Working and Skilled Visas
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Employer Sponsored Workers – Subclass 482
The Subclass 482 visa enables Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill labour shortages when qualified local candidates are unavailable. This visa allows eligible workers to live and work in Australia temporarily.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Subclass 482 visa, applicants must:
- Be nominated for a skilled position by an approved Australian sponsor
- Have the skills and experience required for the nominated role
- Meet the English language proficiency standards
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field before applying
The nominated position must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Application Process
Hiring a skilled worker under the Subclass 482 visa involves three key steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
|
Sponsorship |
Employer applies to become an approved sponsor |
|
Nomination |
Employer nominates the skilled position to be filled |
|
Visa |
Employee submits the visa application |
If you are over 45 years old and wants to migrate under skill migration, there are still options, call us to discuss
Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. Applicants may be located either onshore or offshore at the time of application.
Streams Under the ENS Visa
This visa offers three distinct pathways:
- Direct Entry Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream
- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field before applying
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ENS visa, you must
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a role listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Possess the required skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience for the nominated position
- Meet the English language proficiency, health, and character requirements
Possible Exemptions
Exemptions may apply for age, skills, or English language ability, depending on factors such as:
- Your nominated occupation
- Salary level
- Previous work experience in Australia
Please contact us to discuss
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa introduced by the Australian Government to attract exceptionally talented individuals from around the world who can contribute significantly to Australia’s innovation, productivity, and economic growth.
Overview
- Launch Date: Replaced the Global Talent Visa on 7 December 2024
- Type: Permanent visa
- Purpose: To bring in high-calibre talent across key sectors such as research, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, and the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in an eligible field
- Be under 55 years of age (exceptions apply with compelling cases)
- Show a genuine commitment to live in and contribute to Australia
The NIV targets established and emerging leaders with outstanding achievements and potential to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s future. Applicants must demonstrate high-calibre talent, a track record of excellence, and the ability to make significant contributions in their field.
Fields of Talent
Fields of Talent
Streams Under the ENS Visa
- Scientific research
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Creative arts and sport
- Investment and commercialisation
- Global leadership roles or keynote appearances
- Intellectual property or patents with commercial success
Nomination Process
- EOI Submission: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs along with the nomination
Benefits
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Access to Medicare and other government services (after waiting periods)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
We have successfully assisted a few clients to obtain this visa, Would you like help assessing your eligibility or tips on strengthening your application?
Skilled Independent Visa - Subclass 189
This visa allows invited skilled workers and eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
There are two application streams:
- Points-Tested Stream
- New Zealand Stream
Points-Tested Stream
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Meet the minimum English language requirements
- Satisfy age, health, and character criteria
- Achieve the required score on the points test
- Receive an invitation to apply for the visa
Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect to notify the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) of your intention to apply.
- Meet the current pass mark for the points test (currently 65 points).
- If invited, lodge your visa application within 60 days.
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
New Zealand Stream
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a New Zealand Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)
- Have resided in Australia for at least the past 5 years
- Have commenced residence on or before 19 February 2016
- In most cases, demonstrate a taxable income above a specified threshold for each of the required income years before applying
With this visa, you can:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study without restrictions
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible relatives to migrate to Australia
- Travel freely to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass190)
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. It allows you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 190 visa, you must:
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for that occupation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Be invited to apply by a State or Territory government
- Meet the minimum points threshold (currently 65 points, but higher scores improve your chances)2
State/Territory Nomination
Each state or territory has its own nomination criteria. For example:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Uses a selection-based invitation process
- Requires your occupation to be on the NSW Skills List
- You must reside in NSW or offshore for at least 6 months to be eligible
Victoria
- Requires nomination from the Victorian government
- Has its own eligibility and assessment criteria
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet both visa and state/territory nomination requirements.
- Submit EOI: Through SkillSelect, indicating interest in Subclass 190.
- Receive Nomination: If selected, you'll be invited to apply.
- Apply for Visa: Submit your application with supporting documents
- Wait for Decision: Processing times vary, but it's a pathway to permanent residency
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This visa is designed to encourage skilled migration to regional areas of Australia.
