What is an Australia work permit visa

Australia does not issue one universal visa officially called an "Australia Work Permit Visa." The term usually refers to an Australian visa that allows employment. Your permission to work comes from the visa granted to you and its conditions.

The Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, is a principal temporary employer-sponsored option. Other routes include the regional subclass 494 visa, permanent employer nomination under subclass 186, and invitation-based skilled migration. A job offer, nomination or expression of interest does not by itself authorise employment. Check the granted visa and its work conditions before starting work. [01][02][18][36]

Main Australian work visa options

Duration and eligibility depend on the stream and individual grant. Eligible Hong Kong passport holders may receive up to five years under subclass 482. The 491 and 494 visas require compliance with regional conditions; they are not permanent residence when first granted. [01][19][20][21][22]

Skills in Demand visa subclass 482

The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa for new applications on 7 December 2024. It enables eligible employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions they cannot appropriately fill from the Australian labour market. The current streams are Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. [02][33]

Core Skills stream

This stream is for eligible occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. You need an employer nomination, the skills to perform the role and the required English evidence. A formal skills assessment is compulsory for some occupation and passport combinations.

There is no general age ceiling for the subclass 482 Core Skills stream. However, a future permanent visa can have an age requirement, so longer-term plans should be assessed separately. [03]

Specialist Skills stream

This stream serves eligible higher-paid roles that meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. It covers occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers in Major Groups 3, 7 and 8 are excluded from this stream.

A high salary alone is insufficient. The nominated occupation, employer arrangements, relevant skills and other visa criteria must also qualify. [04]

Labour Agreement stream

This stream applies where an employer has an effective labour agreement with the Australian Government. The agreement sets the available occupations and may contain specific concessions. Applicants must meet the terms that apply to their employer and role; concessions are not automatically available to every applicant. [05]

Work experience for subclass 482

Applicants generally need at least 12 months of relevant work experience. The experience must relate to the nominated occupation or a related field and be supported by evidence. Qualifying part-time or casual work can be assessed on an equivalent full-time basis. An employment reference should accurately identify the duties performed, hours and dates. [01][03]

Salary requirements for sponsored workers

For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the published thresholds are:

Employers must also satisfy applicable annual market salary requirements. Meeting the threshold does not make a below-market offer acceptable. The role, employment conditions and salary evidence must support the nomination. Different rules or concessions can apply under labour agreements; subclass 494 has its own applicable income threshold requirements. [06]

Ask for a written breakdown of salary and employment benefits before assessing an offer. A total package figure may not equal the earnings that can be counted for immigration purposes. Thresholds are indexed, so the amount relevant to a later nomination may change.

Employer Nomination Scheme visa subclass 186

Subclass 186 is a permanent visa for eligible workers nominated by an Australian employer. It has separate streams, including Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement. Employer nomination is required; previous temporary residence in Australia does not automatically create eligibility. [01][14][15]

Direct Entry stream

The usual requirements include being under 45 when applying, competent English, an eligible occupation, a positive skills assessment and at least three years of relevant work experience. Specified exemptions can apply. A required skills assessment must be obtained before lodging the visa application. The employer must offer a qualifying position available for at least two years after grant. [01][14]

Temporary Residence Transition stream

This route may suit eligible sponsored workers who have completed the required sponsored employment. Current rules generally require two years of eligible sponsored employment during the three years before applying. Qualifying employment can include work with more than one approved sponsor; eligibility should be checked against the worker's visa and employment history.

A new employer nomination and the applicable age, English and other criteria are still required. Completing two years of employment does not guarantee permanent residence. [15]

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa subclass 494

Subclass 494 allows eligible employers in designated regional Australia to sponsor workers for qualifying positions. The Employer Sponsored stream usually requires applicants to be under 45, have competent English, obtain a suitable skills assessment and demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience, unless an exemption applies.

