Need help? We are available to speak to you 7 days a weekRead More

Australia's largest independent migration law firm. Get a FREE Consultation T&C's apply

Need help? Our lawyers and migration agents are available 7 days a week to assist.

Cross symbol icon
Blank Image
0800 010 010
Open 7 days
Smartphone icon
1300 150 745

Skilled & Work Visas Australia

There are a number of different visas available to foreign skilled workers who would like to work and live in Australia. Some require sponsorship by a nominating Australian business, however some can be applied for independently subject to meeting the requirements and receiving an invitation to apply. Many skilled worker visas provide a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship, and have a wide range of benefits for both foreign workers and Australian employers that are struggling to fill worker shortages.

Ranked Best Lawyers
2026 & 2027

Winner of the
Australian Law Awards

Ranked Best Law
Firms Australia 2027

Ranked in Doyle’s
Guide Leading Immigration
Lawyers 2023-26

Chat icon graphic

Claim your consultation

Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.

Disclaimer copy

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Chat icon graphic

Claim your consultation

Tell us about your situation, and we will get back to you shortly.

Disclaimer copy

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Types of work and skilled visas in Australia

There are a number of skilled visas available for foreign workers in Australia, which are designed to suit different occupations or circumstances. Choosing the right visa depends on many factors, including your long term goals, so it's important to seek professional advice to determine which option and pathway is best for you. The first factor to consider is which occupation best matches your skills and experience, which will in turn determine which pathways you may be eligible for.

Female Camera Operator

This is generally the second stage of the 482 visa, however, it is possible to apply for a 186 directly without having held a 482.

Woman Woodwork

The 187 employer-sponsored visa is for 482 visa holders in a regional area.

Woman working on laptop

The 494 is an employer-sponsored visa that requires a sponsoring Australian business to nominate you.

Man Working in a Factory

The 482 temporary visa allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor for up to four years.

The Temporary Training visa (Subclass 407) allows entry for workplace-based occupational training that enhances a person's skills for overseas employment, for stays of up to two years.

industrial engineering technician

The 191 visa provides permanent residence for applicants who have held a 491 or 494 visa for a period of three years.

Woman Doctor

The 189 visa is a permanent visa that can be applied for without requiring a sponsoring Australian employer.

Two woman meeting in office

Similar to the 189, the 190 visa requires an EOI, invitation and skills assessment to apply.

Woman working on laptop

The 491 visa allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in a regional area for five years.

woman technician operator

The 476 visa allows individuals who have completed an engineering course at bachelor degree level or higher to live and work in Australia for a maximum of 18 months.

Group student meeting

The subclass 482 graduate visa allows students that have recently completed a course of study in Australia to live and work in Australia on completion of their studies.

Two Women Shaking Hands

This is a temporary visa designed to allow for the short term employment of professionals in highly specialised work streams.

Listed on the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. A positive Engineers Australia skills assessment is mandatory before invitation or nomination.

On the MLTSSL, nominable under Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 or 186. Requires a TRA trade skills assessment and state or territory electrical licensing.

Listed on the MLTSSL, though most GPs enter via employer sponsorship (482 or 186). Medical Board registration through AHPRA, plus AMC assessment, is required before practice.

On the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. A positive trade skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia is required beforehand.

Skilled Migration to Australia A MLTSSL occupation eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires a TRA trade skills assessment, plus compliance with state and territory plumbing licensing.

Listed on the MLTSSL, qualifying for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. ANMAC conducts the skills assessment; AHPRA registration is required before practice.

On the MLTSSL, with eligibility across Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires ANMAC assessment and eligibility for AHPRA registration.

Sits on the MLTSSL, nominable under Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 or 186. A positive ANMAC assessment and AHPRA registration are prerequisites to practice.

A MLTSSL occupation eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. AITSL conducts the skills assessment; state or territory teacher registration is separately required.

Explore the Skilled Occupations List for Australian visas, detailing essential qualifications and professions eligible for migration to Australia.

On the MLTSSL, a frequently nominated ICT occupation for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires a skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society.

Subclass for Australia Allows short-term entry for a specific, time-limited activity such as entertainment, research, or sport, where no other visa applies. Grants typically run up to twelve months.

On the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. Requires a positive trade skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia beforehand.

