Moving to Australia to work is a compelling prospect for many, thanks to our high standard of living, fantastic work opportunities, thriving cultural scene and enviable climate. 

If you’re considering making the move to work in Australia, there are several types of working visas available that can allow you to live and work in the country as a non-resident. Different types of work and holiday visas in Australia apply to different situations, so we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how it all works.

What is a working visa?

A working visa in Australia is a visa that allows non-residents to work while living in the country. There are various types of working visas designed to suit different circumstances. Some visas require you to be sponsored by an employer, while others can be applied for even if you don’t have a job lined up before you arrive.

For example, the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa for people aged 18 to 30 who want to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa before coming to Australia and look for work when you arrive. 

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a work visa that allows you to live and work in Australia permanently if an employer is willing to sponsor you.

There are also specific visa types for skilled foreign workers who work in high-demand industries but don’t have employer sponsorship.

If you want to live and work in Australia, you can apply for any work visa in the government’s migration program as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Types of working visas in Australia

Australia has many types of working visas, but some of the most common ones include:

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

This WHV lets people aged 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. You don’t need to be skilled in any particular occupation or have confirmed employment before you arrive in Australia.

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)

The 462 visa lets people aged 18 to 30 years old live and work in Australia for up to three years. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), it has education eligibility requirements.

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

The 186 visa is a permanent work visa designed for skilled workers who have employer sponsorship. To be eligible for this visa, you need to have relevant qualifications and work experience in a specific skilled occupation.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

The 482 is a temporary visa, which entitles skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years if sponsored by an Australian employer. To be eligible for this visa, you must have professional skills or work experience in a specified industry where there is a current skills shortage in Australia.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

The 189 visa lets people with in-demand skills live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. You don’t need to be sponsored by an employer to get a 189 visa, but you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited by the Australian government to apply for this visa. You’ll also need to complete a successful skill assessment to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your occupation.

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How much does it cost to get an Australian working visa?

The cost to apply for an Australian work visa ranges from AUD$315 up to AUD$4,115, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. If you plan to bring family members with you, you’ll need to pay additional fees for their visas as well.

You can find the full list of Australian working visa fees here.

How long does it take to get an Australian working visa?

The processing time for working visas in Australia varies based on the type of visa you’re applying for and the volume of applicants at the time you apply. Generally speaking, short-term visas such as the Working Holiday Visa are processed in as little as a couple of weeks, while longer-term visas can take up to two years to be approved.

For more guidance on working visas in Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or contact the nearest Australian High Commission or an immigration consulting firm in your country.


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