Australia Working and skilled visas

Australia's Working and Skilled Visas provide an opportunity for skilled individuals to work and contribute to the country's economy. There are several categories of Working and Skilled Visas available, including the Employer-Sponsored Visa, the Skilled Independent Visa, and the Skilled Regional Visa.

The Employer-Sponsored Visa requires sponsorship from an employer in Australia. This visa is designed for individuals who have a job offer in Australia and have the required skills and qualifications to fulfill the job. The Skilled Independent Visa is for individuals who possess the required skills and qualifications but do not have a job offer from an employer in Australia. This visa is based on a points system, and applicants must have a certain number of points to be eligible for the visa.

The Skilled Regional Visa is for individuals who wish to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa requires sponsorship by a regional employer, state or territory government, or a family member living in a designated regional area.

In addition to meeting the visa-specific requirements, applicants must also meet certain general requirements, such as being proficient in English, meeting health and character requirements, and having the necessary skills and qualifications for the occupation they intend to work in.

Australia is an attractive destination for many skilled individuals due to its high standard of living, diverse job opportunities, and favorable work conditions. However, the application process for Working and Skilled Visas can be complex and time-consuming. It is essential to seek professional advice and guidance to ensure that the application is completed correctly and that all requirements are met.

Overall, Working and Skilled Visas are an excellent opportunity for skilled individuals to work and live in Australia, contributing to the country's economy and diversity.

Types of working visas in Australia

Australia offers various types of working visas to individuals with different qualifications and work experience. The following are the most common types of working visas available in Australia:-

  • Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888)
  • Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)
  • Business Owner (subclass 890)
  • Global Talent visa (subclass 858)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
  • Investor visa (subclass 891) 
  • Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) 
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 
  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
  • Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476)
  • Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489) 
  • Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) 
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
  • State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892)
  • State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893)
  • Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
  • Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
  • Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
  • Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
  • Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

How to apply for an Australian working visa

To apply for an Australia working and skilled visa, you will need to follow the steps below:

Determine your eligibility: You should check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you want to apply for. There are different visas for skilled workers, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): If you are eligible, you will need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect, which is an online platform that allows you to enter your details and provide information about your skills, work experience, and qualifications. You will also need to take a points test to determine your score.

Receive an invitation: If your EOI is selected and you meet the criteria for a visa, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa. You will have 60 days to apply for the visa after receiving the invitation.

Lodge your visa application: Once you have received an invitation, you can proceed to lodge your visa application. You will need to provide all the required documents and pay the visa application fee.

Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times vary depending on the visa and the circumstances of your application.

It's important to note that the application process can be complex and time-consuming. You may want to consider seeking the advice of a registered migration agent to help you with your application.

Requirements for Australian working visas

The document requirements for Australia Working and Skilled Visas vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, generally, you will need to provide the following documents:

Identity documents: This includes your passport or other travel documents, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).

English language proficiency: You will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, such as a certificate from an approved English language test, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Skills assessment: You will need to provide a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This document verifies that your qualifications, skills, and experience meet the standards required for your nominated occupation.

Work experience: You will need to provide evidence of your work experience, such as employment references, pay slips, or tax documents.

Health assessment: You will need to undergo a health assessment and provide evidence of your medical history, including any medical conditions or disabilities.

Character assessment: You will need to provide a police clearance certificate from each country you have lived in for more than 12 months over the past 10 years.

Sponsorship or nomination: If you are applying for a sponsored or nominated visa, you will need to provide evidence of your sponsorship or nomination from your employer or a state/territory government.

Financial documents: You will need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Australia.

The specific document requirements may vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. 

Work Visas and Age Limit: Is There Any Restriction?

When applying for an Australian work visa, age is an important factor to consider as there is usually an age limit that you must meet to be eligible for a work visa. Generally, you must be under the age of 45 or 50 to be eligible for a work visa. However, the age requirement may vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for.

It's important to note that some work visas do not have an age requirement. For example, the Working Holiday visa, which is available to young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries), has no age limit. Additionally, the Global Talent Visa, which targets highly skilled workers in specific industries, does not have an age limit.

If you are applying for a work visa and you are close to the age limit, it's advisable to check the requirements carefully and seek the advice of a registered migration agent to determine your eligibility. In some cases, you may still be eligible to apply for a work visa even if you are over the age limit, provided you meet certain criteria or have relevant work experience.

Age is an important consideration when applying for an Australian work visa, and it's crucial to understand the age requirements for the specific visa subclass you are applying for.

