Skilled Work Visas
Hicksons Migration Solutions has extensive experience advising clients on skilled visas and lodging successful applications. Our solicitors can work with you through the entire application, or we can provide advice on specific areas of the visa process.
There are various types of Skilled Work Visas, all of which have different criteria and only allow applications from certain occupations.
The most common Skilled Work Visas include:
- The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa.
- The Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent) (Subclass 186) Visa.
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa.
- Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa.
Generally, you need to be employed by an Australian employer and have experience in your occupation to be eligible for a Skilled Work Visas. However, there are a few exceptions including state nominated skilled visas, though these are more difficult to obtain.
You can check whether your occupation is included on the list of skilled occupations and what visa you may be eligible for here.
When you have a Skilled Work Visas you are able to:
- Live in Australia.
- Work in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia.
- Study in Australia.
- In some circumstances, apply for permanent residence.
FAQs
How much do Skilled Work Visas cost?
Skilled Work Visa applications range from $1,455 to $4,640. However, there are additional fees for employers to become eligible to nominate an employee for a skilled visa and fees to nominate the employee.
What does the employer need to do?
Depending on the visa, the employer will need to be either a temporary activity sponsor or a standard business sponsor. This involves applying for the Department to approve the company to sponsor employees for work visas. Once approved, the employer can sponsor employee’s for up to 5 years.
Employers will then need to submit a nomination to the Department as an expression of interest to sponsor the employee through a Skilled Work Visa. If the nomination is accepted, the employee can then apply for the visa.
There may also be a Skilling Australian’s Fund
(SAF) Levy which is a charge in the nomination process that the employer will have to pay. This charge is a contribution to the levy that goes towards skilling the Australian population so that employers do not have to search outside of Australia for employees.
What if I don’t have a job in Australia yet?
Most Skilled Work Visas require you to have employment in Australia before applying for the visa. However, there are a few options if you do not yet have employment.
State nominated visas, such as the subclass 190 visa, allow applicants to submit an expression of interest to the Department requesting sponsorship for the visa. If the Department decides that your particular occupation is needed due to a skill shortage, the applicant will then be invited to apply for the visa.
The Skilled Independent (points-tested stream) (subclass 189) visa allows applicants to submit an expression of interest for the visa based on the points that they receive from a skill assessment.
Another possible option is to apply for a working holiday visa which allows you to work while visiting Australia.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about how Hicksons can assist you, please contact us below.
If you would like a more detailed break-down of visa options, please view the Skilled Work Visas Brochure.
Najeh Marhaba
Partner in Charge - Newcastle
T: +61 2 4907 5609
E: [email protected] |
Admitted into practice in NSW in 2006, Najeh has a particular interest assisting clients in navigating the complex area of immigration.
As an Australian immigration lawyer, he leads a team in providing strategic advice and assistance to both a corporate and individual client base, with a focus on supporting migrants in visa applications and sponsorship across a range of visas.
This includes business visas, skilled visas (short term, long term and permanent), significant investor visas, student visas, partner visas, visitor visas and bridging visas. Najeh speaks both English and Arabic. |
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Hannah was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2024 and graduated law in 2023.
Hannah has a passion for migration law and helping people navigate borders to build their best life.
Hannah meets with clients to receive their instructions and will communicate with clients while preparing visa applications to keep you informed throughout the whole process. |