Your Ultimate Guide to Working in Australia: Visa Requirements and the Application Process

Are you considering working in Australia? It’s important to understand the requirements and procedures of the visa process. The following guide will give you all the information you need about Australian work visas to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): For employers to address labor shortages by hiring skilled workers from abroad.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-based visa allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without sponsorship.

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Similar to the 189 visa but requires state or territory nomination.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): A permanent visa requiring employer nomination for skilled workers.

Types of Work Visas

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

TSS visas allow Australian employers to fill labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers from overseas. The course is divided into three streams:

• Short-term stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

• Medium-term stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• Labor agreement stream: for skilled workers needed under an Australian government labor agreement.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia can apply for this points-based visa. Sponsorship is not required from an employer, a state, or a family member. Age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications are taken into account when awarding points.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

In the same way as the 189 visa, this visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. The nomination must be made by a state or territory government in Australia.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

Skilled workers are eligible for this permanent visa, which requires employer nomination. Permanent residency in Australia allows you to live and work there.

Eligibility criteria

Skills Assessment

You must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). To prove your qualifications and experience, you need a skills assessment from an authorized organization.

English proficiency

Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic are required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Health and character requirements

To demonstrate good character, you must meet specific health standards.

Employer sponsorship

Employer-sponsored visas require your employer to be an approved sponsor and demonstrate a need for your skills.

An In-Depth Guide to the Australian Work Visa Application Process

1. Determine eligibility.

Check if your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). Listed below are the professions that are currently in demand in Australia. Assess your points for points-based visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Age, English proficiency, work experience, and education are all considered when awarding points. A minimum of 65 points is required to qualify.

2. Skills Assessment

In order to verify that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards, you must undergo a skills assessment. An authorized assessing authority relevant to your occupation must conduct this assessment. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) assesses teachers, while Engineers Australia assesses engineers. In addition to documentation of your qualifications, work history, and sometimes additional tests or interviews, each assessing body has its own requirements.

3. English Proficiency Test

It is required that applicants demonstrate proficiency in English. Tests accepted include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. There are specific scoring requirements for each visa category. Skilled visas often require a minimum IELTS score of 6 in each band, but higher scores can earn you more points.

4. Expression of interest (EOI).

SkillSelect is an online system used by the Australian government to manage skilled migration applications. A detailed description of your skills, qualifications, and work experience will be included in your EOI. If you score well, you may be invited to apply for a visa based on your ranking against other applicants. In the event that your circumstances change, such as gaining additional work experience or improving your English language proficiency, you can update your EOI at any time.

5. Receive an Invitation to Apply

An invitation to apply (ITA) for a visa will be sent to you if your EOI is successful. You must submit your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation. You will receive an invitation specifying the visa subclass and instructions for applying. Gather all necessary documents, such as your skills assessment and English test results.

6. Medical and Police Checks

In order to obtain a visa, an applicant must meet certain health and character requirements. Medical examinations will be conducted by panel physicians authorized by the Department of Home Affairs. In a health examination, you will typically receive a general health check, a chest x-ray, and blood tests to determine whether you have any health conditions that could pose a public health risk or incur significant medical expenses.

Additionally, you must provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for at least 12 months in the past 10 years. The certificates confirm that you do not have a significant criminal record that would prevent you from entering or staying in Australia.

7. Submit Your Visa Application

Submit your complete visa application online through the ImmiAccount portal. This application should include all required documents, such as your skills assessment, English test results, medical examination reports, and police certificates. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections. You will also need to pay the visa application fee at this stage.

8. Await Visa Decision

Once your application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will review it. Processing times vary depending on visa type and individual circumstances. You can track your application status through your IMMiAccount. During this time, the department may request additional information or documents, so check your email regularly and respond promptly.

9. Visa grant

Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification. You will receive a notification with your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any visa conditions. Maintain your visa status by understanding and complying with these conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are needed for a skills assessment?

Documents typically include your qualifications, transcripts, detailed work experience, and sometimes a professional reference.

How long does it take to get an invitation to apply after submitting an EOI?

It varies based on your points score and demand for your field of expertise. It can take a few weeks to several months.

Can I include my family in my work visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your visa application.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will be informed of the reasons. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply if you can address the issues raised.

How can I increase my points score for a skilled visa?

Improving your English proficiency, gaining more relevant work experience, and obtaining higher qualifications can increase your points score.

Conclusion

It is essential to prepare well for the Australian work visa application process in order to be successful. In order to increase your chances of submitting a successful application, follow the outlined steps and ensure all requirements are met. Work visas in Australia are tailored to different needs, whether you’re looking for a temporary or permanent move. Take the first step towards working in Australia today.

Stay informed and updated with the latest visa information by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website and following their social media channels for announcements and updates.