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Skilled work visas in Australia

Good to know:

The Australian Government's has a number of different work visas to choose from, depending on the amount of time you wish to spend in the country. There are temporary and permanent visas, as well as options for working and living in regional parts of the country. There are also sponsored professional visas, where an Australian employer or state or territory agency sponsors a skilled expat when they can't find an experienced local to fill the role.

Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)

The was replaced in December 2024 by the (subclass 482).

Here are its key features:

• You can apply for this visa if your occupation is on the .
• Employer sponsorship required.
• You can stay up to four years.
• Cost from AUD 3,210 (USD 2,114).

To be eligible for this visa, you must have at least one year of work experience and meet health and character requirements. There is no age limit for this temporary visa, but you must satisfy the English language requirements and be nominated by an approved sponsor. This visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Read also Finding a job in Australia

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

The key features of the are as follows:

• You can apply if your occupation is on the .
• You can live and work in Australia permanently.
• You must be nominated by an Australian employer.
• Cost from AUD 4,910 (USD 3,234).

This visa lets skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer live and work in the country permanently. Applicants can enrol in Medicare, Australia's national health system, and include family members on their visa application. To be eligible, you must be under 45 and have at least three years' work experience in your profession. You must also meet the English language, health, and character requirements and undergo a skills assessment.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

Here are the key features of the :

• You don't need a sponsor for this permanent visa.
• Points tested for those whose occupation is on the .
• You must be under 45 to be invited to apply.
• Cost from AUD 4,910 (USD 3,234).

This highly competitive visa is a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia. If you have the skills that the Australian workforce needs, you can work and live anywhere in the country, without requiring sponsorship or being tied to a particular employer. You are eligible if your occupation is on the list and you have a minimum of 65 points. . Once your Expression of Interest has been accepted and you are invited to apply, you will undergo a skills assessment and will need to satisfy the English language, health, and character requirements.

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

Below are the key features of the :

• Similar to subclass 189, but you need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
• Permanent residency visa.
• Points tested for those whose occupation is on the .
• Cost from AUD 4,910 (USD 3,234).

This visa is closely related to the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189); however, there are some important differences, including the obligation to . This permanent residency visa follows a similar application process to subclass 189, which is points-tested, and allows you to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. You must score 65 points or more, and you must be under 45 to be invited to apply for this visa.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494)

The key features of the are as follows:

• You can stay in Australia for five years.
• If eligible, you can apply for permanent residency after three years on this visa.
• You need to be nominated by an Australian employer.
• Cost from AUD 4,910 (USD 3,234).

Regional employers can address identified labor shortages in their region by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. Your occupation needs to be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you will be required to reside in a . You can only be invited to apply for this visa if you are under 45 years of age.

Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 491)

The key features of the are as follows:

• You can stay in Australia for five years.
• You need to be sponsored by an eligible relative or a state or territory government agency.
• If eligible, you can apply for permanent residency after three years on this visa.
• Cost from AUD 4,910 (USD 3,234).

This is another temporary visa option for expats willing to live in regional Australia, which also provides a pathway to permanent residency. To be eligible, you must be under 45 and your occupation must be in demand. You'll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via , and if you score enough points, state and territory government agencies might then nominate you for the visa. You might also be invited to apply if you indicate in your EOI that an eligible relative will sponsor you.

Read also Setting up a business in Australia

Other work visa options in Australia

In addition to the skills-in-demand-type visas, other visas may be suitable for working in Australia, depending on your personal circumstances. These include:

Working Holiday Visas

Depending on your country of residence, there are two Working Holiday Visas you can apply for to be able to work in Australia. These allow you to travel and work in the country for up to one year. And if you're not done having fun and exploring the land Down Under, you can potentially extend your stay for one or even two more years. You can do any type of work on these visas.

The visa you choose depends on your country of origin, and there are additional requirements for those applying for the , which is for individuals aged between 18 and 30. The is available to those between 18 and 30 years old, and up to 35 years old if you are from Canada, Denmark, France, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom, or Northern Ireland. Both visas cost AUD 670 (USD 438).

Entrepreneur and investment visas

In 2024, the Australian government overhauled business and investment visas, replacing them with the , which aims to attract highly skilled and talented expats to help grow the Australian economy. This new visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for major investors, global researchers, and high-performing entrepreneurs. The visa costs AUD 4,985 (USD 3,249), and there is no age limit.

Internship visas

While there is no official visa for an internship—whether paid or unpaid—there are a few different options for you to consider. If you are in Australia on a , it is generally possible while you are in the country. This visa enables international students to reside, study, and work after completing their degree or vocational education program. This is one of the more expensive visas, costing AUD 2,300 (USD 1,634), which allows you to stay in Australia for between 18 months and five years, depending on your study and your home country. You are generally required to be under the age of 35, and you must be in Australia to be eligible to apply for this visa.

Another potential option is the . This is a temporary visa for up to two years, which enables you to complete work-based training or a professional development program. This type of visa allows you to gain professional experience in an Australian workplace and costs AUD 430 (USD 281). Visit the for more information about the visa and its associated conditions.

The is for those whom an approved sponsor has nominated to work in a specific occupation under a bilateral agreement, such as the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. This visa might be suitable for internships in specific industries covered by such agreements. This visa costs AUD 375 (USD 245).

And the could also be an option, allowing individuals to come to Australia to undertake specific types of work on a short-term basis. Special Program applicants can remain in Australia for up to 12 months and can participate in activities such as youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or community programs; 'gap year school volunteering'; or as school language assistants—this type of visa costs AUD 430 (USD 281).

Read also Internships in Australia

Graduate visa

The offers recent graduates in Australia the opportunity to stay in the country temporarily to work and study. This 18-month visa is for international students who have recently graduated with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to an in-demand occupation in Australia. And those who have recently completed their tertiary degree in Australia can apply via the Post-Higher Education Work stream for a visa that allows them to stay in Australia for between two and three years, and up to five years in some cases. The visa costs AUD 2,300 (USD 1,515).

Short-stay work visa

The is valid for up to six months and costs AUD 430 (USD 283). Only individuals with highly specialized skills that can't be reasonably found in Australia are eligible. They can apply to bring family members with them as well.