Guide Working Visa in Australia: Types, Requirements & How to

Understanding Working Visas in Australia: Types, Requirements and Application Process

This article provides a general overview of working visas in Australia, including common visa types, eligibility criteria, typical costs, and how the application process operates. Information is based on publicly available guidance from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and related official sources.

Australia is commonly referenced as a destination for individuals seeking employment opportunities overseas, with visa pathways available for different age groups, skill levels and purposes. However, the visa system includes multiple categories with varying requirements, conditions and limitations.

Understanding how these visa categories operate may assist individuals in identifying relevant information and preparing for the application process.

What is a working visa in Australia?

A working visa is a type of visa that permits a non-citizen to undertake work in Australia, subject to specific conditions.

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, most foreign nationals must hold a valid visa with work rights before commencing employment in Australia.

Key features of Australian working visas may include:

• Permission to undertake paid work under defined conditions
• Requirements that vary depending on visa type
• Temporary or permanent residency status
• Restrictions relating to occupation, employer, duration or location
• Requirement to hold a valid visa prior to commencing work

Visa conditions and entitlements differ between visa subclasses and should be reviewed in official government sources.

Types of working visas in Australia

Australia offers a range of visa subclasses designed for different circumstances. The following examples are based on information published by the Department of Home Affairs.

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

• Age: Generally 18–30 (or up to 35 for certain countries)
• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Work: Short-term or casual work permitted
• Sponsorship: Not required
• Extensions: May be available subject to specified work requirements
• Application charge: From AUD $315*

This visa category is commonly associated with travel and short-term work arrangements.

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)

• Age: 18–30
• Education: Minimum tertiary study requirements may apply
• English: Functional English required
• Government documentation: Required for some nationalities
• Application charge: From AUD $315*

Eligibility criteria differ from subclass 417 and depend on the applicant’s country of passport.

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

• Sponsorship: Employer sponsorship required
• Duration: Typically 2–4 years
• Occupation: Must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Streams: Multiple streams based on skill category
• Application charge: From AUD $1,455*

This visa enables employers to sponsor workers for specific roles where requirements are met.

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

• Eligibility: Completion of eligible Australian qualifications
• Sponsorship: Not required
• Duration: Approximately 18 months to 4 years
• Application charge: From AUD $1,895*

This visa allows graduates to remain in Australia for a period following study.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

• Residency: Permanent
• Points-tested system applies
• Invitation required
• Application charge: From AUD $4,770*

This visa does not require employer or state sponsorship.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Residency: Permanent
• State or territory nomination required
• Points-tested system applies
• Application charge: From AUD $4,770*

Applicants may be required to meet obligations relating to the nominating jurisdiction.

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

• Duration: Up to 5 years (provisional)
• Nomination: State/territory or eligible family sponsor required
• Conditions: Regional residence and work requirements
• Application charge: From AUD $4,770*

A pathway to permanent residency may be available if criteria are met.

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

• Residency: Permanent
• Employer nomination required
• Skills and experience requirements apply
• Application charge: From AUD $4,770*

Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)

• Purpose: Short-term or specific activities
• Duration: Varies depending on stream
• Sponsorship: Required

Short Stay Specialist visa (subclass 400)

• Duration: Generally up to 6 months
• Purpose: Highly specialised, short-term work
• Application charge: From AUD $325*

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility criteria vary by visa subclass. Based on Department of Home Affairs guidance, common requirements may include:

General requirements

• Valid passport
• Health and character requirements
• Adequate health insurance
• Compliance with visa conditions

Skilled visa requirements

• Skills assessment (where applicable)
• Occupation listed on relevant skilled occupation list
• Relevant work experience
• Points-based eligibility system
• Age limitations may apply

Sponsored visa requirements

• Approved sponsoring employer
• Genuine position
• Labour market testing (in some cases)
• Salary and employment conditions consistent with regulations

Applicants should refer to official government sources for detailed and current requirements.

Costs associated with working visas

Visa application charges vary depending on the visa subclass.

Indicative application charges (AUD)*:

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

Additional costs may include:

• Health examinations
• Police certificates
• Skills assessments
• English language testing
• Document preparation and translation

Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Overview of the application process

The application process generally involves the following steps:

Identify a visa subclass

Review eligibility criteria

Prepare supporting documentation

Complete skills assessment (if required)

Submit an Expression of Interest (for points-tested visas)

Lodge an application via ImmiAccount

Respond to any requests for additional information

Await outcome

Processing times and requirements vary between visa types.

Job offer requirements

Some visa subclasses require a confirmed job offer and employer sponsorship (e.g. subclass 482 and 186).

Other visa subclasses do not require a job offer, including:

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

Financial considerations when relocating

Relocating to Australia may involve upfront expenses such as accommodation, transport and general living costs.

Some individuals explore financial products to assist with managing these expenses. Examples of product categories available in Australia include:

• Personal loans
• Vehicle finance
• Short-term credit options

Credit24 is a licensed lender and may consider applications from eligible applicants, including certain visa holders, subject to its lending criteria.

Repayment methods may vary depending on the financial institution and customer arrangements.

Important information

This article is general in nature and is based on publicly available information from Australian Government sources. It does not constitute legal, migration or financial advice.

Visa requirements, eligibility criteria, fees and conditions may change. Individuals should refer to the Department of Home Affairs or seek independent professional advice for information relevant to their circumstances.

Credit products are subject to eligibility criteria, fees, charges and terms and conditions.

Sources

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

*Application charges are indicative only and based on publicly available government information at the time of writing.