Australian Working and skilled visas

Australia provides a variety of work and skilled visa options for individuals looking to live and work in the country. These visas aim to address skill shortages, attract talented professionals, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Below is a summary of the primary work and skilled visa categories:

### 1. Skilled Migration Visas

These visas, based on a points-testing system, are available to skilled professionals who fulfill Australia’s qualification and skill requirements.

#### a) Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

- Who can apply? Skilled individuals not sponsored by an employer, a state/territory, or a family member.

- Key Features:

- Offers permanent residency.

- Assessed under a points system considering factors such as age, qualifications, English language skills, and work experience.

- Requires an invitation to apply, which is issued after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect platform.

#### b) Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

- Who can apply? Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government in Australia.

- Key Features:

- Grants permanent residency.

- Requires nomination by a state or territory.

- Points-tested.

#### c) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

- Who can apply? Skilled professionals nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member based in a designated regional area.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa valid for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

- Requires applicants to live, work, and study in regional areas.

- Points-tested.

### 2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

These visas allow Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill job vacancies.

#### a) Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

- Who can apply? Skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer to fill roles listed on the Short-Term or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation List.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa valid for up to 2 or 4 years, depending on the relevant occupation list.

- Requires employer sponsorship.

- Applicants must meet skill and English proficiency criteria.

#### b) Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

- Who can apply? Professionals nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residency.

- Key Features:

- Permanent residency visa.

- Employer sponsorship is mandatory.

- Includes three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement.

#### c) Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)

- Who can apply? Workers sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia.

- Key Features:

- Permanent residency visa.

- This visa has been replaced by the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa).

#### d) Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

- Who can apply? Professionals sponsored by an employer in regional areas.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa valid for up to 5 years, with a route to permanent residency.

- Requires employer sponsorship and regional employment.

### 3. Regional and Rural Work Visas

Australia promotes skilled migration to regional and rural locations to address labor shortages in less populated areas.

#### a) Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)

- Who can apply? Skilled workers who have previously lived and worked in regional Australia on an eligible visa.

- Key Features:

- Offers permanent residency.

- Requires fulfillment of residency and employment conditions in regional areas.

#### b) Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

- Who can apply? Workers in specific regional areas covered by agreements between local employers and the government.

- Key Features:

- Enables regional employers to hire workers for occupations not listed on the standard skilled occupation lists.

- May offer a pathway to permanent residency.

### 4. Graduate Visas

These visas are available to international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution.

#### a) Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

- Who can apply? International graduates who have completed a relevant qualification in Australia.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualifications.

- Permits graduates to live, work, and study in Australia.

- Two streams: Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream.

### 5. Global Talent Visa Program

- Who can apply? Highly skilled professionals working in priority sectors such as technology, health, engineering, or finance.

- Key Features:

- Offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.

- Focused on attracting exceptional talent to boost Australia’s economy.

### 6. Business and Investment Visas

These visas cater to individuals with business skills or those willing to invest in Australia.

#### a) Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

- Who can apply? Entrepreneurs, investors, or business owners.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa with a progression to permanent residency (Subclass 888).

- Includes streams such as Business Innovation, Investor, and Entrepreneur.

#### b) Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132)

- Who can apply? High-level business professionals or entrepreneurs.

- Key Features:

- Permanent residency visa.

- Requires nomination by a state or territory government.

### 7. Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas

These visas allow young individuals to explore Australia while taking up short-term work.

#### a) Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

- Who can apply? Citizens of eligible countries with reciprocal agreements.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on regional work completed.

- Permits short-term employment and studies.

#### b) Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

- Who can apply? Citizens of specific nations with a Work and Holiday agreement with Australia.

- Key Features:

- Similar to Subclass 417 but includes additional criteria, such as education or English language proficiency.

### 8. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

- Who can apply? Individuals involved in specialized short-term work or cultural engagements.

- Key Features:

- Temporary visa for activities such as research, sports, or the arts.

- Includes the "COVID-19 Pandemic Event" stream for critical industries.

### 9. Regional Skilled Migration Incentives

Australia prioritizes regional migration to promote growth in less populated areas:

- Additional points are awarded to visa applicants living and working in designated regional areas.

- Pathways to permanent residency are available for those meeting regional requirements.

### General Requirements for Skilled Visas

- Skills Assessment: A relevant authority must assess the applicant’s skills.

- English Proficiency: Proof of English language ability (e.g., IELTS or PTE) is required.

- Occupation Lists: Applications must align with roles on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (e.g., MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL).

- Health and Character Checks: All applicants must meet health and character standards.