The Australian government offers several immigration options to foreigners who wish to travel and work in the country. The proper type of visa will depend on how long the applicants wants to stay and the type of work they want to do, which usually needs to be on a skills shortage list.
Before starting any visa application, it is important to assess the eligibility and understand the application requirements, to avoid issues or delays with the application.
Australia work visa
Is it hard to get a work visa in Australia?
Getting an Australian visa is not impossible, however it can be a complex process as there are a lot of steps to follow in order to successfully submit an application.
Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of visa eligibility criteria as well as have all the information and documents in hand when applying. For instance, it is worth to know that all non-English documents must be translated into English before being submitted and, in some cases, a police certificate as well as an health check must be attached to the visa application.
Furthermore, in case a request for further evidence is sent by the government, it is necessary to respond quickly to it, in order not to delay the process.
Finally, it is important to consider that the visa obtainment cannot be guaranteed, therefore we advise applicants to book definitive flight tickets only after the visa is granted.
Can Europeans work in Australia?
Under Australian workplace law, workers have the same workplace rights and protection, regardless of their nationality. Foreigners, including Europeans, can work in the country if they have obtained the corresponding visa.
A specific authority, which is the “Fair Work Ombudsman” (FWO) has the responsibility to investigate and guarantee compliance with the local workplace law. However, foreign workers also can protect themselves from workplace exploitation, for instance by:
- Keeping record of all their documents (the employer has always a right to check the worker’s passport, but not to take it from the worker)
- Stay connected with the consular office if you need any help
- Understand one’s work visa conditions – i.e. knowing the maximum number of hours one can work under his visa or the minimum salary threshold
There are several visa types available – i.e. short stay visas, temporary work visas, permanent ones – and each of them has their own conditions.
Short stay work visas
WHM Program (subclass 417 and 462)
Australia has reciprocal agreements in place with many countries, to foster youth mobility around the world. In details, the so-called “Working Holiday Maker” (WHM) program has been in place since 1975 and it allows young adults to have a 12 months holiday in the country, during which they can perform short-term work and study.
The WHM program leads to two visa subclasses, the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
417 visa Australia
This visa type allows people from 18 to 30 years old (or 35 old for some countries) to have their first extended (12 months) holiday in Australia and work there to help fund their trip.
462 visa Australia
This visa lets people from 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) to have a 12 months holiday in Australia and work there to fund their trip.
What is the difference between 417 and 462 visa?
Although the two visa types seem to be very similar, they require a different set of documents to be submitted during the application.
For instance, the 462 visa has educational requirements and language requirements that the 417 does not have. Furthermore, for citizens of some countries, the 462 visa requires a letter of support from the government of origin.
Temporary activity and specialist visas (subclass 400, 403 and 408)
Australia also foresees visas for specific, highly specialized work aimed to improve the country’s international relations on a short-term basis. There are three main visa subclasses: the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400), the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) and the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408).
400 visa Australia
The visa is granted for up to 6 months for individuals who need to do short-term work in a highly specialized job. The work must be non-ongoing and a strong business case must be provided with the application.
The aim is to prove that the applicant has highly specialized skills, knowledge or experience to support the Australian business and which cannot be found in the local workforce.
403 visa Australia
This visa type is for foreign workers who are invited to work in specific circumstances that will improve Australia’s international relations. This kind of work is regulated by the terms and conditions of bilateral agreements between the Australian government and the government of the worker’s country of origin.
408 visa Australia
This visa type is for foreign, skilled workers who need to travel to Australia to do specific work on a short-term basis. It requires sponsorship by the inviting organization.
Skilled visas
Skilled visas are available to workers who are qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia. Examples of skilled visas are the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream), the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Skilled visa Australia
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is for nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
The applicant must have a job in the skilled occupation list and have a skills assessment. The assessment is made by a relevant assessing authority, i.e. an Australian organization that checks that the applicant’s skills meet the standards to work in a specific occupation.
It is usually the applicant’s responsibility to contact the proper assessing authority and obtain the skills assessment according to the specific authority’s procedure, timeframes and fees. A scanned certified copy of the suitable skills assessment must be attached to the visa application. If the applicant cannot get a positive assessment, they cannot apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa.
485 visa Australia
This visa (Post-Vocational education work stream) is for international students who are 35 years of age (with exceptions) and who have recently graduated and are relevant to specific occupations Australia needs. The visa allows to live, study and work in Australia temporarily, for a maximum period of 18 months (except for Hong Kong and British National Oversas passport holders who may stay for 5 years).
491 visa Australia
This visa is for skilled foreign workers nominated by a state or a territory government to live and work in regional Australia. The applicant must be nominated or be sponsored, have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation (which must be in the occupation list) and satisfy a point test.
The visa is valid for 5 years and the holder can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time the visa is granted.
Apply for working visa Australia
When entering Australia, foreigners will need to show to the frontier authorities their travel documents, including the visa which is electronically attached to the passport that was used on the visa application.
Once you have assessed that you meet all the requirements specific to your case, you can start your visa application.
How can I get Australian work visa?
You can apply for most visas online by accessing the Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs, create an ImmiAccount and complete the application.
Alternatively, you can decide to avail of the support of a registered migration agent, a practicing lawyer or immigration advisor.
Can I get Australian work visa without job offer?
This depends on the type of visa you are applying for. In fact, there are sponsored visas, which require a job offer by an employer who will sponsor you. Sponsored visas can either be temporary, or provide immediate permanent residency, or offer a pathway to permanent residency.
However, there are also unsponsored visas, which do not require a job offer and allow you to work for multiple employers. To apply for most unsponsored visas, you will have to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect website. If you are deemed eligible for the visa, you can then lodge a free EOI.
How do I qualify for an Australian work visa?
Most unsponsored visas are points-based. Points are scored depending on age, study qualifications and English language proficiency.
Furthermore, for some visas such as subclass 190, you need a nomination by a state or territory. To receive a nomination, you must have submitted your EOI first, by going on the relevant submission page. Moreover, some states and territories will need you to register on their own website as well, before they can nominate you.
Visa processing times
The Australian government has a processing time guide for each visa type, as it may vary a lot according to the type of visa applied. There is no standard processing time.
It is possible to check the status on one’s application on the ImmiAccount and the applicant will be contacted when the process is finalized. Of course, the visa can take longer if the application is incomplete.
Once you have assessed that you meet all the requirements specific to your case, you can start your visa application.
Working visa Australia: cost
Cost of visas changes from time to time and, if there is a price increase between the date the application was lodged and the date when is it processed by the authorities, the new fees will be applied.
What is the cost of a work visa for Australia?
The cost is different depending on the visa type. For instance, the base application charge for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is AUD 4,770.00.