Key Features
- Provisional visa valid for 5 years
- Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area
- Must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Must meet the points test (minimum 65 points)
- Allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years of living and working in a regional area and meeting income requirements
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491, which is distinct from the Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190 and the Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189. Here’s a breakdown to help you compare and understand the differences:
Comparison with Other Skilled Visas
| Feature | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 190 (Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type |
Permanent |
Permanent |
Provisional (5 years) |
|
Nomination Required |
❌ No |
✅ State/Territory |
✅ State/Territory or
Relative |
|
Location Restriction |
❌ None |
❌ None |
✅ Must live in
regional area |
|
Pathway to PR |
Immediate |
Immediate |
After 3 years (Subclass
191) |
|
Points Test |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Occupation List |
MLTSSL |
State-specific list |
Regional occupation
list |
|
Extra Points for
Nomination |
❌ None |
✅ +5 points |
✅ +15 points |
Would you like help identifying which visa suits your profile best—please contact us to discuss
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)—commonly referred to as the SESR visa—is designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa helps address critical skill shortages where employers are unable to find suitably qualified Australian workers.
With at least three years of relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation, you may be eligible to apply under this program.
Streams Available
There are two distinct pathways under the SESR visa:
- Direct Entry Stream For applicants who meet all eligibility criteria and are nominated by an approved employer in a regional area.
- Labour Agreement Stream For skilled workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian Government.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the SESR visa, you must:
- Be nominated by an approved employer for an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Possess the required skills, qualifications, and work experience
- Be under 45 years of age
- Meet English language proficiency, health, and character requirements
Role of the Regional Certifying Body (RCB)
A successful SESR nomination typically requires support from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in the designated area. The RCB assesses whether the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) offered for the nominated position is appropriate and provides advice to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA).
Please note: RCB requirements vary by region and can be complex. Professional guidance is strongly recommended to ensure your application meets all local criteria.
Need Help Navigating the SESR Visa?
Our team of experienced migration professionals can assist you with:
- Employer nomination and RCB applications
- Skills assessments and eligibility checks
- Preparing and lodging your visa application
📞 Contact us today to explore your pathway to regional Australia.
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa introduced by the Australian Government to attract exceptionally talented individuals from around the world who can contribute significantly to Australia’s innovation, productivity, and economic growth.
Overview
- Launch Date: Replaced the Global Talent Visa on 7 December 2024
- Type: Permanent visa
- Purpose: To bring in high-calibre talent across key sectors such as research, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, and the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in an eligible field
- Be under 55 years of age (exceptions apply with compelling cases)
- Show a genuine commitment to live in and contribute to Australia
The NIV targets established and emerging leaders with outstanding achievements and potential to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s future. Applicants must demonstrate high-calibre talent, a track record of excellence, and the ability to make significant contributions in their field.
Fields of Talent
Eligible fields include:
- Scientific research
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Creative arts and sport
- Investment and commercialisation
- Global leadership roles or keynote appearances
- Intellectual property or patents with commercial success
Nomination Process
- EOI Submission: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs along with the nomination
Benefits
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Access to Medicare and other government services (after waiting periods)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
We have successfully assisted a few clients to obtain this visa, Would you like help assessing your eligibility or tips on strengthening your application?
Family and partner visas
Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300)
The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is commonly known as fiancé visa. This is a temporary visa that allows the overseas applicant to travel to Australia to marry their prospective Australian partner. Once granted, you can travel to Australia, live, study and work in Australia for up to15 months. You must get married within 9 months and then apply for an onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801) before the visa period ends.
Partner visa (Subclass 309) – Applying from outside of Australia
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen enter and live in Australia temporarily. Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 100).
Once this visa is granted and you are in Australia, you can;
- live, work and study in Australia temporarily until the DOHA decides on your permanent partner visa (subclass 100);
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want; and
- Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
Partner Visa Subclass 100
This visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, live in Australia permanently. It is usually granted to people who hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 309) and continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner.
With this visa you can
- live, work and study in Australia indefinitely;
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia; and
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Partner Visa Subclass 820, 801 Applying in Australia
This visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.
Partner visa (subclass 820) is a temporary visa that lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. Getting this visa is the first step towards a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).
When the subclass 820 is lodged, the applicant will be granted a bridging visa to stay legally in Australia. While waiting for the visa to be processed; the applicant will normally have;
- Full work rights in Australia;
- Can study in Australia, but you will not have access to government funding for tertiary study and will be charged international full fees; and
- enrol in Australia’s medical benefits expenses and hospital care scheme, Medicare.
Partner visa (subclass 801) visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently. It is usually only for people who currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). You may apply for the subclass 801 visa after approximately two years from the date you applied for the 820 visa.
Parent Visa Subclass 103
This permanent visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia.
You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa. Applications for this visa are subject to capping and queuing and may take approximately 25-30 years for final processing.
