workers, employer-sponsored professionals, young travelers, and international graduates. The right visa depends on your occupation, qualifications, employer situation, and long-term goals. Immigration rules change regularly, so always verify the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.