Australia, as a Commonwealth country, offers several types of visas for skilled workers. Some of these visas allow you and your family to settle there permanently or temporarily.
As of 2025, Australia remains one of the top destinations for immigrants looking for better job opportunities and a higher quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a work permit in Australia.
Employment Permits and Visas in Australia
Australia provides employment-based work permits and visas to skilled professionals who want to migrate for employment. The Australian government has designed an elaborate visa system to attract global talent and address skill shortages in its economy.
Here is a list of some of the main work visa categories in Australia:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
- A permanent residence visa that allows employers to nominate highly skilled workers to live and work in Australia.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa
- Enables regional Australian employers to sponsor qualified workers for permanent residency.
- Skilled Independent Visa
- For workers invited by Australia or skilled New Zealand citizens to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
- Skilled Nominated Visa
- A permanent residency visa for skilled professionals nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
- Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas when no suitable local candidates are available.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa
- For skilled individuals wanting to live and work in regional Australia.
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
- For highly specialized short-term work.
- Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa
- Facilitates temporary work to foster international relations.
- Distinguished Talent Visa
- For individuals with globally recognized achievements in their field, such as sports, culture, academia, or business.
Occupations Eligible for an Australian Work Visa
Common examples of occupations that qualify for work visas include:
- Qualified professionals: Engineers, teachers, nurses, and accountants.
- Participants in cultural or social events.
- Recognized experts: Academia, business, culture, and sports.
- Temporary workers: Those participating in training programs.
- Business owners and investors.
In short, if you possess skills in demand in Australia or secure a job offer from an Australian employer, you can apply for the appropriate work visa.
Requirements for an Australian Work Visa
The eligibility criteria depend on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Below are key requirements for the most common work visas:
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Direct Entry Stream)
- Suitable qualifications for the nominated job (skills assessment required; some exemptions may apply).
- Occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Nomination from an Australian employer.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
- English proficiency at a Proficient level.
- Generally under 45 years of age (exceptions may apply).
- Fulfill health and character requirements.
- Read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa
- Nomination from a regional Australian employer.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Occupation listed in the eligible skilled occupation list.
- Competent English proficiency.
- At least 3 years of related work experience.
- Skills assessment to verify suitability for the job.
- Two-year work contract with the sponsoring regional employer.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
3. Skilled Independent Visa
- An invitation from an Australian state or territory government agency.
- Be under 45 years old.
- Nominated occupation listed in the eligible skilled occupation list.
- Positive skills assessment (some exemptions apply).
- Achieve 65+ points on Australia’s points-based immigration system.
- Competent English proficiency.
- Fulfill health and character requirements.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
Cost of an Australian Work Visa
Visa application fees vary based on the visa category:
- Employer Nomination Scheme and RSMS visas: A$4,045 (US$2,955).
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa: A$1,265 – A$2,645 (US$925 – US$1,925), depending on the stream.
- Skilled Regional visa (Provisional): A$360 (US$265).
- Temporary work visas: A$310 (US$225).
- Distinguished Talent visa: A$4,110 (US$3,000).
Application Process for an Australian Work Visa
Most visa applications are submitted online via the ImmiAccount system on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
For visas that require an invitation, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply.
Documentation Required
- Birth certificate.
- Educational qualifications and skills assessment.
- Medical examination.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Evidence of work experience.
- English language test results.
- Valid passport.
- Signed Australian Values Statement.
Processing Time
- Short-term visas: A few weeks.
- Permanent skilled visas: Several months.
Types of Jobs & Salaries in Australia
Here are some in-demand professions and their average salaries:
Healthcare
- Doctors: AU$142,000/year
- Nurses: AU$75,000/year
- Dentists: AU$115,000/year
Engineering & Construction
- Civil Engineers: AU$83,000/year
- Electrical Engineers: AU$98,000/year
- Construction Managers: AU$112,000/year
Information Technology
- Software Engineers: AU$85,000/year
- ICT Business Analysts: AU$90,000/year
Education
- School Teachers: AU$80,000/year
- University Lecturers: AU$100,000/year
Salaries vary depending on skills, experience, location, and employer.
Benefits of Working in Australia
- High Wages: Australia offers some of the highest wages globally, including generous minimum wages.
- Excellent Quality of Life: Scenic beauty, vibrant cities, strong infrastructure, and political stability.
- In-Demand Skills: Australia actively seeks professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and education.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Certain temporary work visas can lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
- Multicultural Society: Over 30% of Australia’s population are first-generation immigrants, fostering an inclusive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long is an Australian work permit valid?
- Temporary work visas range from a few months to 4 years. Permanent skilled visas allow indefinite stay.
Q2: Can I bring my family with me?
- Skilled visas generally allow you to migrate with your spouse/partner and dependent children.
Q3: Do I need a job offer to apply for an Australian work visa?
- Most employer-sponsored and permanent visas require sponsorship or nomination, but visas like the Skilled Independent visa do not.