The Guide to Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements

There are many different visa options available in Australia for all types of professionals. There are specific visas for skilled workers, people participating in specific activities, highly specialized workers, and more. A Business Talent visa is for investors who meet the necessary criteria. Being a working professional is the most common way to get a residence permit (temporary and permanent) in Australia.

Types of Australian Visas

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa
Skilled independent Visa
Skilled Nominated visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
Distinguished Talent visa

1.Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

Allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently.

Requirements:
▸ Must have the skills necessary for the job (skills assessment will be required, with some exemptions).
▸ Job must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
▸ Must be nominated by an Australian employer.
▸ Must meet health and character
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Must have at least three years of relevant work experience.
▸ Must be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions).
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa

Allows skilled workers nominated by their employer in regional Australia to live and work in the country permanently.

Requirements:
▸ Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia.
▸ Must be below 45 years of age.
▸ Job must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Must have at least three years of relevant work experience.
▸ Must have the skills necessary for the job (skills assessment will be required, with some exemptions).
▸ Must agree to remain employed with the nominating employer in regional Australia for a minimum of 2 years.
▸ Must meet health and character
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

3. Skilled Independent Visa

Allows invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills Australia needs to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
See more of Skilled Independent Visa.

Requirements:

For invited workers:
▸ Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and invited to apply by submitting an expression of
interest (EOI).
▸ Must be below 45 years of age.
▸ Job must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
▸ Must have the skills necessary for the job (skills assessment will be required, with some exemptions).
▸ Must satisfy points test with 65 points or more (learn more about Australia’s immigration point system below).
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

For New Zealand citizens:
▸ Must hold a New Zealand Special Category visa.
▸ Must have lived in Australia for at least five years.
▸ Must have started living in Australia on or before February 19, 2016.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

4. Skilled Nominated Visa

Allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. See more of Skilled Nominated Visa.

Requirements:
▸ Job must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
▸ Must have the skills necessary for the job (skills assessment will be required, with some exemptions).
▸ Must be invited to apply by submitting an EOI.
▸ Must be below 45 years of age.
▸ Must satisfy points test with 65 points or more.
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

5. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

Temporary visa that enables an employer to sponsor a suitable skilled worker when an Australian is not available
See more of Temporary Skill Shortage Visa.

Requirements:
▸ If applying within Australia, must hold a Bridging visa A, B, or C and complied with previous visa conditions.
▸ Must be nominated by an approved sponsor to fill an occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List
(for the short-term stream) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (for the medium-term stream).
▸ Must have worked in your nominated occupation or a related field for at least two years.
▸ Must have the skills necessary for the job (skills assessment will be required, with some exemptions).
▸ Must have adequate health insurance.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

6. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa

Temporary visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. See more of Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa.

Requirements:
▸ Must be nominated by an Australian state, territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative and invited to apply by submitting an expression of interest (EOI).
▸ Must not be over 45 years of age.
▸ Have a suitable skills assessment
▸ Must satisfy a points test with 65 points or more (more about Australia’s immigration point system below).
▸ Must have at least Competent English.
▸ Job must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must have read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

Individuals applying through the extended stay pathway will have to have been holders of the Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475), Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487), Skilled Independent Regional visa (subclass 495), or the Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Provisional visa (subclass 496) when applying. There is no age restriction when applying through this pathway.

7. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa

Temporary visa that lets you do short-term, highly-specialized work in the country. See more of Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa.

Requirements:
▸ Must have highly specialized skills, knowledge, or experience to support Australian business and do on-going work (six months
or less).
▸ Must have sufficient funds to support oneself.
▸ Health and character requirements must be met.

8. Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa

Temporary visa to work in particular circumstances that improve Australia’s international relations. See more of Temporary Work (International Relations) visa.

