Overview
Australia's work visa system is points-based for skilled workers and employer-driven for temporary roles. But how open Australia is for you depends on your passport. For example, a Canadian passport scores 25/100 (Open — lower means easier), a Philippines passport scores 75/100 (Restrictive), and a Kenyan passport scores 85/100 (Very Restrictive). Check Australia's openness for your passport →
If your score is low (Open), you may qualify for independent skilled visas without a job offer. If your score is high (Restrictive or Very Restrictive), employer sponsorship is usually required.
Who qualifies
To work in Australia, you generally need:
- A valid passport from your home country
- Skills and qualifications in an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list
- For most visas: a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) — minimum scores vary by visa
- Age under 45 for most skilled visas (some exceptions)
- Good health and character (police clearance and medical exam)
Your specific eligibility depends on your visa type. See Australia visa requirements for your nationality.
Visa types
| Visa subclass | Name | Who it suits | Key features | Stay duration | Points/sponsor needed? |
|---|
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) | Skilled workers with an employer sponsor | Must have 2+ years experience; employer must nominate you | Up to 4 years | Sponsor required |
| 189 | Skilled Independent | Highly skilled workers without a sponsor | Points-tested; no employer or state nomination needed | Permanent | Points only |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | Workers nominated by an Australian state/territory | Points-tested; state nomination adds 5 points | Permanent | Points + state nomination |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Workers willing to live in regional areas | Points-tested; requires state/territory nomination or family sponsor | 5 years, then pathway to PR | Points + nomination |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Workers with an employer in a regional area | Employer must be approved; occupation must be on regional list | Up to 5 years, then PR | Employer sponsor |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme | Workers with an employer sponsor for PR | Direct entry or transition from 482 | Permanent | Employer sponsor |
How to apply
- Check your eligibility — Use the Department of Home Affairs visa finder or consult a registered migration agent.
- Get a skills assessment — For most skilled visas, you need a positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT).
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) — For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), submit an EOI via SkillSelect. You'll be ranked by points and invited to apply.
- Gather documents — See the documents section below. Have all originals and certified translations ready.
- Apply online — Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website, fill the application, and pay the fee.
- Wait for processing — Times vary from a few months to over a year. You may be asked for more documents or an interview.
- Receive visa grant — If approved, you'll get a visa grant letter with conditions. Check your work rights and travel permissions.
Costs & timelines
| Visa subclass | Application fee (AUD, approximate) | Processing time (months) |
|---|
| 482 | $1,455 – $3,035 | 2–6 |
| 189 | $4,640 | 8–12 |
| 190 | $4,640 | 8–12 |
| 491 | $4,640 | 8–12 |
| 494 | $4,640 | 6–9 |
| 186 | $4,640 | 6–12 |
Fees change regularly. Always verify on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Documents you'll need
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Birth certificate
- Skills assessment letter
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
- Employment references (for experience claims)
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in 12+ months
- Medical examination results (panel doctor)
- For sponsored visas: nomination approval, labour market testing evidence
- For partner/family: proof of relationship, dependent documents
Common mistakes
- Submitting an incomplete application — Missing documents or signatures can cause refusal. Use the document checklist in your ImmiAccount.
- Choosing the wrong visa — E.g., applying for 189 when your occupation is not on the MLTSSL. Check the skilled occupation list first.
- Underestimating English requirements — Some visas require competent (IELTS 6.0) or proficient (IELTS 7.0). Retake the test if needed.
- Ignoring health and character requirements — Even minor criminal records or untreated health conditions can lead to refusal.
- Not using a registered migration agent — For complex cases, DIY can be risky. Agents are registered with MARA.
FAQ
Q: Can I bring my family on a work visa?
A: Yes, most work visas allow you to include your spouse/partner and dependent children. They may have work and study rights.
Q: How long can I stay?
A: Temporary visas (482, 491) allow stays up to 4–5 years. Permanent visas (189, 190, 186) allow indefinite stay.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency later?
A: Yes. Many temporary visas offer a pathway to PR (e.g., 482 → 186, 491 → 191).
Q: Do I need a job offer?
A: For 189 and 190, no. For 482, 494, and 186, yes.
Next steps
Your path to an Australian work visa depends on your passport's openness score. For example, a Canadian passport scores 25/100 (Open — lower means easier), making independent skilled visas realistic. A Kenyan passport scores 85/100 (Very Restrictive), so employer sponsorship is likely essential. Check Australia's openness for your passport →
If your score is low, explore the 189 or 190. If high, start networking with Australian employers willing to sponsor. Use the Department of Home Affairs to verify current fees and requirements. For a detailed look at your specific visa options, see Australia visa requirements for your nationality.