If you dream of working abroad, you must learn how to apply for a work permit in Australia, as you can’t migrate without one. This article will explain the types of work permits, the eligibility criteria, common challenges immigrants face, and more.
When a friend of mine got a job offer from a tech-driven agricultural company in Australia, our joy knew no bounds! Being the researcher among my friends, I offered to help him with how he would navigate the work permit process.
Yes, we started digging the internet and found some information, but I can tell you that what we found was insufficient to help him. After some weeks, we gave up and reached out to a consultant who laughed hysterically as we told him our story before he gave us all the tips we needed to know.
These tips and many more are what I have come to share with you free of charge. This is because I have decided that people must gain value from this website. The only thing I want you to pay is attention. Share this article with your friends so they can benefit too.
Let’s forge ahead!
Why Work in Australia?
I know that you already have the answer to this question as you must have decided to work in Australia before you came to search for “how to apply for a work permit in Australia”
Well, let me just give you some more. Please say thank you in the comment section.
Australia is a country with a strong economy and high demand for skilled workers. Almost every sector is in need. Should we talk about the quality of living there? How about the salary? When you look up these things, you will discover the reason the country is rated 4th best country to work in the world by the U.S News.
Types of Work Permits in Australia
My friend and I encountered a lot of issues in this particular place. We never knew there were different types of work visas until we started our research. Below are the different work visas that are available to you depending on your skills, qualifications, and job offer.
1. Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa- Subclass 482
This type of visa is the one you go for when you are offered employment in a position that there is no Australian worker suitable for it. It is usually approved based on your job offer from a sponsoring employer, health check, relevant skills, and some other things.
This visa can last for about 4 years and can make room for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
2. Skilled Independent Visa- Subclass 189
This visa is available for skilled workers whose skills are listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Here, you do not need the sponsorship of any employer, however, you must pass the points test with a minimum of 65 points.
It is good to note that the visa is for permanent residency, and can enable you to work anywhere in Australia.
3. Working Holiday Visa- Subclass 417
This visa is basically for those who are between the ages of 18 to 30 years and wish to work and travel in Australia. The visa is just for a short term like 12 months, although there is the possibility of an extension. All you need to get this visa is to have a passport from an eligible country and meet the health checks.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa- Subclass 186
This one is for skilled workers who are nominated by their employers. It is a permanent visa that you can get when you have at least 3 years of work experience in the occupation and relevant skills.
The ENS Visa is simply a direct route to live and work in Australia permanently.
Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit in Australia
Here are the requirements you should meet to apply for a work visa in Australia.
- Skills and Occupation: Depending on the type of work visa you are going for, your skills should be found on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You will be required to provide your qualifications and experience.
- Health and Character Checks: Your health status must be checked to ascertain if you meet Australia’s health standards. Also, the police of the country you’ve stayed in for a year should clear and provide you with certificates that you have no criminal records.
- English Proficiency Test: You must write and submit the scores of your English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For you to work in Australia, you must be proficient in English Language.
- Skills Assessment: Some work permits would demand that your skills be evaluated by a recognized Australian authority. Here, they will check your qualifications and work experiences.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Australia
Here are the step-by-step guides you should take while applying for a work visa in Australia. Read through this section carefully. It is very important.
- Check the type of work visa that you want. If it is a skilled work visa, ensure that your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Go for skills assessment. It is a mandatory exercise for most skilled workers applying for skilled work permits. Let the accredited skills assessment body evaluate your qualifications.
- Take the English proficiency test, and submit your score. Ensure you score high or at least pass the minimum score required.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. SkillSelect is the government website that evaluates your age, work experience, qualifications, etc., and awards you points after the evaluation. If you pass, you will be invited to apply for a visa.
- After submitting your EOI, the next phase is an invitation to apply for the visa. If you are going for a temporary skilled shortage visa, you will receive a nomination by your employer to apply for the visa.
- When you are nominated or invited, apply immediately through the ImmiAccount portal. Submit all necessary documents.
- Wait for approval. There is always a processing time for a visa, and the duration is dependent on the type of visa you are seeking. Well, you can always check your application status through the ImmiAccount.
Processing Duration and Costs of Australian Work Permits
This is an overview of how much it cost to process your work visa as well as the duration it will stay before approval. Remember that these prices change, so always confirm from the official websites.
- TSS Visa: The cost ranges from AUD 1,265 to AUD 2,645 with a processing time of 1 to 3 months.
- ENS Visa: The cost is about AUD 4,115 with a processing time of 5 to 8 months.
- Working Holiday Visa: The cost is about AUD 510 with a few weeks of processing time.
- Skilled Independent Visa: The cost is about AUD 4,240 with a processing time of 6 to 12 months.
Challenges When Applying for a Work Permit in Australia
These are the challenges that will try to overwhelm you when applying, however, with all the information I have given you above and the one I am about to say now, you have nothing to be afraid of.
- Low EOI Scores: This is the first one I want to address. When you encounter such, shoot for more work experience, take more advanced education, and improve your score on the English proficiency test.
- Skills Assessment Delays: This usually happens so you must start very early to do your skills assessment.
- Incomplete Documents: There are times you can be denied a visa because you did not provide all required documents. You must prepare your documents ahead of time to avoid this kind of scenario.
Conclusion
Securing a work permit in Australia is a critical step for anyone looking to work legally in the country. By understanding the different visa options, meeting eligibility requirements, and following the application process carefully, you can make your dream of working in Australia a reality.
Whether you’re moving for a temporary job or seeking long-term employment, a work permit is your gateway to opportunity. If you agree with me, you have gotten everything you need to know on how to apply for a work permit in Australia. I mean everything!
It is now left for you to take action, and shoot in your applications. Found value? Indicate in the comment section!