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 stay work visas for Australia

Temporary work visas

There are several classes for temporary work visas, but these are typically for graduates who were attending an Australian university and for expats with specialised skills based on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. These visas are tied to a specific employer or industry.

Temporary Activity Visa

The Temporary Activity Visa will allow you to stay in Australia on a short-term basis while participating in a temporary job or business venture. The maximum time visitors are allowed to stay is up to four years. To qualify for this visa, you must have the relevant skills required to do the job, be sponsored by someone eligible already in Australia and meet the requirements of the specific subtype of Temporary Activity visa you are applying for.

Each subtype qualifies for different types of work, so you should ensure you apply for the appropriate visa class.

Skilled migration visas for Australia

Employer Nomination Scheme

If you can find an employer to sponsor your visa, you could apply for a professional visa to live and work in Australia. There are many visas available across a wide spectrum of professions and occupations. The employer must first submit their nomination and sponsorship forms before you can apply for the visa.

Permanent residence is obtainable through employer-sponsored visas. The three main classes include the Direct Entry stream, the Labour Agreement stream and the Temporary Residence Transition stream. While these visas may seem similar, each has certain unique requirements. The Australian Home Affairs website elaborates on each visa type.

You should note that getting a visa for Australia can take a long time, sometimes more than a year.

Useful links

• Australian Home Affairs
• Australia’s Skilled Occupation List

Business visas for Australia

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

Business Innovation and Investment Visa

A permanent Business Innovation and Investment visa is necessary for any non-resident who plans to invest in business in Australia. The visa allows permanent residence in Australia and can take between 19 and 26 months to process.

Applicants must have a provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa to qualify for this visa. As with most visa categories in Australia, there are several subclasses, and we recommend researching each visa type thoroughly before applying. You must also be able to show ongoing business involvement to be eligible.

Business Owner Visa

You’ll require a Business Owner visa if you are looking to start a company in Australia. You’ll need to have held an eligible visa and lived in Australia for at least 12 months in the two years before the application is made to qualify for this type of visa. Additionally, you must have owned a business for two years on the same provisional licence.

The permanent Business Owner visa allows expats to continue owning their business, sponsor relatives for permanent residence and apply for Australian citizenship.

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