The Australian government offers a number of temporary work and skilled migration visas that allow visa holders to enter Australia temporarily or permanently to live and work in the country.
These visas are for skilled workers that have qualifications in occupations that are in high demand in Australia. These include people participating in specific activities, highly specialised workers and sponsored workers in over 600 occupations.
Temporary Work & Skilled Migration Visa Options
Thinking of applying for a Temporary Work or Skilled Migration Visa? This comprehensive guide is for you.
1
Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485
The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa allows international students who have met Australian study requirements in the last 6 months to live, study and work after they have finished their studies in Australia.
This visa has two streams namely, Graduate Work Stream and Post Study Work Stream.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 1,730.
- There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
- You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for graduate work stream
- 75% of applications: 8 Months
- 90% of applications: 9 Months
Max. Travel & Stay (years)
Period of stay in Australia varies from 18 months to 4 years depending on the qualification.
Hong Kong passport holders may stay for 5 years
- Diploma or trade Qualification: 18 months visa period
- Bachelor: 2 year visa period
- Bachelor with Honours: 2 year visa period
- Master by Coursework: 2 year visa period
- Master (extended): 2 year visa period
- Master by Research: 3 year visa period
- Doctorate: 4 year visa period.
2
Skilled Independent visa subclass 189
The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa is a permanent visa for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills that Australia needs, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
There are two streams for this visa, namely, points tested stream and New Zealand stream.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Points Tested Stream
- You don't need a sponsor or nominator
- You must be invited to apply
- You must be under 45 to be invited
- Your occupation must be in the MLTSSL list
- New Zealand Stream
- You must hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa
- You must have lived in Australia for at least the last 5 years
- You must have started living here on or before 19 February 2016
- You must have a taxable income at or above an income threshold of AUD 53,900 for each of the four completed income years prior to lodging an application unless some exceptional circumstances apply.
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You do not need to meet the points test or age limit.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 4,240.
- For the New Zealand stream, the visa application charge is paid in two instalments (20% at time of lodgement and 80% as a second instalment before we can grant the visa.)
- There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
- For the points tested stream, if a family member is assessed to have less than functional English then a second instalment charge of AUD 4,890 applies.
- You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time for Subclass 189 – Points Tested Stream
- 75% of applications: 5 months
- 90% of applications: 14 months
Processing time for Subclass 189 – New Zealand Stream
- 75% of applications: 12 months
- 90% of applications: 16 months
Min. points for invite
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for an invitation for Subclass 189 – Points Tested Stream
There is no points test for Subclass 189 – New Zealand Stream
3
Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents. You must be nominated by a State or Territory government in Australia to be invited to apply for this visa.
Key eligibility requirements for Subclass 190:
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL) as well as relevant state or territory occupation lists
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- be invited to apply for this visa
- not have turned 45 at time of invite
- satisfy the points test.
- You get 5 extra points for being nominated by a State or Territory government.
Visa Application Fees (AUD)
From AUD 4,240.
- There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
- Moreover, if a family member is assessed to have less than functional English then a second instalment charge of AUD 4,890 applies.
- You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Avg. Processing Time (months)
Processing time
- 75% of applications: 5 months
- 90% of applications: 6 months
Min. points for invite
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for an invitation for Subclass 190.
If you are nominated by a State or Territory government, you get 5 extra points.
Need help with your temporary work or skilled migration visa application?
Enter your details to book a free consultation with one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents. We can customise our plans as per your circumstances.
Both, do-it-yourself (DIY) as well as full service options are available. Book now!
DIY
We understand that some applicants prefer the DIY option. We can review your application and highlight any risks to minimise the chances of refusal. Enter your details and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Full Service
The full service option is best for applicants who want peace of mind knowing that a professional is taking care of the entire migration process. Enter your details and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Methodology
How it works
Here’s how we'll work with you:
1
Initial consultation & documents review
We ask you to send us some background information. An experienced consultant is assigned to your case who sets up an initial online call to go over your specific migration goals and challenges.
2
In depth research & Advice
Your personal consultant then researches all possible options for you and prepares a detailed plan of action and milestones for your successful migration.
3
Application prep & submission
Once you approve the plan, your personal consultant takes over. Your application is prepared, all relevant documents are compiled and lodged focusing on timely and error free submissions.
4
Ongoing updates & communication
Our team continually monitors the progress of your application every step of the process. Any updates are promptly communicated to you to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Testimonials
Accreditations & Memberships
Good luck to you with your temporary work or skilled migration visa application as well as with your journey to becoming a permanent resident and citizen of Australia.
Still need more help? Contact our Skilled Visa Specialists who will guide you step by step in preparing and lodging your visa application.