Visa Description
This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
Basic Eligibility
You must:
- be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
- have the right skills to do the job
- meet the relevant English language requirements
Streams
1. Short-term stream
This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
With this visa you can
- work in Australia for up to 2 years for your sponsor or work in Australia for up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies, Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
Eligibility
- be nominated to work in an occupation on the list of eligible short-term skilled occupations
- have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this
Length of Stay
You can stay for up to 2 years or up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years
Cost
From AUD1,265
Processing Time
75% of applications: 84 Days
90% of applications: 4 Months
2. Medium-term stream
This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
With This Visa You Can
- work in Australia for up to 4 years, Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years
- study (you won’t receive government assistance)
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
Eligibility
- be nominated to work in an occupation on the list of eligible medium and long-term skilled occupations
- have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this
Length of Stay
Up to 4 years
Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years
Cost
From AUD2,645
Processing Time
75% of applications: 3 Months
90% of applications: 5 Months
3. Labour agreement stream
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.
With This Visa You Can
- work in Australian for up to 4 years for your sponsor or up to 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder
- study (you won’t receive government assistance)
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
Eligibility
- be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement
- have at least 2 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this
Length of Stay
Up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years
Cost
From AUD2,645
Processing Time
- 75% of applications: Processing times are not available
- 90% of applications: Processing times are not available
4. Subsequent entrant
This visa is for family members of subclass 457 and TSS visa holders who are applying separately for their TSS visa and wish to join the primary subclass 457 or TSS visa holder in Australia.
With This Visa You Can
- live, work and study in Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
Eligibility
Be a partner or dependent of a subclass 482 or 457 visa holder
Length of Stay
You can stay for as long as your visa is valid.
Cost
from AUD1,265
Processing Time
- There are no processing times available for this visa
