Skilled work visas in Australia
Good to know:
The Australian Government's Skilled Migration Program 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 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) was replaced in December 2024 by the Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482).
Here are its key features:
- You can apply for this visa if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- 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.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
The key features of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) are as follows:
- You can apply if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- 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 Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189):
- You don't need a sponsor for this permanent visa.
- Points tested for those whose occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
- 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. Points are calculated based on things like age, English language skills, skilled employment experience inside and outside of Australia, and education. 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 Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190):
- 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 Skilled Occupation List.
- 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 reside in the state or territory that sponsored you for a period of two years. 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 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) 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 Designated Regional Area. 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 Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 491) 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 SkillSelect, 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.
