Guide to Working Visas in Australia: Types, Requirements & How To

Australia is a popular destination for people looking to live and work overseas, offering a strong labour market, competitive wages, and a high standard of living. Each year, many non-residents explore options for a working visa in Australia to support their career goals or fund a longer stay.

That said, the Australia work visa system can be complex. There are multiple visa types, each with different eligibility rules, costs, and conditions. Understanding how these visas work can help you choose a suitable option, plan your finances, and reduce the risk of delays or unnecessary expenses.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a working visa is, the main Australian working visa types, eligibility requirements, typical costs, and how the application process works. We’ll also touch on financial considerations when settling in Australia, including general information about support options some visa holders explore.

What is a working visa in Australia?

A working visa in Australia is legal permission that allows non-residents to work lawfully in the country. With limited exceptions for New Zealand citizens, most foreign nationals must hold an appropriate work visa Australia before starting employment¹.

Key points to understand about Australian work visas:

• They allow paid work under defined conditions
• Some require employer sponsorship, while others do not
• Visas may be temporary or permanent
• Each visa has specific limits on work type, duration, and location
• You must hold a valid visa before beginning work

Understanding what a working visa is can help you identify which pathway may align with your circumstances.

Types of working visas in Australia

Australia offers a range of work visas Australia options, designed for different ages, skill levels, and purposes.

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

The Working Holiday visa Australia (417) is commonly used by younger travellers.

• Age: 18–30 (or up to 35 for some countries)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Work: Temporary or casual roles
• Job offer required: No
• Extensions: Second and third year possible with specified work
• Cost: From AUD $315²

This visa is often chosen by people who want to work while travelling in Australia.

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)

The Work and Holiday visa Australia (462) is similar to the 417 visa but applies to different countries and includes additional requirements.

• Age: 18–30
• Education: At least two years of tertiary study
• English: Functional English required
• Government support letter: Required for some nationalities
• Cost: From AUD $315²

This visa suits applicants from countries not eligible for the 417 visa.

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

Previously known as the TSS visa, the Skills in Demand visa (482) is an employer-sponsored Australian work visa.

• Sponsorship required: Yes
• Duration: Typically 2–4 years
• Occupation: Must be on the skilled occupation list
• Streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, Labour Agreement
• Pathway to PR: Possible, depending on circumstances
• Cost: From AUD $1,455³

This visa is commonly used by skilled professionals with an Australian job offer.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate visa (485) is for international students who have completed eligible studies in Australia.

• Age: Generally under 35
• Sponsorship required: No
• Duration: Around 18 months to 4 years
• Purpose: Gain Australian work experience
• Cost: From AUD $1,895⁴

This visa is often used to build local experience after graduation.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent visa (189) is a permanent Australia working visa that does not require sponsorship.

• Permanent residency
• Points-tested (minimum 65 points)
• Invitation required
• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Cost: AUD $4,770⁵

This visa is highly competitive and suited to skilled workers with strong points scores.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (190) is similar to the 189 but involves state or territory nomination.

• Permanent residency
• Points-tested
• State or territory nomination required
• Initial commitment to the nominating state
• Cost: AUD $4,770⁵

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

A provisional working visa Australia option designed for regional areas.

• Duration: Up to 5 years
• State nomination or eligible family sponsorship required
• Regional residence and work conditions
• Possible pathway to permanent residency after meeting criteria
• Cost: AUD $4,770⁵

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (186) is a permanent workers visa Australia option.

• Employer sponsorship required
• Permanent residency
• Relevant work experience required
• Skills assessment may apply
• Cost: AUD $4,770⁵

Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)

This visa is for short-term or specific work activities.

• Sponsorship required
• Duration varies
• No standard pathway to permanent residency
• Cost varies

Short Stay Specialist visa (subclass 400)

• Stay: Up to 6 months
• Highly specialised work only
• Business justification required
• Cost: AUD $325⁶

Eligibility requirements for working visas

Eligibility varies by visa type, but many work visas for Australia share common criteria.

General requirements

• Valid passport
• Health requirements met
• Character requirements met
• Adequate health insurance
• English proficiency for most skilled visas

Skilled visa requirements

• Skills assessment
• Occupation on the skilled list
• Relevant work experience
• Points test (minimum 65 points)
• Age limits generally apply

Sponsored visa requirements

• Approved sponsoring employer
• Market salary compliance
• Genuine role and labour market testing

How much is a working visa in Australia?

If you’re assessing how much a working visa in Australia may cost, charges depend on visa type.

Visa application charges (AUD)

• 417 / 462: $315
• 482: $1,455
• 485: $1,895
• 189 / 190 / 491 / 186: $4,770

Additional costs to plan for

• Health checks (often $300–$500)
• Police certificates
• Skills assessments
• English language tests
• Document translations

Understanding these costs can help with budgeting and financial planning.

How to apply for a working visa in Australia

Step 1: Choose the right visa
Assess your age, qualifications, experience, and goals.

Step 2: Check eligibility
Confirm visa-specific criteria and points requirements if relevant.

Step 3: Gather documents
Common documents include passports, qualifications, references, English tests, police checks, and health exams.

Step 4: Skills assessment (if required)
Apply through the relevant assessing authority.

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest
Required for points-tested visas via SkillSelect.

Step 6: Lodge your visa application
Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount.

Step 7: Respond to requests
Provide additional documents if requested.

Step 8: Await a decision
Avoid making non-refundable travel plans until a decision is received.

Can you get a working visa without a job offer?

Yes. Several working visas in Australia do not require a job offer, including:

• Working Holiday visas
• Skilled Independent visa (189)
• Temporary Graduate visa (485)

Employer-sponsored visas generally require a confirmed job offer.

Need financial support when settling in Australia?

Relocating and setting up in Australia can involve upfront expenses such as accommodation, transport, and daily living costs. Some visa holders explore financial products to help manage these expenses.

Options people may consider include:

• Personal loans for non-residents
• Car loans for transport
• Emergency loans for unexpected costs

Credit24 may consider applications from eligible visa holders, subject to assessment.

Repayments may be made using common Australian payment methods, including OSKO, depending on your bank.

This information is general only and does not consider your personal financial situation. Credit is subject to eligibility criteria, fees, and terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer to get a working visa?
It depends on the visa. Some visas do not require a job offer, while employer-sponsored visas do.

How long is a working visa in Australia?
Visa duration varies, from around 12 months for some temporary visas to permanent residency for others.

Can I bring my family?
Many skilled visas allow eligible family members to be included, subject to additional requirements and fees.

What happens if my visa expires?
You must hold a valid visa at all times. Overstaying can affect future visa applications.

Can I change jobs on a sponsored visa?
In most cases, changing employers requires a new nomination and approval.

Sources

• Work visas — Department of Home Affairs: homeaffairs.gov.au
• Working Holiday visas (417 & 462) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Skills in Demand visa (482) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Temporary Graduate visa (485) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Skilled visas (189, 190, 491, 186) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (400) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Disclaimer

IPF Digital Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Credit24, ABN 59 130 894 405. Australian Credit Licence 422839.

The information in this article is general in nature and does not consider your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Lending criteria, fees, and charges apply. For product details, eligibility requirements, and full terms and conditions, visit www.credit24.com.au.