WORKING IN AUSTRALIA: Requirements and Procedure

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Are you ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime and take your career to new heights? Look no further than Australia, a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a thriving economy. With its high standard of living, diverse culture, and endless opportunities, it’s no wonder that Australia is a top destination for professionals and workers from around the world.
From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the red sands of Uluru, Australia is a country that seamlessly blends work and play. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a entrepreneur, or a student looking for a working holiday, Australia offers a unique and exciting experience that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
But before you can start enjoying the sun, surf, and success, you need to navigate the requirements and procedures for working in Australia. That’s where this guide comes in – your ultimate resource for understanding the ins and outs of working in Australia. From visa options to employer-sponsored schemes, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making your Australian dream a reality. So, let’s get started!

Visa Options

Australia offers a range of visa options for individuals seeking to work in the country. The type of visa you require will depend on your occupation, skills, and the purpose of your stay. Here are some of the most common visa options:
1. Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457)
  • For skilled workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer
  • Allows you to work in Australia for up to 4 years
  • Requires a nomination from an Australian employer and a positive skills assessment
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
  • For skilled workers who have a permanent job offer from an Australian employer
  • Allows you to work in Australia permanently
  • Requires a nomination from an Australian employer and a positive skills assessment
3. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
  • For young people (aged 18-30) who want to travel and work in Australia
  • Allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months
  • No job offer required, but you must have sufficient funds to support yourself
4. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • For highly skilled workers who don’t have a job offer from an Australian employer
  • Allows you to work in Australia permanently
  • Requires a positive skills assessment and points-based test
5. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
  • For international students who have completed their studies in Australia
  • Allows you to work in Australia for up to 18 months
  • No job offer required, but you must have completed your studies in Australia
These are just a few of the visa options available for working in Australia. It’s important to note that each visa has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements. It’s recommended to consult the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent to determine the best visa option for your circumstances.

General Requirements

In addition to meeting the specific requirements for your chosen visa, there are several general requirements that apply to most work visas for Australia. These include:
1. Qualifications and Skills Recognition
  • Your qualifications and skills must be recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
  • You may need to provide certified copies of your qualifications and transcripts
2. English Language Proficiency
  • You must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL
  • The required level of proficiency varies depending on the visa and your occupation
3. Health Requirements
  • You must meet certain health requirements, including undergoing a medical examination
  • You may also need to provide proof of vaccination or other health certificates
4. Character Requirements
  • You must meet certain character requirements, including undergoing a police check
  • You may also need to provide proof of good character from your home country or previous countries of residence
5. Registration and Licensing
  • Some occupations require registration or licensing in Australia
  • You must provide proof of registration or licensing, or demonstrate that you are eligible to be registered or licensed
6. Age Requirements
  • Most work visas have an age limit of 45 years old, but some exceptions apply
  • You must be under the age limit at the time of application
7. Language Ability in a Community Language (if applicable)
  • If you are applying for a visa that requires you to work in a community language, you must demonstrate proficiency in that language
8. Special Requirements (if applicable)
  • Some visas have additional special requirements, such as a nomination from an Australian employer or a positive skills assessment
It’s important to note that these requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the specific visa you are applying for. It’s recommended to consult the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent to determine the exact requirements for your situation.

Procedure for Obtaining a Work Visa

The procedure for obtaining a work visa for Australia involves several steps, which may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here is a general outline of the steps involved:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
  • Determine which visa type is best for your situation
  • Check the eligibility criteria for that visa, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and health requirements
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
  • Collect all necessary documents, including:
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
    • Divorce or separation documents (if applicable)
    • Qualifications and transcripts
    • Work experience documents
    • Language test results (if applicable)
    • Health certificates (if applicable)
    • Police certificates (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
  • Create an online account and submit an EOI through SkillSelect
  • Provide personal and professional information, including work experience, education, and language proficiency
  • Indicate your preferred visa type and occupation
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply
  • If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa
  • You will have 60 days to submit your visa application
Step 5: Submit a Visa Application
  • Create an online account and submit a visa application through ImmiAccount
  • Provide all required documents and information
  • Pay the visa application fee
Step 6: Wait for Processing
  • Wait for your application to be processed
  • This may take several months, depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs
Step 7: Attend an Interview (if required)
  • In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with a Department of Home Affairs officer
  • This is usually done via video conference or in person at an Australian embassy or consulate
Step 8: Receive a Decision
  • If your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant notification
  • If your application is refused, you will receive a notification with reasons for the refusal
Step 9: Move to Australia
  • Once you have received your visa, you can travel to Australia and start working
  • You must comply with the conditions of your visa and any applicable laws and regulations.
Note: The procedure may vary depending on the specific visa type and your individual circumstances. It’s recommended to consult the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent to determine the exact procedure for your situation.