Requirements:
▸ Must provide a letter of support:
▸ Stating that you are engaged in a bilateral agreement between Australia / Australian state or territory government, and another
country (for those applying via the Government Agreement stream).
▸ From the foreign government agency, ministry, mission, international organization, or Australian school or relevant state or territory
education authority (for foreign language teachers) for those applying via the Foreign Government Agency stream.
▸ Or from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs Trade (DFAT) for those applying via the Domestic Worker
(Diplomatic or Consular) stream.
▸ Must have sufficient funds to support oneself.
▸ Must hold a temporary substantive visa if applying within Australia.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must have adequate health insurance.
▸ An interview and employment contract may be required for individuals applying through the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or
Consular) stream.

9. Distinguished Talent Visa

Permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.

Requirements:
▸ Must be nominated.
▸ Contribution must be of benefit to the Australian community in an economic, social, or cultural way, or raise Australia’s academic,
artistic, or sports standing internationally.
▸ Must have the ability to establish oneself in the country either through work in one’s field or becoming independently established.
▸ Must be internationally recognized with a record of achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.
▸ Must have at least functional English.
▸ Must meet health and character.
▸ Must read or have been explained the Life in Australia booklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement.

Australia Work Visa Costs

All the work visas mentioned above have a uniform cost of 4,045 AUD (2,676 USD) with the exception of the following:

▸ Temporary Skill Shortage visa – 1,265 AUD (891 USD) for short-term stream or 2,645 AUD (1,863 USD) for medium-term stream
▸ Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (extended stay pathway) – 360 AUD (254 USD)
▸ Temporary Work visas – 310 AUD (218 USD) except in limited circumstances
▸ Distinguished Talent visa – 4,110 AUD (2,895 USD)

Work Permit Visa Application Form
The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website via ImmiAccount offers online visa applications. If your visa requires an official invitation to apply, you can submit an EOI on SkillSelect.

Family Visa
All the outlined visas allow you to bring eligible family members with you through sponsorship or apply for a subsequent entrant visa for them, except for the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa.

Australia’s Medical Exam
Visas that require meeting Australia’s health standards may subject an individual to a health examination. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, this could consist of a medical exam, TB Screening test, chest x-ray, HIV test, hepatitis B and C test, and syphilis test.

Australia’s Immigration Point System

A visa applicant is required to satisfy a points test. Here’s how it works:

Age
▸ At least 18 but less than 25 years old—25 points
▸ At least 25 but less than 33 years old—30 points
▸ At least 33 but less than 40 years old—25 points
▸ At least 40 but less than 45 years old—15 points

English Language Skills
▸ Competent English—0 points
▸ Proficient English—10 points
▸ Superior English—20 points

Overseas Skilled Employment
▸ Less than three years—0 points
▸ At least three but less than five years—5 points
▸ At least five but less than eight years—10 points
▸ At least eight years—15 points

Australian Skilled Employment
▸ Less than a year—0 points
▸ At least one but less than three years—5 points
▸ At least three but less than five years—10 points
▸ At least five but less than eight years—15 points
▸ At least eight years—20 points

Educational Qualifications
▸ Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or another educational institution of recognized standard—20 points
▸ Bachelor’s degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a bachelor qualification from another educational institution
of recognized standard—15 points
▸ Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution—10 points
▸ Attained a qualification or award recognized by the relevant assessing authority as being suitable for that occupation—10 points
▸ Specialist Education Qualification- Master’s degree by research or a doctorate from an Australian educational institution that
included at least two academic years’ worth of studyin a relevant field—5 points
▸ Australian Study Requirement- Must meet the Australian study requirement—5 points
▸ Professional Year in Australia- Completion of a professional year in the country—5 points
▸ Community Language Credential- Hold a recognized qualification in a credentialled community language—5 points
▸ Study in Regional Australia- At least one degree, diploma, or trade certificate from an Australian educational institution that satisfies
the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia—5 points
▸ Partner Skills- Spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for a visa and meet age, English, and skill criteria—5 points
▸ Nomination or Sponsorship- Invited to apply for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa because you were nominated, or are being
sponsored for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa by a family member that has been accepted by the Minister—10 points

Self-Employment Visas

There are two streams for Australia’s Business Talent (Permanent) visa for applicants: Significant Business History and Venture Capital Entrepreneur.