The visa is valid for five years and carries regional requirements. Check the official designated area rules for the proposed workplace and residence before accepting an offer. A role described informally as "regional" is not enough to establish eligibility. [16]

Eligible holders may later apply for permanent residence through subclass 191. This is a separate application requiring at least three years holding an eligible visa, compliance with relevant conditions and the required evidence, including Australian Taxation Office assessments for three income years. [17]

Skilled visas without employer sponsorship

Applicants without an Australian employer may be able to consider points-tested skilled migration:

• Subclass 189: an independent permanent visa for invited applicants who qualify under the points-tested stream.
• Subclass 190: a permanent visa requiring state or territory nomination and an invitation.
• Subclass 491: a five-year regional provisional visa requiring state or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative, and an invitation. [19][20][21]

These routes generally require an eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment, competent English and an age below 45 at invitation. An expression of interest is submitted through SkillSelect. At least 65 points are required, but meeting that minimum does not guarantee an invitation. State nomination criteria and availability also vary. An expression of interest is not a visa application and does not give you work or residence rights. [18][19]

DAMA and other work visa options

Designated Area Migration Agreements

A Designated Area Migration Agreement, or DAMA, provides a framework for endorsed employers in a particular region to use agreed skilled migration arrangements. It operates through existing visas such as subclasses 482, 494 and 186.

A DAMA is not a separate visa that an individual can obtain independently. Any occupation access or concession depends on the relevant agreement, employer endorsement and visa requirements. [11]

Short Stay Specialist visa subclass 400

Subclass 400 may suit highly specialised, non-ongoing work for a limited period. It can permit a stay of up to six months, depending on the circumstances. Applicants apply from outside Australia, and this visa cannot be extended. It is not a general route for ongoing employment. [22]

Training and graduate visas

Subclass 407 supports eligible occupational training or professional development. It is intended for a qualifying training program. Current Home Affairs guidance requires the relevant sponsorship and nomination approvals before the visa application. [23]

Subclass 485 provides temporary options for eligible recent international graduates of Australian study programs. It has stream-specific study, age, English and application requirements. An overseas qualification alone does not establish eligibility. [25]

Working Holiday Maker visas

Subclasses 417 and 462 allow eligible young adults with qualifying passports to combine a holiday with short-term work and study. Eligibility is passport-specific. Residence in the UAE alone does not qualify someone for these programs. [24]

Eligibility and English requirements

Your assessment should begin with the visa subclass and stream. There is no single age limit, qualification, points score or English score that applies to every Australian work visa.

For sponsored routes, the employer and position must qualify as well as the applicant. For points-tested routes, occupation eligibility, assessment, points and invitation requirements are central. A strong CV cannot replace an employer nomination or invitation where one is required. [01][18]

English language evidence

For subclass 482 Core Skills and Specialist Skills applicants taking IELTS on or after 13 September 2025, the published requirement is at least 5.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, unless an exemption applies. Other approved tests can be used at the required scores. Labour agreement requirements may differ. [07]

Where competent English is required, IELTS Academic or General Training ordinarily requires at least 6.0 in each of the four components. Certain passport holders can establish competent English through the applicable passport rules. Check the visa's evidence and timing requirements. [08]

Do not rely on an overall test score alone. Accepted tests and score tables changed in 2025, so the test date matters. Home Affairs does not accept tests delivered entirely at home or through remote proctoring. Professional registration can require a different or higher standard than the visa. [09]

Occupation matching and skills assessments

Your job title should be checked against the duties and skill level of the relevant occupation. Similar titles can describe different work. The applicable occupation list and assessment authority also depend on the visa and stream.

A skills assessment evaluates your qualifications and experience against the relevant occupation's requirements. It is separate from a visa decision and from any professional registration or licence needed to practise. Some subclass 482 applicants need an assessment; Direct Entry 186 and Employer Sponsored 494 applicants generally need one unless exempt. [01][10]

Prepare a clear employment history before choosing an occupation. Differences between your CV, references, qualifications and actual duties should be explained. Occupation-list inclusion does not mean a job vacancy, sponsorship or invitation is guaranteed.

Documents to prepare

The final checklist depends on your stream, nationality, employment history and family circumstances. Common evidence includes:

• Passport, identity records and any name-change documents.
• Detailed CV, qualifications and academic records.
• Employment references showing dates, duties and working hours.
• Payslips, bank credits or tax records supporting claimed employment.
• English results or evidence supporting an exemption.
• Skills assessment and professional registration, where required.
• Employment contract and nomination reference, for sponsored routes.
• Relationship and dependency evidence for accompanying family members. [26]

UAE-based applicants should also keep their current residence documents and local employment records available. Evidence should be readable, consistent and relevant to the claims in the application.

