Work Permits for Australia

Australia’s economy is strong and expected to keep growing, so it’s no surprise that many expats are choosing to move Down Under for better job opportunities. That said, if you’re planning to work in Australia, you’ll likely need a work visa.

The application process can initially seem overwhelming because there are many types of work visas for Australia, each with its own rules and requirements.

Fortunately, the Australian government’s online portal is a helpful tool for finding the right work visa for your skills and expertise.

Short-term work visas for Australia

Temporary activity visa

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows you to live in Australia for the duration of your specific activity, with a maximum stay of up to two years. This visa is an excellent choice if you plan to participate in short-term business ventures, events, or unique professional projects.

For activities exceeding three months, sponsorship from an approved organisation is necessary. For shorter stays, support from an eligible organisation suffices. Applicants must meet health, character, and skill requirements and show genuine intent for a temporary stay.

Short-term work options such as the Temporary Work (Subclass 400) and Working Holiday visas can also cater for specialised or flexible work needs.

Skilled migration visas for Australia

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa remains one of the most reliable pathways for skilled workers aiming to live and work in Australia. With its three well-defined streams, it caters to a broad range of professional profiles:

• Direct Entry Stream: Ideal for skilled workers with relevant qualifications and at least three years of work experience in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Labour Agreement Stream: Suited for workers hired under formal agreements between an employer and the government to address niche labour shortages.
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: Simplified for TSS visa holders, this stream now requires only two years of employment with the sponsoring employer before nomination for permanent residency.

The processing time for the ENS visa varies, with Direct Entry applications taking approximately 13 months. Preparing complete documentation and consulting migration agents can significantly expedite the process.

Skilled in Demand (SID) Visa

The Skilled in Demand (SID) Visa, introduced in late 2024, replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa and provides a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to address Australia’s workforce needs. This visa is available under three streams:

• Core Skills Stream: Designed for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), this stream is ideal for most applicants targeting in-demand roles across industries.
• Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled professionals driving innovation, this stream is open to occupations outside traditional lists, excluding trades and general labour roles.
• Labour Agreement Stream: Currently transitioning to the Essential Skills Stream, this option addresses unique workforce requirements through tailored agreements.

One significant advantage of the SID Visa is its simplified work experience requirement, now reduced to one year. Additionally, time spent working for your sponsoring employer contributes towards eligibility for permanent residency.

Graduate Visa

The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) offers international students the chance to stay in Australia after completing their studies. This visa allows you to gain valuable work experience or further your education, enhancing your prospects for permanent residency.

Eligibility includes holding a recent Student Visa, meeting English proficiency standards, and being under 35 years of age. The duration of the visa depends on your qualifications and the stream you apply under.

This visa is particularly beneficial for those wishing to work in regional areas, where additional pathways to permanent residency may be available.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is an attractive pathway for high-achieving professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. This visa targets future-focused sectors such as DigiTech, renewable energy, and health industries.

Applicants must demonstrate international recognition, a record of outstanding achievements, and a clear potential to contribute to Australia’s innovation and economy. Examples of qualifying criteria include patents, prestigious awards, or senior leadership roles in their field.

The Global Talent Visa offers a streamlined process, and there are no age restrictions. However, the programme’s annual quota is limited, making it a competitive option for skilled migrants.

Useful links

• Australian Home Affairs
• Australia’s Core Skilled Occupation List

Business visas for Australia

If you’re looking to relocate and start a business in Australia, invest in a business, or play a primary role in operating a new business, you must first obtain a business visa.

National Innovation Visa (NIV)

The new National Innovation Visa (NIV) replaces former business visas and is designed for entrepreneurs and investors aiming to boost Australia’s economy. This visa offers flexibility in English language requirements, allowing applicants with less than functional English to proceed by paying an additional fee. There is no age cap for this visa, making it accessible to a broader range of candidates.

To qualify, you must demonstrate exceptional achievements and provide evidence of how your skills will benefit Australia economically, socially, or culturally. The NIV focuses on critical sectors such as renewable energy, critical technologies, and healthcare. As a permanent visa, it allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

The NIV operates on an invitation-only basis. To apply, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. This visa represents a significant opportunity for individuals looking to make a lasting impact in future-focused industries.

Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa

The Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403) is designed for individuals participating in international agreements or cultural exchange programmes. It provides flexibility for various roles, including those under bilateral government agreements and specific seasonal work programmes.

Streams under this visa cater to different needs, from government-related activities to domestic work for diplomatic households. Applicants must have sponsorship or support from approved organisations and meet health and character requirements.

The visa duration varies based on the stream, with stays ranging from three months to two years.

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.