The initial is for business owners who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia. The latter is for businessmen who have sourced venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Investment Council (AIC), and are seeking to operate a new or existing business.

Requirements:
For the Significant Business History stream, applicants will need:
▸ A net value of at least 1.5 million AUD (more than a million USD).
▸ An annual business turnover of at least 3 million AUD (more than 2.1 million USD) for at least two of the four fiscal years immediately
prior to being invited to apply.
▸ Total net assets of at least 400,000 AUD (281,551 USD) as the ownership interest in one or more qualifying businesses for at least
two of the four fiscal years immediately prior to being invited to apply.
▸ To be not older than 55 years old. However, exceptions are allowed for proposed businesses that will be of exceptional economic
benefit to the region of its operation.
▸ Applicants for the Venture Capital Entrepreneur Stream will need to have secured at least 1 million AUD (704,000 USD) in funding for
a high-value business concept.

Both streams require you to:
▸ Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency before being invited to apply;
▸ Meet the healthand character requirements;
▸ Read or have been explained the Life in Australiabooklet, and sign the Australian Values Statement;
▸ Have at least functional English.
This type of visa costs 7,855 AUD (5,175 USD).

Steps to apply for a Self-Employment Visa in Australia:
Step 1 – Submit an EOI
Submit an EOI on SkillSelect, after which, you will be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and be invited to apply.

Step 2 – Collect your Documents
Gather all the appropriate identity documents and assemble your evidence of venture capital funding, assets, business intentions and activities, as it applies.

Step 3 – Apply for your Visa
Online application forms are found on ImmiAccount. You will find that the official invitation letter comes with specific instructions on how to submit your application.

Step 4 – Wait
You will get a confirmation letter stating that your application and documents have been received. Your application can now be tracked and managed online via ImmiAccount.

Step 5 – Receive your Result
The official decision on your visa application will come in written form. If the results are favorable, it will include your visa grant number, the start date of your visa, along with visa conditions, when applicable. Should your application be denied, you will be given a reason as to why and whether you have a right to a review of the decision. Your application fee will not be refunded once your visa application is rejected.

How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident

A permanent residency in Australia allows you to remain in the country indefinitely.

Here are the visas which lead to permanent residency:
▸ Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa
▸ Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa
▸ Skilled independent visa
▸ Skilled Nominated visa
▸ Distinguished Talent visa
▸ Business Talent (Permanent) visa

Permanent Resident Benefits
▸ Remain in the country indefinitely.
▸ Work and study in Australia.
▸ Enroll in the country’s national health scheme, Medicare.
▸ Apply for bank loans to buy property.
▸ Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
▸ Apply for citizenship, if eligible.
▸ Work in New Zealand.
▸ Travel to and from Australia for as long as one’s travel facility permits.
▸ Attend free English language courses provided by the Adult Migrant English Program.

How to Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit

The application process for a temporary resident permit is the same as applying for one of the many temporary residence visas for professionals. For workers, those can include:
▸ Temporary Skill Shortage visa
▸ Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
▸ Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
▸ Temporary Work (International Relations) visa

Family Visa

A prospective Marriage visa (temporary residence permit) allows you to come to Australia to marry your partner. Afterwards, you can apply for a Partner visa which also serves as a permanent residency permit. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website has all the information regarding the fiancé visa. It includes a step by step guide on everything you need to accomplish before applying as well as a complete list of every single document you are required. The visa application process is discussed in great detail and even offers practical tips on things to do once you have sent in your application.

If you’re seriously considering moving to Australia, you might want to acquire the services of a relocation agency. Whether it’s visa assistance, finding your new home or shipping your belongings, a relocation agency guarantees expert assistance. We’re ready to facilitate your smooth passage to Australia, so ask us how!