Processing Times for Work Visas in Australia

When applying for a work visa, it's important to understand that the processing time can vary depending on several factors. While some visas may be processed within a few months, others can take up to one or two years. It's important to keep in mind that the processing time is not guaranteed, and many factors can impact the review period, including the type of visa, the complexity of the application, the volume of applications being processed, and any changes in government policy or legislation.

Short term visas, such as visitor or temporary work visas, may have a shorter processing time compared to longer-term visas, such as permanent residency or skilled migration visas. Additionally, certain streams within a visa subclass may be processed more quickly than others. For example, an employer-sponsored visa may be processed more quickly than an independent skilled visa.

It's crucial to ensure that your application is complete and includes all the required documentation. If something is missing from your application, it can significantly delay the processing time. Therefore, it's advisable to seek the help of a registered migration agent who can assist you in preparing and submitting your visa application to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Overall, the processing time for a work visa can be lengthy, but with careful preparation and submission, the process can be made more efficient.

Understanding the Cost of a Work Visa in Australia

Applying for an Australian work visa involves paying a fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The cost ranges from AUD 315 up to AUD 4,115, and some visa subclasses offer exemptions from the visa fee depending on the stream you apply for. However, in addition to the visa fee, there are additional fees that you may need to pay.

For instance, if you are applying with family members, you will have to pay an extra fee for each family member included in the application. Moreover, for some visas, if any of your family members don't have a satisfactory level of English, you may need to pay a second instalment fee. These fees are separate from the visa application fee and can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of them when planning your visa application.

It's recommended to check the full fees and charges schedule provided by the Australian government to understand all the costs associated with your visa application. It's important to note that visa fees and charges are subject to change, so it's advisable to check for any updates before submitting your application.

Applying for an Australian work visa involves paying various fees, and it's crucial to understand all the associated costs to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover all expenses.

Work Visa Nomination Requirements: Do I Need to Be Nominated?

When applying for an Australian work visa, it's essential to understand the sponsorship and nomination requirements for the specific visa subclass you are interested in. While some work visas require a valid sponsorship and nomination from an employer or a state or territory government, others do not.

For sponsor-based work visas, you must have a valid nomination from an employer or a state or territory government before you can apply for the visa. The employer or government agency sponsoring you must meet specific requirements, such as providing evidence that there are no suitably qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position.

However, there are work visas that do not require a nomination. For instance, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 476) are both independent visas that do not require sponsorship or nomination.

It's crucial to understand the requirements for sponsorship and nomination before applying for a work visa as failure to meet these requirements can result in your visa application being refused. It's advisable to seek the help of a registered migration agent to ensure that you have met all the requirements for your visa subclass and have the best chance of a successful outcome.

Work Visas in Australia: Can Family Members Apply Together?

If you are planning to apply for an Australian work visa, it's important to consider whether you can bring your family members with you. For most work visas, family members are allowed to accompany the primary visa holder to Australia. Family members typically include spouses, partners, dependent children, and sometimes dependent relatives.

However, it's essential to note that not all work visas allow family members to accompany the primary visa holder. In some cases, only a partner may be eligible to accompany the primary visa holder, and in other cases, no family members may be allowed at all. The specific visa subclass and stream will determine the eligibility of family members.

For instance, the Domestic Worker Stream for the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) does not allow family members to accompany the primary visa holder to Australia. On the other hand, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) allows family members to accompany the primary visa holder, but additional fees may apply.

It's essential to understand the rules around family members' eligibility when applying for an Australian work visa to avoid any confusion or disappointment. A registered migration agent can provide guidance on the visa subclass and stream requirements, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date information and the best chance of success.

Work Visas and Permanent Residency: What Are the Options in Australia?

Most work visas in Australia are permanent visas, meaning that they grant you permanent residency status. However, if you hold a temporary work visa, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent visa if you have lived and worked in Australia for a certain period of time and have met all the requirements of your temporary visa. The specific requirements and eligibility criteria for permanent residency vary depending on the visa subclass and stream. A registered migration agent can provide guidance on the options available to you for transitioning from a temporary work visa to permanent residency in Australia.

Frequently Asked questions

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are in high demand in Australia. To be eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), your occupation must be on the SOL.

The points test is used to assess your eligibility for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. You must score a minimum number of points to be eligible for these visas.

A skills assessment is a process of verifying that your qualifications, skills, and experience meet the standards required for your nominated occupation in Australia. A positive skills assessment is required for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), and some employer-sponsored visas.

A temporary visa allows you to live and work in Australia for a limited period of time, while a permanent visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Temporary visas include the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), while permanent visas include the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), and the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186).

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. However, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship and meet the health and character requirements for each family member.

 

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