Police certificates and character

Declare criminal charges and convictions accurately and provide police certificates or other character records when required. Depending on your residence history and visa requirements, evidence may be needed from several countries. A UAE police certificate should not be assumed to cover your entire overseas history. [27]

Health examinations and translations

Health examination requirements depend on factors including the visa, proposed stay and individual circumstances. Complete requested examinations using the authorised process and the health reference supplied for your application. [28]

Documents in another language need English translations meeting Home Affairs requirements. Keep both the original document and translation. Overseas translators must provide the required identification, contact and qualification details. [26]

Applying for an Australian work visa from the UAE

1 Review the route and your evidence

Check your occupation, experience, age, English evidence and qualifications against the proposed stream. Identify whether you need employer sponsorship, state nomination, an invitation or another qualifying basis. Prepare any required assessment before the relevant application deadline.

2 Complete the employer or invitation stage

For employer-sponsored routes, the employer addresses the applicable sponsorship arrangements, genuine position, salary and nomination criteria. Labour market testing may be required unless an exemption applies. Employer approval and nomination are distinct from your personal visa application. [12]

For points-tested routes, lodge an accurate SkillSelect expression of interest and pursue any required nomination. If invited, submit the visa application within the invitation deadline; Home Affairs currently allows 60 days. [18]

3 Lodge the visa application

Use ImmiAccount for the relevant online application, attach the required evidence and pay the applicable charge. Sponsored skilled applicants need the nomination lodged first and its reference details. Depending on the route, the visa application can be lodged while the nomination is being assessed. The subclass 407 approval sequence is different. [23][26][30]

4 Complete any further requests

Monitor your application and respond to requests by the stated deadline. If biometrics are required, follow the collection instructions issued for your application. Health and character checks may also be requested. Keep contact details and relevant changes up to date. [27][28][30][31]

5 Check the decision and work conditions

On approval, read the digital grant notice for your visa duration, entry requirements and conditions. Use Visa Entitlement Verification Online, known as VEVO, to check work entitlements. Confirm the position and work start arrangements with your employer before travelling or beginning employment. [36]

Australia work visa fees

The following are published starting government visa application charges checked on 24 October 2026. They are in Australian dollars and cover the main applicant only.

Concessions may apply to eligible applicants. Confirm the charge for your passport, stream and circumstances in the official Visa Pricing Estimator before payment. [03][14][16][22][37]

Additional costs can include family applications, skills assessments, English tests, police certificates, medical examinations, biometrics, translations, insurance and professional assistance. These are separate from the starting visa charge. Ask for an itemised quotation that identifies government fees and service fees.

Employers also have sponsorship, nomination and training levy responsibilities where applicable. Costs that the law assigns to the employer must be handled accordingly. Do not pay anyone in exchange for being sponsored; paying for sponsorship is unlawful. [13]

Processing times

Processing depends on the visa stream, nomination status, evidence supplied, verification checks and current allocation priorities. The official processing-time guide reflects recently decided applications and does not promise a decision date for an individual case. [32]

New skilled visa processing directions took effect on 19 September 2026, including separate directions for temporary and permanent or provisional skilled visas. Current priorities should be checked alongside the live processing guide. Avoid planning around an old fixed "7-day" or "21-day" promise. [33]

Allow time for the stages before visa lodgement, including an employer's preparation, skills assessment and English testing. A complete application helps the Department assess the case, but it does not guarantee approval or a particular processing speed.

Bringing your family

Eligible partners and dependent children can be included where the chosen visa permits. Relationship, dependency, health and character requirements still apply. Family members may need to apply together with the main applicant or through an eligible subsequent entrant process.

Subclass 482 has a subsequent entrant option for qualifying family members of existing primary visa holders. The application must meet the relevant family and sponsorship requirements. [38]

Check each family member's grant and work or study conditions. Budget for insurance, accommodation and education costs separately. Do not assume that a temporary work visa provides every family member with unrestricted entitlements or free services. [29][36]

Your rights and responsibilities in Australia

Visa holders are protected by Australian workplace laws. Minimum employment entitlements depend on the job and applicable workplace rules. Keep your contract, payslips and work records, and seek help from the Fair Work Ombudsman if you experience underpayment or exploitation.

An employer cannot cancel your visa. Visa cancellation is a decision for Home Affairs. Workplace protection and immigration conditions are separate matters, and you should continue to comply with your visa while resolving an employment issue. [35]

Changing employer or losing your job

Sponsored visas can restrict the employer, occupation and location in which you work. A change may require a new nomination or visa application. Check the applicable process before moving to a new role.

