How to Apply for a Work Permit in Australia: A Must-Read Guide

Nicholechole

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This guide will walk you through each step and provide a document checklist to make your application process as smooth as possible.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Australia: A Must-Read Guide

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Australia: A Must-Read Guide for Skilled Workers

Australia is a top destination country for skilled professionals who seek a high-quality lifestyle, economic stability, and a thriving job market. However, to work in Australia, obtaining an Australian work permit is crucial as it allows you to work legally. Therefore, understanding how to apply for a work permit in Australia is mandatory for your career journey.

Step by step to apply for an Australian work permit:

Does this sound like a handful of hard work? Rest assured! This guide will walk you through each step and provide a document checklist to make your application process as smooth as possible.

The Australian Job Market: Opportunities Await

The Australian job market is brimming with opportunities for skilled individuals. As of March 2024, there were 365,500 job vacancies. Industries like mining, utilities, accommodation, and food services show high vacancy rates. If your skillset aligns with these sectors, this time is perfect for embarking on your Australian career journey!

However, despite the many job vacancies, competition is still high. So, it’s better to prepare as early as possible—starting with building your resume, improving your skills, and, most importantly, securing your Australian work permit.

What is an Australian Work Permit?

An Australian work permit, also known as a work visa, is an official document the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) granted to migrants. With a work visa, you can work, live, and study legally in Australia, temporarily or permanently. So, you see that an Australian work permit is very crucial, so understanding how to apply for a work permit in Australia and the type of work visa you should apply for is very important.

Why do I Need an Australian Work Visa?

An Australian work visa is essential for your career journey, as Australia requires all skilled workers to have one. This means that working in Australia without a work visa is illegal and could lead to penalties, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.

Aside from the legal right to work in Australia, a work visa offers employee protection, healthcare benefits, and fair compensation. The most enticing benefit is the potential to reside in Australia indefinitely, leading to Australian citizenship.

Type of Australia Work Permit / Australia Work Visa

Before diving into how to apply for a work permit in Australia, you must note that there are three categories of work permits in Australia:

General skilled migration visa
Employer-sponsored visa
Other temporary work visa

General skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas offer permanent and temporary visas. A permanent visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. In contrast, a temporary visa will enable you to live in Australia for a specific period. In line with the exciting benefits, permanent visas are more difficult to obtain than temporary visas.

Find out: Australia Permanent Visa Option and Requirements

General Skilled Migration Visas

The general skilled migration visa is also known as a point-based visa. You must score at least 65 points to apply for this visa. The higher points you get, the better, as it will improve your chance of being invited for a visa application.

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Allows you to reside anywhere in Australia permanently without a sponsor.

Discover: Detailed Information About Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Similar to the 189 visa, subclass 190 allows you to work in Australia permanently without a sponsor. However, the 190 visa only allows you to reside in the region of Australia.

Learn more: All You Must Know About Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191

The 191 visa allows skilled workers to live permanently in designated regions of Australia. To apply for this visa, you must hold a 494 or a 491 visa for at least three years.

See more: Comprehensive Information About Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491

Subclass 491 is a designated visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in an Australian regional area for around five years.

Further information: A Must-read Information About Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491

Employer-Sponsored Visas

In contrast with the general skilled migration visa, to obtain an employer-sponsored visa, you must have a sponsor from an Australian employer whose business runs legally in Australia.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186

This visa allows skilled workers who an Australian employer has sponsored to work in Australia permanently.

Learn more: Complete Information About Employer Nominated Scheme Visa Subclass 186

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187

The 187 visa is designed for skilled workers with sponsorship from an Australian employer to live in regional Australia.

Discover: A Must-know Information About Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

The TSS visa allows you to work in Australia for 2-4 years. However, the stay period extends to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders. You can apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 before your TSS visa expires.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494

Designed for skilled workers who want to work and live in regional areas of Australia, This visa allows regional businesses to address the labour shortages by sponsoring overseas skilled workers.

More Information: Thorough Information About Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494

Other Temporary Work Visas

Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485

The 485 visa is designed for international students who wish to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. This visa permits a stay of up to 4 years, with pathways to permanent residency through skilled migration or employer-sponsored programs.

Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa Subclass 403

Subclass 403 allows migrants to undertake any work or activity in Australia through available streams.

Find out: A to Z information About Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa Subclass 403

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa Subclass 400

Allows migrants to work for three months in 12 months. Migrants can undertake highly specialist and non-ongoing jobs related to Australia’s interests.

Learn more: Detailed Information About Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa Subclass 400

Training Visa Subclass 407

The 407 visa allows you to take occupational training or professional development in Australia for a short period. Subclass 407 is an excellent option for developing skills and gaining overseas work experience.

See more: All You Must Know About Training Visa Subclass 407

Eligibility Criteria For an Australia Work Visa

Before applying, ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility criteria for general skilled migration visa

Be aged under 45 years old
Your occupation must be listed in Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Be invited to apply
Have a suitable skills assessment
Have competent English skill
Score at least 65 points
Meet the health requirement
Meet the character requirement

Note:

For the 190 and 491 visas, you have a nomination from the Australian State or Territory Government Agency. However, the 491 visa allows you to substitute them with a sponsor from your relative.
For a 191 Visa, you must hold a 491 visa or 494 visa and comply with the visa conditions. In addition, You must have notice of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Eligibility criteria for employer-sponsored visa

Be age under 45 years old, except for the 482 visa
Your occupation must be on Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Must be sponsored and nominated by the Australian employer
Have a positive skill assessment
Have at least competent English
Meet the health requirements
Meet the character requirement

Additional criteria for each visa:

For subclass 186, you need relevant work experience and a license, registration, or professional membership based on your occupation.
For subclass 187, you must have a license, registration or professional body membership and hold a 457 or 482 visa.
For 482, there is no age requirement. However, you must have relevant work experience.
For subclass 494, you must be nominated and sponsored by a business in the Australian regional area.

Eligibility criteria for other temporary work visa

Each temporary work visa has its eligibility criteria. Click the link below on your chosen visa to check the eligibility criteria.

Australia Work Visa Requirements

The requirement stage is a crucial step in your visa application process. You must prepare all required documents meticulously and provide reliable information, which helps you avoid visa rejection.

Document checklist for general skilled migration visa

Documents	Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)	Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)	Permanent Resident (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
Identity documents	Passport National identity card Proof of change in name, like a marriage certificate
Relationship documents	Provide proof that shows your current status, whether you are married, divorced, or permanently separated. If you do not include your dependent on your application, tell the DHA the reason for it.
Character documents	Police certificate from the Australian Federal Police or other countries where you’ve resided for over 12 months in the last 10 years. If you serve in the armed forces, provide a military service record Form 80 Form 1221
English language documents	Proof that you have at least Competent English skills.
Partner documents	Identity documents and photos Character documents If you are married, provide a marriage certificate. However, if you are in a de facto relationship, provide proof of relationship registration. Evidence of genuine and continued relationship Document about other relationships (if applicable)
Dependant under 18 documents	Birth certificate or family book that shows the name of the child’s parents Adoption paper (if applicable) Form 1229
Dependant over 18 documents	Identity documents Document about their other relationship (if applicable) Proof of your relationship with the dependent, such as birth certificate or adoption paper Form 47A Proof of financial dependency Evidence of Functional English Skill		Identity documents Proof of your relationship with the dependant, like birth certificate Character documents Marriage documents (if applicable) Document about other relationships (if applicable)
Skills Assessment documents	Positive result of Skills Assessment from relevant Skills Assessing Authority		Not applicable
Expression of Interest (EOI) documents	Proof of your claim in your EOI		Not applicable
Migration Agent appointment document	Form 956
Sponsor Document	Not applicable	Skilled Work Regional Visa Sponsor Declaration Proof of your sponsor is an eligible relative over 18 who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in a designated area of Australia	Not applicable
Work and Resident documents	Not applicable		Prove that you hold 491 Visa or 494 Visa in the last 3 years and have lived, worked, and studied in the designated regional area of Australia

