Australia – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Australia?

Any foreign national wishing to take up employment in Australia must first secure a visa that grants work rights. Rather than issuing a separate work permit alongside a residence visa — as some countries do — Australia incorporates work authorisation directly into the visa conditions. The Department of Home Affairs administers this system, matching overseas workers to the appropriate visa category based on their occupation, skills, and eligibility.

Australian citizens and permanent residents face no restrictions on employment. New Zealand citizens benefit from a special arrangement that allows them to live and work in Australia without a standard visa, and they also have access to a direct pathway to Australian citizenship. Holders of certain other temporary visas — including partner, student, and some bridging visas — may also be permitted to work, depending on the conditions attached to their particular visa. It is always worth reviewing the conditions of any current visa before assuming that work is not allowed.

Many visa pathways require the prospective employer to formally nominate the worker before a visa application can be submitted. Both temporary and permanent categories exist, with eligibility determined by factors such as skills shortages, occupation type, and either a points test or direct employer nomination. This shared responsibility between employer and worker distinguishes Australia’s system from models that place the entire administrative burden on the individual applicant.

Australia has no equivalent to the Schengen Area’s free movement arrangements or the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area. Every worker’s right to work is determined by the specific visa subclass they hold. Individuals should always confirm their work entitlements using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system or the Department of Home Affairs website.

What types of work permit are available in Australia?

Australia’s work visa framework encompasses temporary, permanent, and regionally focused options, each carrying its own conditions and eligibility criteria. The system underwent a major overhaul in December 2024 with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the long-running Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The SID visa operates across three streams — Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills — representing a significant restructuring of how skilled migration is managed.

The principal visa categories available to foreign workers are summarised in the table below:

The Skills in Demand visa provides three distinct entry routes. The Core Skills stream is designed for qualified professionals earning between AUD 73,150 and AUD 141,210 annually. Rather than assessing candidates based purely on individual employer demand, it evaluates them against approved occupation lists — a methodology similar to points-based systems used in other countries.

The Specialist Skills stream is intended for high-earning professionals working in specialised fields. It carries a salary threshold of at least AUD 135,000 annually and comes with access to priority processing. The Essential Skills stream targets sectors facing acute labour shortages, operates under a more rigorous regulatory framework, and applies a lower salary threshold than the other two streams.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) enables an approved employer to nominate a skilled overseas worker for direct permanent residency. It is structured across three streams: a Direct Entry stream for applicants located outside Australia, a Temporary Residence Transition stream for those already holding a temporary work visa in Australia, and a Labour Agreement stream for cases involving tailored employment arrangements.

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) grants permanent residency to skilled workers without any requirement for employer or state government sponsorship. Applicants are assessed through Australia’s points-based framework and must achieve a minimum score of 65 points in order to receive an invitation to apply.

Australia’s permanent migration program for 2024–2025 has set an intake target of 185,000 places, with a strong emphasis on skilled migration and 44,000 places allocated to employer-sponsored visas.

How do you apply for a work permit in Australia, and how long does it take?

For most employer-sponsored visa pathways, both the employer and the worker have distinct steps to complete. Unlike systems where the individual handles all paperwork alone, Australia requires the employer to obtain approval before the worker can lodge their application. All visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

The steps involved in a typical employer-sponsored skilled visa application are as follows:

1. Identify the appropriate visa subclass. The right visa is determined by the nature of the position, the required skill level, and the intended length of stay. Review the relevant occupation lists and applicable salary thresholds before proceeding.
2. Employer secures Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval. To sponsor an overseas worker, the employer must be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor. This step is completed entirely by the employer via ImmiAccount and must be finalised before any nomination can be submitted.
3. Employer nominates the position and the worker. Once sponsorship is approved, the employer lodges a nomination specifying the relevant occupation, the proposed salary, and the employment conditions. This nomination must be approved before the worker proceeds with their visa application.
4. Worker lodges an Expression of Interest (EOI) if required. For points-tested visas such as subclasses 189 and 190, applicants must first submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, indicating their interest in migrating. Candidates are ranked according to their points score and may be invited to apply if selected.
5. Worker submits the visa application online. Once the nomination has been approved, or an invitation to apply has been received, the worker lodges their visa application through ImmiAccount. Depending on the subclass, applications may be submitted from within or outside Australia.
6. Skills assessment (where applicable). The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant approved occupation list, and certain roles require a formal skills assessment from a recognised assessing body. This step is often the primary cause of delays, as assessment timeframes vary considerably between bodies.
7. Health and character requirements. Applicants must undergo a medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Police clearance certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years are also required.
8. Await the outcome. The Department of Home Affairs reviews the complete application and, if all requirements are satisfied, issues a visa grant.

Sponsorship and nomination approvals typically take 4–8 weeks. The visa application itself generally takes between one and three months for temporary visas, with the overall process from start to finish averaging 2–5 months. Permanent residency applications take considerably longer, with average processing times of 12 to 18 months.

