Australia Work Visa Types and Which One Is Right for You
If you’re considering working in Australia, there are several work visa options to suit different professions, skill levels, and goals.
The right visa for you will depend on your qualifications, the industry you work in, whether you have sponsorship, and how long you plan to stay.
Navigating your options can feel overwhelming, but understanding how each type fits into Australian migration law makes the process clearer.
Key takeaway: The right Australian work visa depends on your individual skills, intentions, and whether you meet sponsorship or eligibility requirements.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is one of the most common pathways for skilled workers to enter Australia. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers for roles they cannot fill locally. It comes in two main streams:
- Short-term stream (up to 2 years or 4 years if an international trade obligation applies)
- Medium-term stream (up to 4 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency)
To apply, your occupation must be on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You’ll also need to meet English language requirements, have the necessary qualifications and experience, and obtain sponsorship from an approved Australian business.
Key takeaway: The Subclass 482 visa is ideal if you’ve got the skills an Australian employer needs and are open to sponsorship for temporary or long-term work.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
If you want to work and live in Australia permanently but don’t have an employer sponsor, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa may be the right fit. It’s a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are invited to apply based on qualifications, age, work experience, and English proficiency.
You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If you score highly enough and your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you may receive an invitation to apply.
This visa gives you permanent residency status, meaning you can live and work anywhere in Australia without restriction.
Key takeaway: The 189 visa suits skilled professionals who want long-term residency without needing a job offer or sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Similar to the 189 visa, the Skilled Nominated visa is also for skilled workers, but it requires a nomination from a state or territory government. This pathway can improve your chances of receiving an invitation if your points are lower, or if you have specific skills in demand in a particular region.
Each state and territory has its own list of in-demand occupations and nomination criteria. If you’re open to living in a certain part of Australia, this can be a great option for securing permanent residency.
Key takeaway: The 190 visa is a strong option if you’re willing to live in a nominated state or territory that values your skill set.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Subclass 186 is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. There are three streams under this visa:
- Direct Entry stream: For workers with recognised skills in occupations listed on the MLTSSL
- Temporary Residence Transition stream: For 482 visa holders who have worked for the same employer for at least 3 years
- Labour Agreement stream: For workers employed under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the government
This visa allows you to work, study, and live in Australia permanently, and you can also include eligible family members in your application.
Key takeaway: The 186 visa is a permanent pathway for skilled workers with employer support and a solid employment history in Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
If you’re open to living in a regional area, the 491 visa offers a compelling option. It’s a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state, territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
To qualify, your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you’ll need to pass a points test. While it’s not a permanent visa, it offers a clear path to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after living and working in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
Key takeaway: The 491 visa encourages skilled migration to regional areas and offers a path to permanent residency if you’re open to relocating.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Have you recently completed your studies in Australia? The Subclass 485 visa lets you stay and work temporarily after graduation. There are two main streams:
- Graduate Work stream: For international students with skills related to occupations on the MLTSSL
- Post-Study Work stream: For graduates of higher education degrees from Australian institutions
The visa length varies from 18 months to 4 years, depending on your qualifications. It gives you time to gain work experience, improve your English skills, or prepare for other visa applications.
Key takeaway: The 485 visa is ideal for recent graduates who want to gain work experience in Australia and explore further migration opportunities.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
If you’re aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 for certain countries), the Working Holiday visa lets you travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s not a long-term work solution, but it can be a stepping stone to other visas.
The main purpose of this visa is cultural exchange, but it gives you the freedom to take up short-term jobs to support your stay. If you do specific types of regional work, you may be eligible for a second or third working holiday visa.
Key takeaway: The Working Holiday visa suits younger travellers who want a taste of working life in Australia without committing to long-term residency.
Distinguished Talent and Global Talent Visas
If you’re highly skilled in a specific profession such as academia, the arts, or technology, you might be eligible for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858). This permanent visa targets individuals who are internationally recognised and likely to contribute to Australia’s economy and global standing.
You’ll need a nominator and must prove your achievements through awards, publications, or similar credentials. These visas are streamlined for quick processing and are designed to attract top talent.
Key takeaway: Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas are for top-tier professionals with exceptional skills and international recognition.
Choosing the Right Visa Based on Your Situation
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to work visas in Australia. Your best option depends on:
- Your profession and skill level
- Whether you have an employer sponsor
- Your age and education
- Whether you want to stay temporarily or permanently
- Your location preferences (regional or metro)
Before applying, it’s worth reviewing your goals and circumstances. Australian migration law is complex, and even small errors in documentation or eligibility can delay or jeopardise your application. You might benefit from speaking with a registered migration agent or seeking advice from someone familiar with your specific visa pathway.
Key takeaway: Choosing a visa is about aligning your goals with your qualifications, employment opportunities, and long-term migration plans.
Working in Australia offers incredible opportunities for career growth, stability, and lifestyle, but only if you find the right migration pathway. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a graduate, or just getting started, there’s a visa that fits your journey. Don’t rush your decision. Take time to understand your options, check your eligibility, and if needed, seek guidance from someone well-versed in Australian migration law.