Australia is one of the best destinations for skilled workers looking for better jobs and a higher quality of life. As a Commonwealth country, Australia offers different types of work visas that allow you and your family to live and work there temporarily or permanently.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting a work permit in Australia.
Types of Work Visas in Australia
Australia has several work visa options to attract skilled professionals and fill job shortages. Below are the main work visa categories:
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
✅ What It Is: A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa
✅ What It Is: A permanent visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
✅ What It Is: A permanent visa for skilled workers invited by the Australian government (no employer sponsorship required).
4. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
✅ What It Is: A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
5. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
✅ What It Is: A temporary visa that allows an Australian employer to sponsor a foreign worker if no local worker is available.
6. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
✅ What It Is: A temporary visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
7. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
✅ What It Is: A short-term visa for highly specialized work.
8. Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)
✅ What It Is: A temporary visa designed to strengthen Australia’s international relations.
9. Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
✅ What It Is: A permanent visa for people with internationally recognized achievements in their field.
Who Can Apply for an Australian Work Visa?
You may be eligible for an Australian work visa if you are:
✔ A skilled professional (e.g., engineers, teachers, nurses, accountants).
✔ A cultural or sports professional invited to perform in Australia.
✔ An academic expert recognized in your field.
✔ A business owner or investor looking to operate in Australia.
✔ A trainee worker participating in specialized training.
Requirements for an Australian Work Visa
The requirements for an Australian work visa depend on the type of visa you apply for. Below are the key conditions for some major visa categories:
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
Requirements:
✔ Have the right qualifications for the job (skills assessment required)
✔ Job must be on Australia’s skilled occupation list
✔ An Australian employer must nominate you
✔ Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
✔ Be under 45 years old (some exceptions)
✔ Meet English language, health, and character requirements
✔ Read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement
2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa
For workers sponsored by employers in regional Australia.
Requirements:
✔ Get nominated by a regional employer
✔ Be under 45 years old
✔ Have a job in the skilled occupation list
✔ Speak competent English
✔ Have 3 years of related work experience
✔ Pass a skills assessment (some exemptions)
✔ Sign a 2-year work contract with the employer
✔ Meet health and character requirements
✔ Read and sign the Australian Values Statement
3. Skilled Independent Visa
For skilled workers without employer sponsorship but invited by the government.
Requirements:
✔ Receive an invitation from an Australian state/territory government
✔ Be under 45 years old
✔ Have a job in the skilled occupation list
✔ Pass a skills assessment
✔ Score 65+ points on Australia’s points-based immigration system
✔ Speak competent English
✔ Meet health and character requirements
✔ Read and sign the Australian Values Statement
Cost of an Australian Work Visa
The cost of an Australian work visa varies depending on the type:
✅ Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) & Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visas
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A$4,045 (≈ US$2,955)
✅ Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa
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A$1,265 – A$2,645 (≈ US$925 – US$1,925)
✅ Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
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A$360 (≈ US$265)
✅ Standard Temporary Work Visas
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A$310 (≈ US$225)
✅ Distinguished Talent Visa
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A$4,110 (≈ US$3,000)
💰 Cost Summary:
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Short-term visas: A$310 – A$360 (~US$225 – US$265)
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Permanent skilled visas: A$3,000 – A$4,110 (~US$2,955 – US$3,000)
How to Apply for an Australian Work Visa
Step 1: Submit an Online Application
Most visa applications are done online via the ImmiAccount system on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) (For Certain Visas)
If you need an invitation, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation based on your qualifications.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
✅ Personal Documents:
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Passport
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Birth Certificate
✅ Work & Education Documents:
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Proof of educational qualifications
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Skills assessment results
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Work experience letters
✅ Health & Security Checks:
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Medical Examination report
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Police Clearance Certificate
✅ Additional Requirements:
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English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
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Signed Australian Values Statement
Step 4: Submit & Wait for Processing
⏳ Processing Time:
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Short-term visas → A few weeks
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Permanent skilled visas → Several months
Top Jobs & Salaries in Australia
1. Healthcare 🏥
✔ Doctors – AU$142,000/year
✔ Nurses – AU$75,000/year
✔ Dentists – AU$115,000/year
2. Engineering & Construction 🏗️
✔ Civil Engineers – AU$83,000/year
✔ Electrical Engineers – AU$98,000/year
✔ Construction Managers – AU$112,000/year
3. Information Technology (IT) 💻
✔ Software Engineers – AU$85,000/year
✔ ICT Business Analysts – AU$90,000/year
4. Education 📚
✔ School Teachers – AU$80,000/year
✔ University Lecturers – AU$100,000/year
💰 Salary Variation:
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Pay depends on experience, location, and employer.
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Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane often offer higher salaries due to demand.
Benefits of Working in Australia
✅ 1. High Wages
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Australia has one of the highest minimum wages globally (~AU$23/hour).
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Even entry-level jobs provide a comfortable living standard.
✅ 2. Excellent Quality of Life
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Beautiful beaches, cities, and landscapes 🌏
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Universal healthcare, strong infrastructure, and low crime rates
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Ranked among the best countries for work-life balance
✅ 3. High Demand for Skilled Workers
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Skill shortages in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and education
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Faster job placement & career growth opportunities
✅ 4. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
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Many temporary skilled work visas lead to PR
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PR holders get access to government benefits & citizenship eligibility
✅ 5. Multicultural & Welcoming Society
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Over 30% of Australians are immigrants 🌏
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Diverse culture with strong migrant communities
Conclusion
Australia remains one of the top destinations for skilled workers seeking high-paying jobs, career growth, and an excellent quality of life. With its strong economy, high wages, and welcoming immigration policies, the country continues to attract talent from across the globe.
For those considering working in Australia, understanding visa options, job opportunities, salary expectations, and benefits is crucial. Whether you are in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, or education, there are plenty of opportunities to secure a job and even transition to permanent residency.
By meeting the necessary visa requirements, obtaining a job offer, and fulfilling skill assessments, you can build a successful career and enjoy the many benefits of living and working in Australia.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Start your application process today and explore the exciting career opportunities waiting for you in Australia! 🚀🇦🇺