Applicants for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa benefit from priority processing, which can materially reduce waiting times for high-earning professionals. Incomplete documentation and delays in obtaining skills assessments are the most frequent causes of setbacks. Current processing time estimates are published and regularly updated on the Department of Home Affairs visa listing.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Australia?

The precise documents required differ depending on the visa subclass, but most skilled work visa applications are built around a common set of supporting materials. Requirements are subject to change, so always confirm the current checklist with the Department of Home Affairs prior to submission.

Documents typically required from the applicant:

• A current passport that remains valid for the full intended period of stay.
• A signed employment contract from the sponsoring employer.
• Evidence of relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• A positive skills assessment result, where required for the nominated occupation.
• English language proficiency test results. Recognised tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced.
• Passport-sized photographs that comply with Department of Home Affairs specifications.
• Medical examination results from an approved panel physician.
• Police clearance certificates from every applicable country.
• Documentation confirming that the offered salary meets the required income threshold — such as payslips or tax records for those already working in Australia.

Documents typically required from the employer:

• Proof of Standard Business Sponsorship approval or employer registration.
• Evidence that the position and salary satisfy the relevant income threshold, whether the Core Skills Income Threshold or the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
• Company registration documents and evidence that the business is lawfully operating in Australia.
• A detailed position description confirming that the role aligns with the nominated ANZSCO occupation code.
• Evidence of labour market testing where this is required — for certain nominations under the Core Skills stream, employers must demonstrate that no suitably qualified Australian candidate was available to fill the role.

For Direct Entry stream ENS applications, candidates must also provide a skills assessment, at least three years of relevant work experience, and evidence of meeting age, English language, and health requirements. Where supporting documents are in a language other than English, certified translations by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) are required.

What does a work permit cost in Australia?

The Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the government fee payable when lodging a visa application, expressed in Australian dollars. In some cases, no application charge applies. A surcharge may be added when payment is made by credit card or PayPal. Fees differ significantly between visa subclasses and are revised on an annual basis.

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government increased VACs across a broad range of visa subclasses. The majority of increases were approximately 3%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with amounts rounded to the nearest AUD 5. Always check the current visa pricing table on the Department of Home Affairs website before finalising your budget, as charges are updated regularly.

Beyond the government application charge, expats should account for the following additional costs:

• Skills assessment fee: Varies by assessing authority and occupation — typically AUD 300–1,000.
• English language test: Typically AUD 300–400 for IELTS or PTE Academic.
• Medical examination: Costs differ depending on the panel physician and tests involved; budget AUD 300–500 per adult.
• Police clearance certificates: Fees vary by the country of issue.
• Document translation: NAATI-certified translations are required for non-English documents; budget AUD 50–150 per page.
• Registered migration agent fees: Optional but frequently used; fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the case.

Employers who use employer-sponsored visa pathways are responsible for their own nomination fees and must pay these independently. Crucially, Australian law prohibits sponsors from recovering their sponsorship or nomination costs from the visa holder — any attempt to do so is unlawful and can attract serious sanctions. This represents a meaningful safeguard for workers compared to some international systems where cost transfer to the employee is commonplace.

Visa application fees are generally non-refundable if an application is unsuccessful, making thorough preparation before lodging essential. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Department of Home Affairs website to obtain an indicative total cost before submitting an application.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Australia?

Whether changing employment is permitted depends on the visa subclass in question. Employer-sponsored visas are generally linked to the sponsoring employer and the nominated occupation. However, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant policy clarifications that provide greater flexibility for visa holders navigating employer transitions, particularly for holders of subclass 482 and subclass 186 visas.

For Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa holders, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that those who have ceased employment with their former sponsor and have submitted a nomination with a prospective new employer are not required to stop working — even where the 180-day allowable period has elapsed. A visa holder may continue working for the new employer while that nomination application remains under assessment.

Policy updates affecting Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa holders have also introduced longer timeframes for employment transitions and placed greater obligations on sponsors to report changes in employment status. Where a visa holder wishes to move to a new employer on one of these visas, the incoming employer must hold Standard Business Sponsor status and must submit a fresh nomination on the worker’s behalf.

Permanent points-tested visas, including subclasses 189 and 190, carry no employer or occupation restrictions — holders can work for any employer in any industry across Australia and are also able to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. These visas offer complete labour market flexibility from the point of grant.

Performing work outside the occupation specified on a visa nomination, or otherwise acting in breach of visa conditions, is a serious matter with potentially significant consequences. Visa holders should always verify their current conditions through the VEVO system and seek advice from a registered migration agent before changing roles — particularly where the new position falls in a different occupation or industry from what was nominated.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Australia?

Employing, referring, coercing, or contracting a non-citizen who lacks valid work rights is a criminal offence in Australia. Penalties extend to both the employer and the worker, and enforcement activity has grown substantially in recent years.

Following the introduction of new employer compliance legislation in July 2024 — which granted significantly expanded enforcement powers — the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) have notably increased compliance and investigative activity. Businesses across a range of industries have experienced unannounced inspections focused on verifying right-to-work compliance and adherence to sponsorship obligations for 482 visa holders.