You can be in or outside Australia when you submit your application. This visa can only be granted when you are outside Australia.
permanently. It is usually only for people who currently hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). You may apply for the subclass 801 visa after approximately two years from the date you applied for the 820 visa.
Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804
- This permanent visa lets an aged parent of a settle Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen stay in Australia.
- An aged parent means a parent who is old enough to receive the age pension in Australia which currently is at 67 years old.
- You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
- You must be in Australia when applying for this visa and upon application would be eligible for a bridging visa to remain in Australia while the visa is being processed.
Contributory Parent Visa Program
Contributory Parent visas has relatively shorter processing time that the normal parent visa. At the moment, the processing time is around 5 -6 years.
You can choose to sponsor your parent straight away as permanent resident or apply for a temporary contributory visa which is valid for 2 years then before it expires, apply for the permanent visa. The types of contributory visas are as follows:
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173
Applicant can be in or outside Australia when application is lodged. This is a temporary visa and it is valid for about 2 years.
Contributory Parent visa - Subclass 143
Contributory Parent (Permanent) visa (subclass 143): applicant can be in or outside Australia when application is lodged.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa - Subclass 884
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884):
The applicant must be at least 67 years of age at time of application and in Australia when application is lodged.
The applicant will be granted a bridging visa and can live in Australia with their family until their visa is decided.
Contributory Aged Parent visa - Subclass 864
Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) visa (subclass 864):
applicant must be at least 67 years of age at time of application and in Australia when application is lodged.
The applicant will be granted a bridging visa and can live in Australia with their family until their visa is decided
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa - Subclass 870
This temporary visa lets a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years.
Sponsors
- Sponsors will need to have a taxable income of at least $83,454.80 (the income can be a combination of the sponsorship applicant’s individual income with the income of up to two other persons specified in the legislation)
- A parent must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor and a step-parent can only apply if they are still in a married/de facto relationship with a biological parent of the sponsor
- Be aged at least 18 years of age
- Be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been usually resident in Australia for four years
- Have met prior sponsorship obligations
- Provide police clearances for any country they have spent more than 12 months cumulatively in during the past 10 years.
Visa applicants must:
- Be sponsored by a person who is an approved parent sponsor
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Provide evidence of funds
- Provide evidence of health insurance
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Provide police clearances for any country they have spent more than 12 months cumulatively in during the past 10 years.
Visa costs
AUD5,090 for a visa of up to 3 years; or
AUD10,180 for a visa of up to 5 years.
The visa application charge is payable in two instalments, with one payment at the time of application ( usually $1000)and the remainder paid prior to visa grant.
Child Visa Subclass 101 and 802
There are two subclasses for Child visa which are;
- Subclass 101 (applying outside Australia); and
- Subclass 802 (applying in Australia)
Both visas allow an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia to sponsor their biological or adopted child to live, work and study in Australia.
The child must;
- Be a dependent child of a parent who is an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen or holder of an Australian permanent visa;
- Be under 18 years, a full-time student aged over 18 and under 25, or over 18 and unable to work due to a disability; and
- Be single and dependent on the parent.
Dependent Child Visa Subclass 445
This visa allows a child to stay in Australia temporarily while the Department processes their parent’s permanent Partner visa application.
The child must be dependent on a parent who holds a:
- Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)
- Partner visa (subclass 820)
- Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
The child must
- Be a dependent child of the visa-holding parent;
- Be sponsored by the nominator or sponsor of the visa-holding parent;
- The child must be either under 18 years or if over 18 years, must be financially dependent on the parent who has the temporary Partner or the Dependent Child Visa;
- Meet health requirement; and
- Consent granted by those who have legal guardian over the child according to their home country;
Carer Visa Subclass 116/836
There are two subclasses for Carer visa which are;
- Subclass 116 (applying outside Australia); and
- Subclass 836 (applying in Australia)
- This permanent visa lets you move to Australia to care for your Australian relative or a member of their family who lives with them. They must have no reasonable access to care options in Australia. The Australian relative or their partner must sponsor you for the first 2 years in Australia.
- You must be willing and able to provide ongoing substantial care and support for your sponsoring relative or the family member who lives with them. To show this, you should fully understand your sponsor's medical condition and what their care needs are.
- The Australian relative must provide a medical certificate from Bupa Medical Visa Services that includes a statement that he/she or member of their family has a medical condition that requires care.
- Subclass 116 is an offshore application and you must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted. Subclass 836 is an onshore application and you must be onshore when you apply. You will be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the visa to be granted.