WORKING IN AUSTRALIA: Requirements and Procedure

This article will guide you through the visa requirements, types of visas and procedures for obtaining a work visa and processing your path to Australia. The Australian government also provides a range of visa options for both skilled & unskilled workers, students, and business people.

Working in Australia: Visa Requirements

Australia’s vibrant job market attracts skilled professionals worldwide. But to work legally, you’ll need the appropriate visa. This guide will explore the visa landscape for those seeking to work in Australia. Australia offers a variety of work visas, each with specific eligibility criteria.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa is a permanent residency option for skilled workers with occupations listed on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). It doesn’t require sponsorship from an employer, making it attractive for independent professionals. You’ll need to meet a points test based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Similar to the 189 visa, this permanent residency option targets skilled workers on the SOL. However, it requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory government, increasing your chances in areas with skills shortages. Each state may have additional requirements specific to their needs.

3. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187): This visa stream aims to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia outside major cities. It requires sponsorship from a designated regional employer and an occupation on the SOL. This visa often boasts faster processing times compared to metropolitan counterparts and may have a broader age range for eligibility.

4. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This temporary visa caters to employers facing skill shortages in specific occupations. The employer nominates you for the visa, and the sponsorship dictates the visa’s validity period and conditions. This visa can be a pathway to permanent residency if you meet specific criteria.

5. Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): This popular visa caters to young adults (typically 18-30 years old) seeking a working holiday experience in Australia. It allows you to work for up to one year with a single employer for a maximum of six months at a time. You can extend your stay for a second year by completing specific work requirements in regional areas.

General Requirements

While specific requirements vary by visa type, some general benchmarks apply:

• Age: Some visas, like the ENS, have age limitations (often under 45).
• Skills Assessment: Many SOL occupations require a skills assessment to verify your qualifications meet Australian standards.
• Health and Character: You may need health checks and police certificates demonstrating good character.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrating sufficient English competency through tests like IELTS or PTE is usually mandatory.
• Financial Requirements: Some visas may require proof of funds to support yourself initially.

Australian Work Visa: Application Process

Landing your dream job in Australia is exciting, but the next hurdle is securing the appropriate work visa. Fear not, this guide will walk you through the general application process for Australian work visas.

1: Gather Information: Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

• Chosen Visa: Double-check you’ve selected the visa that best aligns with your situation (refer to previous guides for details on different visa types).
• Visa Requirements: Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa, including skills assessments, health checks, and financial documents.
• Supporting Documents: Start gathering necessary documents like passport, educational certificates, work experience proofs, skills assessment results (if applicable), and health certificates.

2: Online Application: Most Australian work visa applications are submitted online through the ImmiAccount system. Here’s what to expect:

• Creating an ImmiAccount: Register for an account to access the online application forms and track your application status.
• Completing the Application Form: The online form will request details about your personal information, qualifications, work experience, and travel history. Be thorough and accurate in your responses.
• Attaching Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents electronically in the specified format.

3: Fees and Payment: Visa applications come with associated fees. You’ll pay the relevant fee electronically during the online application process.

4: Submission and Processing: Once you’ve submitted your complete application and fee payment, the processing begins. Processing times can vary depending on the visa type and workload.

5: The Wait and Potential Requests: During processing, the Department of Home Affairs might request additional information or clarification. Ensure you respond promptly to avoid delays.

Processing Time

Here’s a quick snapshot of current processing times for some popular work visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 9 Months
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 15 Months (may vary by state)
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): 24 Days