Employers found to have engaged workers without valid authorisation face substantial consequences. These include cancellation of sponsorship approval, bans on sponsoring foreign workers for periods ranging from three months to three years, and infringement notices carrying fines of between AUD 9,390 and AUD 16,500. At the most serious end of the scale, criminal penalties include up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of 360 penalty units (currently AUD 118,800), and civil penalties of 240 penalty units (currently AUD 79,200). These figures are based on one penalty unit being valued at AUD 330 as of 7 November 2024.

The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024, which took effect on 1 July 2024, introduced new criminal offences and associated civil penalties targeting employers who exert undue influence, pressure, or coercion on a non-citizen to breach a work-related visa condition or to accept an exploitative employment arrangement.

For visa holders, working without the necessary authorisation or breaching visa conditions — such as working for an employer other than the approved sponsor, exceeding permitted working hours, or performing work in an occupation not covered by the visa — can lead to visa cancellation, enforced departure from Australia, and restrictions on future visa applications. Any record of immigration non-compliance can have lasting adverse effects on subsequent applications for permanent residency and citizenship. Employers in breach of compliance requirements may also face ongoing monitoring, audits, and investigations conducted by the ABF and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Australia?

Given how regularly visa fees, occupation lists, income thresholds, and processing times are revised, it is vital to rely solely on authoritative official sources. The key resources are listed below:

• Department of Home Affairs — Immigration: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia — the primary portal covering all work visa categories, application checklists, and current processing time estimates.
• ImmiAccount: The official online platform for lodging visa applications, uploading supporting documents, and monitoring application progress.
• Visa Pricing Table: Current visa application charges are published and maintained by the Department of Home Affairs.
• VEVO — Visa Entitlement Verification Online: Enables visa holders and employers to check work entitlements at any time — accessible via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
• Fair Work Ombudsman: fairwork.gov.au — provides comprehensive guidance on minimum pay rates, workplace entitlements, and protections available to visa holders against exploitation.
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Publishes and updates the occupation lists — including the Core Skills Occupation List — that govern eligibility across many skilled visa pathways.

The Department of Home Affairs maintains an online directory of all visa subclasses that includes estimated processing timeframes, which are updated on an ongoing basis. For applications submitted from abroad, Australian embassies and consulates can provide country-specific guidance on document requirements and approved panel physician arrangements, though the application itself must be lodged through ImmiAccount.

Exercise caution when consulting third-party websites, social media communities, or informal advisers — these sources frequently contain out-of-date fee information and unreliable processing estimates. If you engage a migration agent to assist with your application, always confirm they are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). In Australia, only MARA-registered agents are legally permitted to provide immigration assistance in exchange for payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start work in Australia while my visa application is still being processed?

In most cases, no — you must hold a visa that includes valid work rights before commencing employment. However, if you are already in Australia on a current visa and have lodged an application for a new visa, you may be issued a bridging visa that carries work entitlements. You should check the specific conditions of your bridging visa through VEVO to confirm whether you are permitted to work while your new application is being assessed.

Is there a minimum salary I must be paid on a work visa?

As of July 2025, the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) stands at AUD 76,515 per year, applicable to nominations under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is AUD 141,210 per year. Both thresholds are indexed annually, so you should confirm the current amounts with the Department of Home Affairs.

Can my employer charge me for the cost of sponsoring my visa?

No. Australian law expressly prohibits employers from passing their sponsorship or nomination costs on to the visa holder. If an employer attempts to recover these expenses — whether by direct request or by deducting amounts from your wages — this is unlawful and should be reported to the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au.

Do I need a job offer before applying for a work visa in Australia?

This depends on the visa category. Employer-sponsored pathways such as the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) require both a job offer and a formal employer nomination before an application can be lodged. Points-tested independent visas such as the subclass 189, however, do not require a job offer — applicants submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and are invited to apply based on their points score.

How long can I stay in Australia on a temporary work visa?

The permitted stay varies by subclass. Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visas allow stays of up to four years, whereas permanent visas carry no expiry on the right to remain. Working Holiday visas (subclasses 417 and 462) are initially valid for 12 months, with the possibility of extensions in certain circumstances for holders who complete qualifying regional work during their stay.

Can a temporary work visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?

Yes. A number of temporary work visas are structured specifically as a route toward permanent residency. From 2025, Skills in Demand (SID) visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency after two years of employment in Australia. The most established transition pathway runs from the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa to the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa, via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

What happens if my visa is cancelled because I breached a work condition?

Cancellation of a visa for breaching conditions is a serious outcome. It typically requires the affected person to leave Australia and may result in a ban on re-entry. Any history of visa cancellation is also likely to have significant adverse consequences for future applications for any type of Australian visa, including partner, student, and permanent residency visas. If you receive a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC), you should seek immediate advice from a MARA-registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer.

Are there any fast-track options for work visa processing?

Yes. The Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) includes priority processing for high-earning professionals with salaries above AUD 141,210 per year as of July 2025. Additionally, some state and territory governments offer priority nomination under the subclass 190 skilled nominated visa for occupations experiencing high local demand. As priority processing options and their conditions may change, always consult the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.