Immigration & Visas

Australia Work Visa: Skilled and Sponsored Options

Apply for an Australian work visa through employer sponsorship or skilled migration. Covers the TSS 482 visa, Skilled Independent 189, employer nomination, skills assessment, and the path to permanent residence.

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Last updated: February 24, 2026

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Visa Options for Working in Australia

Choose between employer-sponsored and independent skilled migration

Employer-sponsored visas (TSS 482, ENS 186) require a specific job offer from an Australian employer. Skilled independent visas (189, 190, 491) are points-based and do not require employer sponsorship. Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. Both pathways can lead to permanent residence.

Check if your occupation is on the skilled occupation list

Australia maintains multiple occupation lists: the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for the 482 short-term stream, the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the 482 medium-term stream and 189 visa, and the Regional Occupation List for regional visas. Search your occupation at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Each occupation has a specific ANZSCO code.

Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

Each occupation has a designated skills assessment body. Engineers use Engineers Australia. IT professionals use the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Accountants use CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA. Tradespeople use TRA. The assessment verifies your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Costs range from 300-1,500 AUD. Processing takes 4-12 weeks.

TSS 482 Employer-Sponsored Visa

Your employer files a nomination for the position

The employer must be an approved sponsor (or become one). They nominate the specific position by demonstrating a genuine need, that the role matches the occupation list, that the salary meets the market rate (minimum 73,150 AUD for the 482 visa), and that they have made genuine efforts to hire Australians. The nomination fee is 330 AUD.

Apply for the 482 visa online through ImmiAccount

Create an ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au and complete the application. The form requires personal details, employment history, qualifications, skills assessment, health declarations, and character declarations. Upload supporting documents as certified PDF scans. The visa application fee is 1,455 AUD for the primary applicant.

Provide police clearances from every country you have lived in

You need police clearance certificates from every country where you lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks are done automatically. Some countries take 4-8 weeks to process police clearances. Start these early. Translations must be certified if not in English.

Complete a health examination with a panel physician

Book a medical exam through the eMedical system in ImmiAccount. The exam must be done by an approved panel physician. Find one at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health. The exam includes a general physical, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Cost is 300-500 AUD (not covered by Medicare). Results go directly to the Department.

Skilled Independent 189 Visa (Points-Based)

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

The 189 visa uses a points-based system. Submit an EOI through SkillSelect at skillselect.gov.au. You need a minimum of 65 points from age, English, qualifications, work experience, and other factors. Higher points increase your chance of receiving an invitation. Current competitive scores are typically 80-90+ points depending on the occupation.

Receive an invitation to apply from the Department

If your points score is competitive, the Department issues an invitation to apply. Invitations are issued in regular rounds (typically monthly). Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge the full visa application. The 189 visa grants permanent residence directly. The application fee is 4,640 AUD for the primary applicant.

Lodge the full application with all supporting documents

After invitation, lodge through ImmiAccount with: skills assessment, English test results, employment references, qualifications, police clearances, health exam, and identity documents. Processing takes 6-12 months. Providing all documents upfront prevents delays from additional information requests. Incomplete applications take significantly longer.

After Visa Grant

Activate your visa by entering Australia before the initial entry date

If granted from outside Australia, your visa has a first entry date (typically 12 months from the grant or the last expiring police/health check). You must enter Australia before this date to activate the visa, even if you plan to start work later. A short trip to activate the visa is common.

Apply for a Tax File Number from the Australian Taxation Office

Apply for a TFN online at ato.gov.au within 28 days of arriving. The TFN is required for employment. Without it, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (47%). Processing takes 10-28 days. You also need to register with a superannuation (retirement) fund chosen by your employer.

Enroll in Medicare if you hold a visa with Medicare eligibility

Permanent visa holders (189, 186) are eligible for Medicare from arrival. Temporary visa holders (482) are not eligible unless their country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia (UK, Ireland, Italy, and others). Register at a Medicare Service Centre with your passport and visa. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Australian work visa take to process?

TSS 482 visa processing takes 1-6 months depending on the stream and applicant's country. The 189 skilled independent visa takes 6-12 months from application to grant. Employer nomination adds 1-4 months before you can apply for the visa. Processing times are published on the Department of Home Affairs website and updated quarterly.

What is the minimum salary for an Australian work visa?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the 482 visa is 73,150 AUD per year. Your salary must also meet the annual market salary rate for the specific occupation. The employer must pay the higher of the TSMIT or market rate. Permanent visa pathways (186 ENS) have a similar threshold. Check the current TSMIT on the Department's website.

Can I bring my family on an Australian work visa?

Yes. Partners and dependent children under 18 can be included in your visa application. Partners receive full work rights. Children can study at Australian schools. Each additional applicant increases the visa fee (482 visa: 1,455 AUD for partner, 365 AUD per child). Family members must meet health and character requirements.

Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residence?

The 482 medium-term stream leads to permanent residence through the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) after working for the employer for 3 years. The short-term stream does not have a direct pathway to permanent residence. You can also transition to permanent residence through the skilled independent 189 visa if you meet the points threshold. The pathway depends on your occupation stream.