Document checklist for employer-sponsored visa

Documents	Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)	Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)	Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)	Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Identity documents	Passport National identity card Document of change in name
Licencing, registration or membership	Evidence of any licence, registration or professional membership to perform your job.
Skill and Qualification documents	Provide one of the following documents: Proof of your skill and qualification Evidence of skill and qualification exemption (if applicable	Have a positive skills assessment from a relevant skills assessing authority (if required)	Have a positive skills assessment from a relevant authority CV or resume Employment reference
Age exemption documents	If you are over 45, provide proof that you are eligible for the exemption from the age criteria.			Not applicable
English language documents	Proof of at least Competent English skill
Health documents	Medical examination result
Character documents	Police certificate from Australian Federal Police or other countries where you’ve resided for over 12 months in the last 10 years. Military service records if you serve on the armed forces Form 80 Form 1221
Migration agent appointment documents	Form 956
Partner documents	Identity documents Character documents Marriage certificate or proof that you are in a de facto relationship with your partner Proof of Functional English Skill Note: for the 482 Visa, English skills is not mandatory
Dependant under 18 documents	Identity documents Proof of your relationship with the dependant, such as birth certificate Character documents (if applicable) Form 1229
Dependant over 18 documents	Identity documents Document about their relationship (if applicable) Character documents Form 47A Evidence of financial dependency Proof of functional English skill
Health Insurance	Not applicable			Evidence of adequate health insurance for you and your dependent

Document checklist for other temporary work visa

Similar to the eligibility criteria, each temporary work visa has its requirements. Contact us for detailed requirements. In addition to the required requirement, we will provide you with a tailored document checklist. Click here to start your migration journey.

Point Table Requirements For General Skilled Migration Visa

For point-based visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must score at least 65 points to secure your visa. These points are calculated based on various factors, including age, qualifications, and work experience. Understanding this system will make you feel informed and prepared for your visa application.

Skills assessment

Skills assessment is crucial for the Australian Work Visa application process. Your occupation must be listed on SOL, and you must have a positive skill assessment to pass the skill assessment. You can achieve positive skill assessment by meeting the required conditions from the skill assessment authority.

Please be aware that each occupation has its skill assessment authority. You can find the authority when you check your occupation on SOL.

Health and good character requirements

Meeting health and character requirements is mandatory for visa applications. The requirements will ensure that you don’t threaten the Australian community.

You must take a health examination to prove you are free from any disease or condition that could burden Australia’s public health system.

Meanwhile, to meet character requirements, you must provide evidence that you have no criminal history or affiliations to a criminal group. The proof can be police clearance or military certificates.

How to Apply For a Work Permit in Australia?

The process of applying for a work permit in Australia involves several steps. Follow each step carefully for a successful application.

1. Choose a suitable work visa

Select a visa that aligns with your occupation, eligibility, and background. If you’re unsure which visa is best for you, click here for recommendations.

2. Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa. If not, consider selecting another visa type.

3. Prepare the requirements

Gather all the required requirements for your visa application. You may refer to the provided document checklist in the previous section to make your application smoother. Make sure to prepare according to the guidelines and provide honest information.

4. Lodge your application

You can submit your visa application through ImmiAccount. For a general skilled migration visa, you must submit an EOI first. If your EOI is approved, you will get an invitation to apply for your chosen visa. Meanwhile, for employer-sponsored visas, you must be nominated by an Australian employer and invited to apply for them.

Remember to pay the application charge to finalise your application, or DHA will not process it. After finalising the application, ensure to check your application regularly in case the DHA requests additional information.

5. Receive your work visa

Once DHA approves your application, you will get your work visa. Now, You can start your career journey in Australia.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Australian Work Permit?

One of the biggest questions on how to apply for a work permit in Australia is the processing time. The processing time varies depending on the visa type and the complexity of your application. It can take anywhere from a month to over a year. In complex cases, the process can take even longer. The worst possible outcome is your Australian work permit application being rejected.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Australia: A Must-Read Guide

Nicholechole

The preferred Migration Agent in Perth under the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Assisting people in migrating to Australia & Businesses Sponsor Skilled Workers to obtain the right Australian Visa legally and lawfully.