Listed on the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. A positive Engineers Australia skills assessment is mandatory before invitation or nomination.

On the MLTSSL, nominable under Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 or 186. Requires a TRA trade skills assessment and state or territory electrical licensing.

Female Camera Operator

This is generally the second stage of the 482 visa, however, it is possible to apply for a 186 directly without having held a 482.

Listed on the MLTSSL, though most GPs enter via employer sponsorship (482 or 186). Medical Board registration through AHPRA, plus AMC assessment, is required before practice.

On the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. A positive trade skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia is required beforehand.

Australia’s National Innovation Visa – a pathway for top talent in science, tech, and business.

industrial engineering technician

The 191 visa provides permanent residence for applicants who have held a 491 or 494 visa for a period of three years.

Skilled Migration to Australia A MLTSSL occupation eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires a TRA trade skills assessment, plus compliance with state and territory plumbing licensing.

Woman Woodwork

The 187 employer-sponsored visa is for 482 visa holders in a regional area.

Listed on the MLTSSL, qualifying for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. ANMAC conducts the skills assessment; AHPRA registration is required before practice.

On the MLTSSL, with eligibility across Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires ANMAC assessment and eligibility for AHPRA registration.

Sits on the MLTSSL, nominable under Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 or 186. A positive ANMAC assessment and AHPRA registration are prerequisites to practice.

A MLTSSL occupation eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. AITSL conducts the skills assessment; state or territory teacher registration is separately required.

Woman working on laptop

The 494 is an employer-sponsored visa that requires a sponsoring Australian business to nominate you.

Woman Doctor

The 189 visa is a permanent visa that can be applied for without requiring a sponsoring Australian employer.

Two woman meeting in office

Similar to the 189, the 190 visa requires an EOI, invitation and skills assessment to apply.

Explore the Skilled Occupations List for Australian visas, detailing essential qualifications and professions eligible for migration to Australia.

Woman working on laptop

The 491 visa allows skilled foreign workers to live and work in a regional area for five years.

Man Working in a Factory

The 482 temporary visa allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor for up to four years.

On the MLTSSL, a frequently nominated ICT occupation for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186. Requires a skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society.

The Temporary Training visa (Subclass 407) allows entry for workplace-based occupational training that enhances a person's skills for overseas employment, for stays of up to two years.

woman technician operator

The 476 visa allows individuals who have completed an engineering course at bachelor degree level or higher to live and work in Australia for a maximum of 18 months.

Subclass for Australia Allows short-term entry for a specific, time-limited activity such as entertainment, research, or sport, where no other visa applies. Grants typically run up to twelve months.

Group student meeting

The subclass 482 graduate visa allows students that have recently completed a course of study in Australia to live and work in Australia on completion of their studies.

Two Women Shaking Hands

This is a temporary visa designed to allow for the short term employment of professionals in highly specialised work streams.

On the MLTSSL, eligible for Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482 and 186 nomination. Requires a positive trade skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia beforehand.

Trusted by

Benefits of using an Australian Migration Lawyer for your Work or Skilled Visa

The Australian Migration Lawyers team is composed of experienced lawyers well-versed in migration legislation and policies which are subject to constant changes. We maintain a high rate of success in handling skilled visas and other primary applications, even those considered challenging. One of our central goals is to improve accessibility to justice, a commitment we uphold by representing every individual who seeks our guidance for their visa application.

Our certified Australian lawyers are knowledgeable in Australian laws and legal precedents, allowing us to provide valuable support for your visa application. We also offer guidance on alternative migration pathways and strategies when relevant. We ensure that all eligibility requirements are met and all relevant documentation is provided to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. 

We're prepared to assist with any additional requests issued by the Department of Home Affairs, offering guidance from the initiation of the preparation process all the way through to its conclusion.

Work visa requirements

The requirements for work and skilled visas in Australia will depend on the type of visa that you are applying for. Common criteria for these visa types include:

  • Demonstrating between two to three years of relevant work experience
  • Meeting all health and character requirements
  • Having a suitable level of English
  • Holding all necessary qualifications or registration for the occupation
  • Selecting an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Be under the relevant age limit

Depending on the visa that you are applying for, other requirements may include:

  • Being sponsored by a relative or nominating employer
  • Meeting the points test requirements and receiving an invitation to apply
  • Having a suitable skill assessment
  • Having suitable work experience on a specified visa

Work visa costs involved

There are generally two main costs associated with work and skilled visa applications.

Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Lawyers to prepare the application

Our fees will vary depending on the circumstances of your application. We work on a fixed-fee basis rather than billing hourly to provide our clients with certainty about what the total costs associated with their visa application will be. We strive to be flexible, so we offer payment plans based on financial need. 

Department fees

The relevant Department fees vary between different subclasses. Generally speaking, regional visas may be cheaper, and most employer sponsored visas will include additional costs for the nomination, sponsorship, and relevant Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levies.

There may also be costs associated with getting Regional Certifying Body approval and assessments, which will vary depending on the relevant bodies. 

VAC: Visa application costs

189 vs 190 vs 491 at a Glance

Visa Nomination Occupation list VAC Pass mark PR
Skilled Independent (189) None MLTSSL $6,135 65 Direct
Skilled Nominated (190) State/territory MLTSSL or STSOL $6,140 65 + state nomination points Direct
Skilled Work Regional Provisional (491) State/territory or eligible family MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL $6,140 65 Via 491→191 after 3 years regional work/residence

191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Fee Streams

Stream VAC
Regional Provisional stream $630
Hong Kong stream ~$6,135

Employer-Sponsored Pathways Compared

Visa Stream Salary threshold VAC PR pathway
Skills in Demand (482) Core Skills CSIT $79,423 $4,015 Via 186 TRT
Skills in Demand (482) Specialist Skills SSIT $146,576 $4,015 Via 186 TRT
Employer Nomination Scheme (186) TRT / DE CSIT $79,423 $6,140 Direct
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) TSMIT $79,423 $6,140 Via 494→191
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187) CSIT/TSMIT Closed to new applications

482 Core Skills vs Specialist Skills

Core Skills Specialist Skills
Income threshold CSIT $79,423 SSIT $146,576
Occupation list Required Not required
Visa length Up to 4 years Up to 4 years
Sponsor mobility period 180 days / 365-day cap 180 days / 365-day cap

Work visa processing times

The processing times for work and skilled visas differ depending on the subclass you are applying for. Processing times are also subject to the complexity of your case, the completeness of your application and the caseload being processed by the Department. At Australian Migration Lawyers, our goal is to submit high-standard, comprehensive applications that help reduce delays. 

We discuss the most recent information about processing times during our consultation. We will  draw on our experience to provide you with our professional estimate based on your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Read our most frequently asked questions.

What are the types of skilled worker visas in Australia?

Black plus symbol

There are a number of skilled worker visas in Australia which are suited to different circumstances. The different visas are explained in further detail above and in our related visa pages, however they broadly consist of a number of employer sponsored visas, graduate visas, points tested independent visas and investor visas.

What qualifies for a skilled visa in Australia?

Black plus symbol

The requirements for all skilled visas vary, however some of the most important and common criteria include:

  • Demonstrating between two to three years of relevant work experience
  • Meeting all health and character requirements
  • Having a suitable level of English
  • Holding all necessary qualifications or registration for the occupation
  • Selecting an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • Being sponsored by a relative or nominating employer
  • Having a suitable skills assessment

What is a skilled visa in Australia?

Black plus symbol

A skilled visa generally relates to visas with certain work and skills requirements. Generally, applicants must meet the skills and experience requirements for an occupation contained in a skilled occupation list. The lists are made in line with Australia’s worker demands, and are targeted to occupations and industries that are critical to the economy and have been experiencing ongoing shortages. Higher skilled occupations are also generally favored in these applications. 

How do I get a work visa in Australia?

Black plus symbol

You will need to first find an occupation that aligns with your skills and experience in order to determine which pathways will be available to you. Depending on the outcome, you may need to find a suitable Australian sponsor to nominate you for a role in their business, and demonstrate your skills with a range of evidence including reference letters and a skills assessment. Applications can be made online, and will be processed in line with the Department’s current processing timeframes.

Nationwide support: Our locations across Australia

We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.

We support the LGBTQ+ community globally.

Meet your work skilled migration lawyer

We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.

Claim your free consultation!*

Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our migration lawyers will contact you as soon as possible.