As your Post Study Work Visa (subclass 485) comes to an end, transitioning to a work visa or permanent residency in Australia becomes a key next step. Depending on your skills, qualifications, and work experience, there are several pathways that can help you stay in the country longer. From employer sponsorship to skilled migration options, understanding the visa options available to you can make the process smoother and more manageable. In this article, we’ll explore the most common work visa routes in Australia and provide insights on how to navigate the application process effectively.
What is a Work Visa in Australia?
A work visa in Australia allows foreign nationals to legally work in Australia for a specific period or purpose. Australia offers several types of work visas depending on the type of work, skills, and duration of employment. It is also sometimes referred to as the Work Permit in Australia. The Work Visa and Work Permit are used interchangeably in this article to describe the authorization needed for foreign nationals to work in Australia.
Work Visa options after Temporary Graduate Visa
There’s a huge pool of visa options to choose from if you are planning to work in Australia. But since we are talking about international students who now wish to transition from Temporary Graduate visa and move ahead with their career in Australia, we will be talking about a few specific work visas. And the Work Visa requirements are mentioned with each.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- No sponsorship required (independent points-tested).
- You must be in an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- You’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.
- Perfect if you have a high points score (usually 65+)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires state/territory nomination.
- Points-tested like 189, but offers additional points for being nominated.
- You agree to live and work in the sponsoring state for a few years.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- For people willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- State or family sponsorship needed.
- After 3 years of living and working in regional areas, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
- If you find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you.
- Streams:
- Direct Entry – requires skills assessment & 3 years of experience.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) – if you’ve worked 2–3 years on a 482 visa with your employer.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- If your employer can sponsor you, you can move from 485 to this visa.
- After a few years (usually 2–3), you can transition to Subclass 186 PR.
- Must be on the MLTSSL or STSOL lists (depending on the stream).
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
- If you have international recognition in a target sector (tech, science, health, etc.)
- Can be applied for directly from the 485 visa if you meet the bar.
HOw Long Can i Stay on a work visa?
The duration of a work visa in Australia depends on the specific visa type and the applicant’s circumstances. Temporary work visas, such as the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), allow individuals to stay for up to two or four years depending on the occupation stream. In contrast, permanent options like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas grant indefinite residency to skilled workers. Regional visas, such as the Subclass 491, offer a five-year stay with a pathway to permanent residency after three years. Additionally, working holiday visas permit short-term employment and can be extended up to three years. Choosing the right visa depends on factors like qualifications, job offers, and long-term settlement plans in Australia.
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Australia Work Visa Documents required
The following documents are required for the Australia Work Visa:
- Personal Identification Documents
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if necessary)
- English Language Proficiency
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test results
- Skills Assessment
- Skills assessment report
- Qualifications and work experience documents
- Employment History Documents
- CV/Resume
- Employment references
- Pay slips and tax records
- Nomination or Sponsorship Documents (if applicable)
- State/Territory Nomination letter (Subclass 190/491)
- Employer Sponsorship letter (Subclass 482/186)
- Health Requirements
- Health examination results
- Character Requirements
- Police clearance certificate
- Financial Evidence
- Bank statements/proof of funds
- Visa Application Forms
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Recent passport- sized photographs
How to apply for a work visa in australia?
To apply for Work Visa in Australia from India or anywhere, follow the given steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria (skills, qualifications, English proficiency).
- Choose a Visa: Apply for the right work visa (e.g., Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa).
- Skills Assessment: Get your qualifications and skills assessed by the relevant authority.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): For certain visas, submit an EOI via SkillSelect.
- Receive Invitation: If eligible, receive an invitation to apply.
- Apply Online: Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Provide Documents: Upload required documents (passport, qualifications, work experience, English test results).
- Wait for a Decision: The processing time varies; you may be asked for additional information.
Australian Work visa processing time
The processing time for an Australian work visa can vary depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s circumstances, and the completeness of the application. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For example, Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas generally take between 1 to 3 months, while permanent skilled visas may take longer. Factors such as background checks, demand for the occupation, and volume of applications also influence the duration. To get a more accurate estimate, applicants can use the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Processing Time Guide Tool, which provides up-to-date processing timeframes for different visa subclasses based on recent data. This tool is available on the official Australian immigration website and is helpful in planning your application timeline.
Fees for Australian Work visa
Here is a comprehensive table detailing key Australian work visas’ application fees, based on the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs:
| Visa | Application Fees |
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | From AUD 4,765.00 |
| Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) | From AUD 4,770.00 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) | From AUD 4,770.00 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | From AUD 4,770.00 |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | From AUD 3,115.00 |
| Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) | From AUD 4,710.00 |
Rights and restrictions for work visa holders in australia
| Rights | Restrictions |
| Legally work for an approved employer or in the allowed job role. | Must work only in the job role or industry mentioned in the visa. |
| May bring eligible family members (depends on visa type). | May not be eligible for certain public services or benefits. |
| Can access basic workplace rights like fair pay, safe working conditions, and protection from discrimination. | Cannot work more than allowed hours (especially for student/work+study visas). |
| Some visas allow travel in and out of Australia during the visa period. | Must follow visa conditions strictly (e.g., location, duration, employer). |
| May apply for permanent residency later (depends on visa type and eligibility). | Not all work visas offer a pathway to permanent residency. |
| Can live in Australia for the duration of the visa. | Changing employers or roles may need approval from immigration. |
Conclusion
Getting a work permit for Australia is a practical step toward exploring better career options and gaining international experience. With clear guidelines and the right approach, the process becomes manageable. Once it’s in place, it opens doors to new professional and personal opportunities in a country known for its quality of life and work culture.
FAQs
Some visas can be renewed or transitioned into another type (like PR pathways). Others may require you to apply for a different visa category.
Yes, depending on your current visa and conditions, you may be able to apply from within Australia. However, some visas must be applied for offshore.
If your visa is employer-sponsored, you’ll need to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa quickly to maintain your legal status.