Working & Skilled Visas

 

Australia offers a range of Working and Skilled Visas designed to attract talented professionals, skilled workers, and temporary employees to fill job shortages across various industries. Whether you’re looking to work temporarily, gain permanent residency, or secure employer sponsorship, choosing the right visa is essential.

I’ve assisted many professionals in successfully applying for Skilled Visas, Employer-Sponsored Visas, and Temporary Work Visas, and I’m here to guide you through the process.

 

Types of Working & Skilled Visas in Australia

Australia’s skilled migration program includes several visa categories, each with different eligibility criteria.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent Residency Without Sponsorship

• For highly skilled workers who do not need an employer sponsor.
• Requires an Expression of Interest (EOI) and invitation through SkillSelect.
• Uses a points-tested system, where factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications determine eligibility.

 

Best for: Skilled professionals seeking permanent residency (PR) without employer sponsorship.

 

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State-Sponsored Permanent Visa

• Similar to the 189 visa but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
• Requires commitment to living in the sponsoring state for at least two years.
• Offers permanent residency.

 

Best for: Skilled workers who meet state-specific demand and need additional points for their application.

 

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Work & Live in Regional Australia

• A points-tested visa requiring sponsorship by a regional state/territory or an eligible family member.
• Offers a pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 visa.
• Requires living and working in a regional area for at least three years before applying for PR.

 

Best for: Workers willing to live and work in regional Australia to increase PR chances.

 

4. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) – Employer-Sponsored Work Visa

• Requires employer sponsorship.
• Comes in Short-Term (2 years) and Medium-Term (up to 4 years) streams.
• Can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

 

Best for: Skilled professionals with a job offer from an Australian employer.

5. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) – PR Through Employer Sponsorship

• For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer for a permanent position.
• Available under Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement Streams.

 

Best for: Employees with long-term job offers from an Australian employer who want PR.

 

6. Training Visa (Subclass 407) – Gain Work Experience in Australia

• For applicants needing occupational training or professional development in Australia.
• Requires a sponsoring organization that provides structured training.
• Not a direct pathway to PR, but can lead to other work visas.

 

Best for: Individuals looking for workplace training or skill development in Australia.

 

7. National Innovation visa (Subclass 858) – PR for Exceptional Talent

• For individuals with internationally recognized expertise in targeted industries.
• Offers PR without needing employer sponsorship or state nomination.
• Requires a nominator (such as an Australian organization, government body, or individual expert).

 

Best for: Highly skilled professionals in tech, engineering, medicine, academia, or research.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying for a Skilled Visa

❌ Not meeting English language requirements – Most skilled visas require IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores.
❌ Incorrect or incomplete documentation – Missing documents can lead to delays or refusals.
❌ Not checking state nomination criteria – Each state has different requirements for subclass 190 & 491 visas.
❌ Misunderstanding visa conditions – Some visas require regional work commitments or specific employer obligations.

If you’re unsure about any requirement, talk to me before applying—fixing mistakes after submission can be difficult!

Want to Work in Australia? Let’s Find the Right Visa for You

I’ve helped skilled professionals secure work visas, gain employer sponsorship, and transition to permanent residency. If you need expert guidance on choosing the right visa, I can help you understand your options and prepare a strong application.

📅 Book a consultation with me today: Schedule an Appointment

Let’s get started on your Australian work visa journey today!