Employer-Sponsored Visas.

Employer-sponsored visas allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia for their nominating Australian employer ¹. Here are some of the requirements and procedures for obtaining an employer-sponsored visa ²:
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
  • Minimum of 2 years of recent, relevant work experience (varies with each occupation)
Visa Subclasses:
  • Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482
  • Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494
  • Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482:
  • Employer must be set up as an approved sponsor, valid for 5 years
  • Skilled Training levy must be paid for each year of visa paid upfront by the company determined by their turnover
  • Temporary visa, up to 4 years depending on occupation/passport
  • Pathways to Permanent Residency after holding the visa and working with the same employer for 2 years
Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186:
  • Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Skills assessment required for nominee plus 3 years of experience at the correct skill level
  • Under 45 years old, unless an exemption applies
  • Two stages: nomination by the company and application by you
  • The company must nominate the position and pay a one-off training levy fee per nomination determined by their turnover
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494:
  • Temporary visa which leads to permanent residency
  • Wider range of occupations available
  • Skills assessment and 3 years of experience required to be nominated
  • Under 45 years old, unless an exemption applies
  • Three-stage process:
    1. Employer must get permission to be a sponsor
    2. Employer then has to get permission to specifically sponsor you – part of this is proving they can’t find anyone local to do the job
    3. You/your family’s application
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Visa:
  • Employer-nominated stream which can allow for individual states, territories, or regions to respond to their own specific labor market needs through an agreement-based framework
  • Each individual state, territories, or regions will have their own occupations and features
What to Do and What It Costs:
  • Migration Agent will work with your employer for the Employer Sponsored Visa if required
  • For the processing of you/your family’s 482/494/186 Application: £1,000 – £1,200 + VAT
  • Detailed explanation of information and documentation required for the Employer Sponsored Visa application
  • Explanation of, and assistance with, the health and character aspects of your application
  • Creation and submission of your Employer Sponsored Visa application for Australia
  • Government fees for Employer Sponsored Visas are due at the time of visa submission
  • Liaising with the Australian Government on your behalf
  • Continuous support throughout the processing stage
  • Explanations of your Visa Grant Notice, any conditions, and what happens afterward
  • Relocation assistance; specific advice on housing, schooling, where you’re moving to, and more.
Conclusion
Working in Australia can be a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking new challenges, experiences, and career growth. With its thriving economy, diverse culture, and high standard of living, Australia is an attractive destination for skilled workers from around the world. However, navigating the requirements and procedures for obtaining a work visa can be complex and time-consuming.
In this guide, we have provided an overview of the key requirements and procedures for obtaining a work visa for Australia. We have covered the different types of work visas, including Temporary Work (Skilled) visas, Employer Nomination Scheme visas, Working Holiday visas, and Skilled Independent visas. We have also discussed the general requirements for working in Australia, including qualifications, skills recognition, English language proficiency, health requirements, and character requirements.
Additionally, we have outlined the procedure for obtaining a work visa, including checking eligibility, gathering required documents, submitting an Expression of Interest, receiving an invitation to apply, submitting a visa application, and attending an interview (if required). We have also discussed employer-sponsored visas, including the Temporary Skilled Shortage visa, Employer Nominated Scheme visa, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, and Designated Area Migration Agreement visa.
By following this guide, we hope that you have a better understanding of the requirements and procedures for working in Australia. Remember to consult the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent to determine the exact requirements for your individual circumstances. Good luck with your Australian work adventure!

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