For relevant temporary sponsored visa holders who stop work for their sponsor, current conditions provide up to 180 days in one period and 365 days in total across the visa grant period to address their status. These periods do not extend the visa's expiry date. Your actual conditions and circumstances determine what you can do during the transition. [34][36]

Health insurance

Where condition 8501 applies, you must maintain adequate health insurance for your stay. Check the policy's coverage, exclusions and waiting periods. Medicare eligibility depends on individual circumstances; it should not be assumed from an employer-sponsored visa alone. [29]

How Nexus Migration can help

Preparing to work in Australia starts with understanding the requirements that apply to your situation. Nexus Migration can discuss your proposed route and the support available for your application preparation.

Your initial consultation can focus on:

• Your occupation, qualifications, experience and preferred location.
• Any Australian employer offer and the proposed visa stream.
• Gaps in English evidence, assessments or employment documents.
• Family plans, likely application stages and the costs to budget for.
• The service scope, responsibilities and fees before you proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a single Australia work permit visa?

No. Australia has different visas permitting work. The appropriate subclass depends on your purpose, occupation, employer arrangements and personal circumstances. Check the rights attached to the visa actually granted. [01][36]

Do I need a job offer before applying?

Employer-sponsored routes require a qualifying employer nomination. Points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491 follow different rules and do not generally require employer sponsorship. State nomination criteria may include employment-related requirements. [01][18]

Can I apply from Dubai or another emirate?

Many Australian work visa routes allow applications from outside Australia. UAE residents apply according to the chosen subclass's location and eligibility rules. UAE residence does not remove passport-specific requirements. [02][14][16][22]

Is the TSS visa still the current name for subclass 482?

New subclass 482 applications use the Skills in Demand framework introduced on 7 December 2024. Existing TSS holders should check the rules relevant to their current visa and any later application. [02][33]

Can someone over 45 qualify?

The subclass 482 Core Skills stream has no general age limit. Permanent and regional pathways commonly have age limits with specified exceptions. Eligibility for a temporary visa does not confirm eligibility for later permanent residence. [03][14][16]

Is IELTS compulsory for everyone?

No. Depending on the visa, applicants can use approved alternative tests or qualifying exemptions. The required evidence must be checked for the individual route; living or working in the UAE is not itself an English exemption. [07][08][09]

Does every applicant need a university degree?

No universal degree rule covers all work visas. Requirements depend on the occupation, stream, assessing authority and any licensing obligations. Relevant vocational qualifications and experience may be applicable to some occupations. [10]

Does an occupation on a skilled list guarantee a visa?

No. Occupation eligibility is one part of the assessment. Sponsorship or invitation, evidence, salary and other criteria still need to be met. The list is not a list of guaranteed jobs. [10][18]

How long can I stay on subclass 482?

The visa generally allows up to four years. Eligible Hong Kong passport holders may receive up to five years. Your actual permitted stay is shown in your grant notice. [01]

Can my partner and children join me?

Eligible family members may apply under the relevant visa arrangements. Subclass 482 also provides a subsequent entrant process for qualifying family members applying later. Each person must meet the applicable requirements. [38]

Can I change my sponsoring employer?

It may be possible, but the new employment arrangements must comply with your visa. A new nomination, a visa application or other action may be required. Check the conditions and timing before changing roles. [34][36]

Does a work visa automatically become permanent residence?

No. A permanent visa requires a separate qualifying pathway. Examples include subclass 186 for eligible employer-nominated applicants and subclass 191 for eligible regional provisional visa holders. [15][17]

Is DAMA an open work permit?

No. A DAMA operates through designated regional and employer arrangements using existing visa subclasses. It does not allow an individual to bypass the employer, occupation or visa requirements. [11]

Can I start work while my application is pending?

An application alone does not authorise work. You must hold a visa with suitable work rights. If you are already in Australia, check your current or bridging visa conditions through VEVO before starting employment. [36]

How much money should I budget?

Budget for the relevant visa charge, any family charges, assessments, testing, document preparation, medical checks, insurance and relocation. There is no single service package or starting visa fee that represents every applicant's total cost. [37]

Can Nexus Migration guarantee a job or visa approval?

No. An employer decides whether to offer employment, and Home Affairs decides the visa application. Preparation support should be described through a clear service agreement with realistic expectations.