Overview of Australian Working and Skilled Visas
Popular Working and Skilled Visa Categories
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) – lets approved employers sponsor overseas workers for up to four years to fill temporary skill shortages.
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – a points tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state/territory or family. Applicants must score at least 65 points and receive an invitation to apply.
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants must meet a points test and be invited to apply.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years and can lead to permanent residency.
- Business Innovation and Investment visas (subclasses 188 & 888) – offer provisional and permanent pathways for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or manage businesses in Australia.
Benefits of Working in Australia
- High standard of living and access to world class healthcare and education.
- Competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
- Pathways to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for eligible applicants.
- Diverse and welcoming work culture that values international experience.
Eligibility Criteria and Points Test
Eligibility requirements vary by visa subclass but generally include:- Age limits (usually under 45, depending on the visa).
- Relevant skills and qualifications in an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
- English language proficiency and health and character checks.
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- A minimum score on the points test for points tested visas; factors include age, work experience, education, English ability and regional study.
How Widen – Migration Experts Can Help
Our experienced migration consultants will help you identify the most appropriate visa pathway, assess your eligibility, and prepare a strong application. We stay up to date with the latest immigration rules and ensure your application meets all requirements. Whether you’re seeking a short term work visa, exploring the General Skilled Migration program, or planning to invest and settle in Australia, Widen – Migration Experts will guide you every step of the way. Ready to start your journey? Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised advice on working and skilled visas for Australia.Contact Information
- Office 6, 2 - 16 Anglo Road, Campsie NSW 2194
- 02 8188 1887
- info@widen.com.au
Contact Us
Please use the following form to contact us. One of our team member will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our Working and Skilled Visas Services
Below are some of the key visa services we provide. If you’re unsure which category suits your situation, simply contact us, and we’ll guide you to the right pathway.
Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Subclass 888) is the next step for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who have held an eligible provisional visa. This visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently to continue your business or investment activities, contributing to the nation’s economy and innovation landscape.
Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) offers a pathway for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to establish or expand their presence in Australia. This visa allows you to manage a business, undertake investments, or develop entrepreneurial ventures, leading to permanent residency under the Subclass 888 visa.
Business Owner (subclass 890)
The Subclass 890 Business Owner Visa is designed for individuals who have successfully owned and managed a business in Australia and wish to continue operating their business while gaining permanent residency. This visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely and offers numerous benefits for you and your family.
Global Talent visa (subclass 858)
The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent visa designed for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in eligible fields. It provides a pathway for highly talented professionals, artists, sportspeople, and researchers to contribute to Australia’s global standing.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, offering a pathway to a stable future in the country.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
The Subclass 191 visa enables eligible workers to live and work in Australia permanently. Designed for individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas, this visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for those meeting specific income and visa compliance requirements.
Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192)
The Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is a unique pathway that allows eligible citizens of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is part of the Australian Government’s initiative to strengthen ties with the Pacific region while offering individuals a chance to build a life in Australia.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer in regional Australia, enabling them to live and work permanently in the country.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 Visa enables regional Australian employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for jobs where local skilled candidates are unavailable. This provisional visa allows holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas and provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is designed for skilled workers, eligible New Zealand citizens, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently without needing a sponsor or nominator.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while contributing to the local economy and community.
Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489)
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489) is designed for skilled workers and their families who wish to live, work, and study in regional Australia. While this visa is now closed to new applications, it still holds significance for those holding subclass 489 visas or seeking extensions or subsequent entries.
Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is a permanent visa for individuals who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa. It is designed for skilled workers looking to transition to permanent residency while contributing to regional communities.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is designed for skilled individuals nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative to live, work, and study in regional Australia. This provisional visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific conditions.
State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892)
The State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892) is a permanent visa for individuals who have successfully operated a business in Australia on a provisional business visa. This visa enables you and your eligible family members to live, work, and study permanently in Australia.
State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893)
The State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893) is a permanent visa for individuals who have successfully operated a business or investment in Australia on a provisional visa. This visa allows you and your eligible family members to live, work, and study permanently in Australia.
Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows individuals to come to Australia to engage in specific short-term activities. Depending on your circumstances and the purpose of your visit, this visa offers several streams tailored to different roles, events, or activities.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students who have recently completed their studies in Australia to live, study, and work temporarily. This visa provides an opportunity to gain work experience and further your career in Australia.
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) allows individuals to come to Australia to participate in specific activities that support Australia’s international relations. This visa is designed for individuals who are invited, nominated, or sponsored by the Australian government or a foreign government agency.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) allows individuals to come to Australia to undertake short-term, highly specialised work. This visa is suitable for individuals who have specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in Australia.
Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)
Australia continues to be a prime destination for skilled workers seeking rewarding job opportunities and long-term settlement. In response to evolving labour market demands, the Australian Government is introducing a new streamlined visa program called the Skills in Demand Visa — replacing the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.