Work in Australia

If you apply under an employer-sponsored pathway, your employer must actively nominate you. This applies to visas such as the [Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)](/en/australia/visas/TSS-482 visa) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Your employer must operate a business that is actively and lawfully operating in Australia. Home Affairs won’t accept a nomination from a business that can’t demonstrate lawful operation.

For employer-sponsored streams, your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled list or the Core Skills Occupation List, depending on the visa. The nomination needs to match your skills and the actual role.

Your employer must provide a valid nomination reference number. If you apply without a valid nomination reference number, Home Affairs can refuse the application.

You still carry personal requirements, but your employer’s nomination supports them. For example, under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), you must obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority and provide evidence of competent English.

Employer nomination does not remove core eligibility rules. In many skilled pathways, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation or application (unless an exemption applies).
• Hold at least competent English at the time of invitation.
• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list.
• Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
• Score at least 65 points where a points test applies.

Points-tested visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) require you to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. These visas do not require employer nomination, but any job offer must still align with your nominated occupation.

Other visas, including the [Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)](/en/australia/visas/GRADUATE-485 visa), Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), and Global Talent Visa (subclass 858), follow different frameworks. An employer may support your employment, but nomination is not always required.

Before you submit your application in ImmiAccount, ensure your employer’s nomination is approved or properly lodged, and confirm that all supporting documents are attached. This includes identity documents, English language evidence, skills assessments, character documents such as an Australian police certificate if required, and proof that you have repaid any debt to the Australian government.

Even if your employer completes the nomination correctly, approval is not guaranteed. Home Affairs assesses the nomination and your visa application separately.

Most Australian work visas are lodged online with the Department of Home Affairs. The exact steps depend on your visa type, but the structure is similar across categories such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and others.

Step-by-Step Application Flow

Confirm Eligibility

You must meet the age requirement, which is generally under 45 unless you qualify for an exemption. You also need a suitable skills assessment for your occupation at the time you receive an invitation to apply.

Receive an Invitation (If Required)

Several skilled visas require an invitation before you can lodge your application. For visas such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), an Australian state or territory government agency must invite you to apply.

Access Your Online Accounts

Create an ImmiAccount with Home Affairs. If your visa requires an invitation, log into your SkillSelect account once invited and proceed from there.

Prepare Required Documents

Before submitting your application, gather:

A current passport. A national identity card (if applicable). Proof of functional English for you and any dependants (unless exempt). Your positive skills assessment

Submitting an application without a valid skills assessment for the relevant occupation can result in refusal.

Lodge the Application Within 60 Days

After receiving your invitation, you must apply online within 60 days. Missing this deadline means you must wait for another invitation.

Monitor Processing

Home Affairs publishes a visa processing times guide. Use it to estimate how long your application may take, but treat it as an indication only.

Visa Categories Using This Process

This framework applies across multiple programs, including:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482))
• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485))
• Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
• Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)

Each visa has distinct criteria, but all applications are submitted online through Home Affairs.

You’re responsible for the accuracy of your submission. Make sure every document matches your claims and that your skills assessment remains valid at the time of invitation and lodgement.

You move from a temporary visa to permanent residence by applying through the Department of Home Affairs under a skilled or employer-sponsored pathway. Your strategy depends on your current visa and occupation.

Common permanent options include the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Some temporary visa holders, such as those on the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)), Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)), Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), may later pursue a permanent skilled pathway if they meet the criteria.

Highly skilled applicants may also consider the Global Talent Visa (subclass 858).

Core Eligibility Steps

You must complete several structured steps before Home Affairs can grant permanent residence:

1. Select an eligible occupation from the skilled occupation list that matches your qualifications and work history.

2. Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with accurate details about your employment, qualifications, and background.

4. Receive an invitation to apply and confirm the invitation details match your EOI.

5. Lodge your visa application with full supporting documentation.

You must provide your current occupation, detailed employment history, and evidence supporting your claims. Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay processing.

English Language Requirements

You must meet the required level of English for your visa category. However, you do not need to prove functional English if you hold a valid passport from:

• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• United States
• Canada
• New Zealand

If you rely on this exemption, ensure your passport remains valid at the time of application.

Required Documentation

Home Affairs expects complete and accurate documentation. You should prepare:

• Identity documents
• Evidence of any name changes
• Invitation details
• Expression of Interest confirmation
• Skills assessment outcome
• Employment evidence

Failure to include all required documents can result in delays or requests for further information.

For certain permanent skilled applications, processing of Form 80 under “Skilled (Permanent)” takes approximately 13 months as of February. You should plan your visa timing carefully, especially if your current visa will expire during this period.

Always rely on official guidance from the Department of Home Affairs when preparing your application.

Your salary in Australia depends on your occupation, location, and visa conditions. Before you accept a role, review both your employment income and the full cost of your visa process.

Home Affairs sets visa application charges, and you pay them in AUD (A$). These fees apply separately from employer recruitment costs or relocation expenses.

Visa Application Fees

For example, the application fee for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is:

For fees under the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)), Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)), Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), or Global Talent Visa (subclass 858), refer directly to the Department of Home Affairs. Charges do change, so double-check the current amount before submitting your application.

You also pay additional costs for family members included in your application.

Mandatory Supporting Costs

Beyond the base application fee, you need to budget for required documentation and compliance steps.

• English language test fees, if your results are not current
• Skills assessment fees, where required for your occupation
• Australian police certificates and overseas police certificates
• Health examinations to meet medical requirements
• Identity documents, including passport copies and evidence of any name changes
• Birth certificates or adoption papers for dependent children under 18

If you claim points for age, skills, or qualifications under visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), you must provide evidence.

Incomplete evidence can delay your case and increase costs.

Salary Planning and Financial Readiness

Calculate your net income after taxes and visa expenses before relocating.

A strong salary offer doesn't remove your obligation to meet health, character, identity, and English requirements.

If you apply under employer-sponsored pathways like the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), confirm in writing which costs you must pay and which your employer will cover.

Avoid filing your application before you verify that:

• Your English test results meet visa standards
• Your health documentation meets current Home Affairs requirements
• Your police certificates are valid and complete

Careful financial planning helps you avoid unexpected delays and repeat application fees.

You can include your spouse or dependent children in many skilled and employer-sponsored visas managed by the Department of Home Affairs.

This includes the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)), Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)), and Global Talent Visa (subclass 858).

You must declare all family members in your application, whether they plan to migrate with you or not.

Home Affairs assesses both you and your dependents against health and character requirements.

Who You Can Include

You may include:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Your dependent children
• Identity documents for each dependent
• Evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing

You must provide documents such as a marriage certificate or joint financial records to prove your relationship.

You also need identity documents for each child you include.

If you apply under a points-tested visa such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), you must show competent English at the time you receive your invitation.

This requirement applies to the primary applicant.

Core Eligibility Requirements

When you include family members, you must still meet the main visa criteria, which typically include:

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, unless an exemption applies
• An occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• A suitable skills assessment for that occupation
• Compliance with health and character standards for all applicants

These requirements apply whether your family joins you or remains outside Australia.

How to Add Your Family to the Application

Follow these steps once you receive an invitation to apply, where required:

1. Access SkillSelect and your ImmiAccount and begin your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Enter details for each family member exactly as shown on their identity documents.

3. Upload relationship evidence, such as a marriage certificate or joint bank statements.

4. Upload identity documents for each dependent, including children.

5. Ensure all applicants complete required health and character checks before a decision is made.

You must provide complete and consistent information.

Incomplete documents or inconsistent relationship evidence can delay processing.

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) has different conditions, so review its specific rules directly with Home Affairs before planning to include family members.