Work Visa

There are two options available under Work Visas that are granted under certain circumstances.

Temporary Residence with work rights - This visa grants applicants permission to stay and work in
Australia for up to 4 years. The main requirement is employer sponsorship. Once the employer arranges
this from Australia, and the sponsorship is approved, then you can apply for this visa.

Working holiday maker - If your trip is intended for recreational purposes, but you wish to work part-
time or temporarily to supplement your income, you can apply for his visa. Applicants between the age
of 18 and 26 are eligible to apply. This visa is available to citizens of Canada, Korea, Japan, Ireland, the
Netherlands, Malta, and the United Kingdom. Citizens of South Africa are not eligible.

Temporary Entry Visa

This visa is available to potential migrants who seek to come to Australia on specific purposes that are
beneficial to Australia. This visa focuses and gives preference to skilled employment, social relations,
cultural relations and international relations. For many cases, the visa stipulates that you cannot change
your employer, place or time in Australia without prior permission. This permission can be obtained in
writing from the nearest State, Regional or Territory office of the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs in Australia.

Visa Sub-Class

Purpose

Requirements for the VISA

Visa Type

442

Occupational Trainee

Temporary stay of people engaging in training compatible with their history of employment
A nomination is required regardless of the duration of stay except if the training is provided by the
Commonwealth. You cannot work in Australia other than in relation to the training course.

428

Religious Worker

Temporary stay of religious workers, which includes priests, ministers, and spiritual leaders to cater to
the spiritual needs of people belonging to their faith in Australia.

A written undertaking and sponsorship is required regardless of the duration of stay. In case you need to
change employer or occupation, you will need prior permission.

427

Domestic Worker (Overseas Executive)

Temporary stay for domestic staff of certain visa holders in class 457 business temporary (long-stay)
entry. This visa is granted only in certain cases where it can be proved or shown that the domestic staff
is needed for the proper discharge of representational duties.

If the employer is sponsored, sponsorship of the staff is also needed. If there is no sponsorship for the
employer, an acceptable employment contract must be supplied. You cannot change your employer or
extend your stay in Australia after your employer has permanently departed from Australia.

426

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic/Consular)

Temporary stay of domestic staff for consular staff and diplomats who have been posted to Australia on
the advice of DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade).
A letter of support is needed from DFAT. You may not change employer or remain in Australia after the
permanent departure of your employer.

424

Public Lecturer

Temporary stay of subject experts or professional lecturers who have been invited to make public
presentations.

For stays of up to 3 months or if entering under a bilateral agreement, a letter of invitation is required.
For stays of more than 3 months, sponsorship is required in all other cases. To change your employer
you will need prior permission.

423

Media & Film Staff

Temporary stay of correspondents or staff members of professional media in Australia who have been
posted by overseas news organisations, photographers and television and film crews for the purpose of
making documentaries or commercials for exclusive overseas consumption.

For stays of up to 3 months, or if the organisation is not represented in Australia, or if entering under a
bilateral agreement, a letter of support is required.In all other cases for stays of more than 3 months,
sponsorship is required. To change your employer you will need prior permission.

421

Sport
Temporary stay of professional and amateur sports people to participate in competitions with Australian
residents and to improve general sporting standards in Australia through high calibre training and
competition.

You may need a sponsorship and a letter of invitation depending on the sporting activity and the
duration of stay in Australia. You may not change employer, competition or training program without
prior permission.

420

Entertainment

Temporary stay of people involved in a range of cultural and social activities and events (that includes
mannequins and models) taking into consideration the need to protect the employment of Australians
in the industry.

Unless you are coming in under a bilateral agreement, sponsorship is required regardless of the duration
of stay. You may not change place or times of engagements, or change your employer in Australia
without prior permission.

419

Visiting Academic

Temporary stay of any person whose presence in Australia will involve the sharing of research
knowledge.

The institution involved needs to provide a letter of invitation. The host institution in Australia will not
be permitted to pay you a salary.

418
Educational

Temporary stay of staff for research institutions, educational institutions or organisations to fill teaching,
academic and research positions that has not been able to be filled from within the Australian labour
market.

For stays of up to 3 months, a letter of appointment is required. For stays of more than 3 months,
sponsorship is required. In case you need to change employer or occupation, you will need prior
permission.

417

Working Holiday

Temporary stay of young people who wish broaden their experience of other countries by holidaying in
Australia, along with the opportunity to work to supplement their income

This is valid for 12 months from the date of issue to travel to Australia. This means from the day you
enter Australia, you may stay for up to 12 months. Casual, part-time and even full-time work is allowed
for 3 months at a time with any one employer. You cannot extend your employment with the same
employer beyond 3 months by ways of business subcontractors, subsidiaries and employment agencies.

