Over the years, Australia has become one of the most sought-after destinations among skilled professionals from around the world, including India, due to its high standard of living, better career prospects, and inclusive work environment. With a growing demand for over 800,000 skilled professionals, this kangaroo country is inviting foreign skilled professionals to fill these labor shortages.
Therefore, if you are an Indian skilled professional planning to work in Australia, understanding the Australia work permit process becomes crucial. This comprehensive article will cover every crucial detail about this work permit, including its eligibility criteria, process, and every other detail.
What is an Australian work permit?
The Australian work permit is one of the crucial documents issued by the Australian government. This work visa allows foreign skilled professionals to work there as it validates your right to work legally in Australia.
The following information explains the main types of Australian work permits:
Visa Type | Key Features | Validity | PR Pathway | Sponsorship Required? |
Allows employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers | Up to 4 years | Possible through employer sponsorship | Yes, requires job sponsorship from an approved Australian employer | |
Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 | Points-based visa for skilled workers | Permanent | Grants PR directly | No employer or state nomination is required |
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 | Requires nomination by an Australian state/territory | Permanent | Grants PR directly | Yes, requires state/territory nomination |
Requires nomination by a regional area or a sponsoring family member | 5 years | PR pathway after 3 years | Yes, requires regional area/state nomination or family sponsorship | |
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 | Provides PR through employer sponsorship | Permanent | Grants PR directly | Yes, requires employer nomination |
Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 417 & 462 | Allows young professionals (18-35 years) to work while traveling in Australia | 1 year (extensions possible) | No direct PR pathway | No sponsorship required |
Eligibility criteria for Australia work visa in 2025
To qualify for an Australia work visa, you are required to meet the following requirements.
- Occupation in demand: Your job should be listed on the Australia skilled occupation list.
- Skill assessment: You are also required to get your skill assessed from a designated skill assessment authority. It is done to ensure that your qualification aligns with the job requirement in Australia.
- English language proficiency: Under this, you must clear the english language test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) with the required score.
- Health and character check: Police clearance and appropriate medical examination is mandatory.
- Score minimum points: You are required to score at least 65 points. Which are given to you based on your age, educational and professional qualifications and other related factors.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Australia Work Visa from India
To successfully apply for the Australian work visa, you are required to follow the following steps accurately:
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Select the Proper Visa
Find out which visa is appropriate for your qualifications and job profile. Verify if your occupation is in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Your qualification and work experience will be evaluated by a specific Australian authority. Various occupations require different assessing bodies (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for computer professionals).
Step 3: Demonstrate English Language Competency
Sit for an approved English exam such as IELTS (at least 6 in all bands) or PTE (at least 50 in all sections).
Step 4: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
If you are applying for a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa, you will need to lodge an EOI online. You will be invited to apply if your profile is eligible.
Step 5: Get Employer Sponsorship or State Nomination (if applicable)
For employer-sponsored visas, get a job offer from a certified Australian employer. For state-nominated visas, apply separately for state nomination.
Step 6: Apply for the Visa Online
Fill in your application through the Department of Home Affairs website. Append supporting documents such as passport, skills assessment, English test result, and work experience letters.
Step 7: Medical & Police Verification
Undergo a medical check-up with an approved panel doctor. Submit police clearance certificates (PCC) from India and any other nation you've resided in.
Step 8: Visa Processing & Decision Waiting
The processing time depends:
- Subclass 482 (TSS Visa): 1-4 months
- Subclass 189/190: 6-12 months
- Employer-sponsored visas: 4-8 months
You will be granted your visa grant letter if approved.
Tips to increase your chances of visa approval
You must consider following things to increase your chances of visa approval:
- Select a profession from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Enhance your English test results to earn more points.
- Acquire relevant work experience to increase your eligibility.
- Seek state nomination for extra points.
- Create a good resume and cover letter to obtain job sponsorship.
Conclusion
With 800,000+ skilled job vacancies, Australia presents great career prospects for Indian professionals. Familiarity with the work visa process, selecting the appropriate visa, and presenting a solid application can go a long way in improving your chances of success.
For more details about Australia work permit reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