416

Special Program

Temporary stay of people under approved programs to broaden their skills and work experience. Usually
applies to youth exchanges.

The supporting organisation has to provide a letter of support. In case you need to change employer or
occupation, you will need prior permission.
415

Foreign Government Agency

Temporary stay of foreign government officials. Facilitates the conduct of official business on their
government's behalf where the officials diplomatic or official stays in Australia.

For up to 3 months stay, or cases involving directors of the British Council, Goethe Institute, Alliance
Francaise, or Italian Cultural Institute, a statement of support is needed from the Foreign Ministry.In any
other case, unless entering under the provisions of a bilateral agreement, a sponsorship is necessary.In
case you need to change employer or occupation, you will need prior permission.

411

Exchange

Temporary stay of skilled people (not including managers, specialists or executives) who desire to come
to Australia in order to widen their skills and work experience under reciprocal arrangements which
allow Australian residents similar opportunities abroad. It also applies to people entering Australia under
certain bilateral exchange agreements.

An invitation letter is required from the Organisation offering the position. In case you need to change
employer or occupation, you will need prior permission.
Permanent Entry Visa
For permanent settlement in Australia, you can apply under two main migration
categories:

The Migration Program - This program caters to anyone who wishes to move to
Australia permanently.

The Humanitarian Program - This program caters to refugees and anyone who is in a
refugee-like situation.

The Migration Program

Australia selects potential migrants based on certain factors that include:

 Skills
 Financial Resources
 Age
 English Language ability
 Family
 Business
 Health

The migration program does not take into account race, culture and gender. Australia
mainly approves of migrants with qualifications and skills that will contribute to the
improvement of their economy and society.

Under this programme, you can get a VISA under the following categories:

1. 1. Skilled Migrants -Under this scheme, there are five sub categories through
which potential migrants can apply.
1. Skilled Migrants - Australian Linked - This is for people who have family
members who can sponsor them in Australia. Potential migrants will be assessed
based on their English, qualifications, age and any other language abilities.
2. Independent Skilled Migrants - You must be under 45 years to apply. This is
valid for qualified people who are working in an approved occupation in Australia.
3. Employer Nominated Migrants - Sometimes employers may select skilled
people from overseas to fill in a job vacancy in Australia. This can be done when
 there is no local Australian who is suitable for the position. Potential migrants will
be assessed based on English abilities, qualifications and age.
4. Distinguished Talent Migrants - For exceptionally talented people who excel in
sports or arts, or any other category, this scheme will apply.
5. Regional Sponsored Migrants - For applications whose Australian employer
wishes to nominate them but is located in a remote area outside of the
metropolitan districts, the sponsorship must be done through this sub category.
2. Business Migrants - The business migrants falls under the Skilled Migrants
category, but it has its own category because of the many special provisions
under this scheme. This Visa class falls under Business Skills and is intended for
business people. It encourages successful people to permanently settle down in
Australia to develop existing as well as new businesses. Investors and business
owners can apply through this category. There are three categories under this
scheme:The process of the Business Migrants is as follows:
1. Investment - For business people or investors who want to invest in Australia.
2. Business Owner - For those who own or part-own any business.
3. Business Talent - For the high-calibre business person who is sponsored by a
state or territory government.
3. Family Migrants - For family members of migrants, they can apply under this
category. Australia accepts 32,000 migrants under this section. In order to apply
successfully for this visa, you should have a responsible relative settled in
Australia to sponsor you. If your family member who is looking to migrate is not
able to support themselves, such as an aged person or a dependent child, then
they can apply through this category. There are no tests for skill level or English
Language ability required. There will be health and character assessment as
required by all migrants. The following categories are available under the family
scheme:
1. Child
1. A dependent child who is financially dependent on you. Even if they above the
age of 18, if they are dependent on you, this category will apply.
2. Adopted child
3. Orphaned relative
2. Partner
1. Spouse or established partner.
2. A prospective marriage partner such as a fiance, or someone intending to get
married.
3. Parent
1. Parent visas are not available easily and are given low priority. Very few spots
are approved for parent visas and contributory parent visas.
4. Other Family
1. Remaining Relative - last remaining family relative
2. Aged Dependent Relative - single aged relatives
3. Carer - a person required to travel to Australia to provide care for a special need
relative.
4. Family of New Zealand citizens - for dependents of New Zealand citizens who
intend to settle or have settled permanently in Australia.
5. Former citizens or residents of Australia