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Have you always dreamed of working in Australia? An Australian work visa is the pathway. The Australian work visa is unique. It offers the right to travel, the right to work, and the right to stay in the country. You can apply for the Australian work visa right after you get a job offer from a recongised employer. However, before you apply, you must know about the work visa types, Australia work visa requirements for Indian citizens, fees, and the application process. In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the Australian work visa for Indians.
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5 Australia Work Visa Types for Indians
The Australian Department of Home Affairs issues over 40 separate visas! Therefore, you need to know exactly the kind of visa you need. Applying for the wrong visa is one of the reasons for visa rejection. Here we have shortlisted the five types of Australian work visas for Indians. These are the visas that a first-time traveller usually needs.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa is for international students who have completed their studies and want to stay back to search for work. This Australian visa has two types-
| S.No | Visa Stream | Qualification Level | Who It’s For | Duration of Stay |
| 1 | Post-Vocational Education Work Stream | Associate Degree, Diploma, or Trade Qualification | International students who completed a vocational course in Australia (e.g., in TAFE or trade school) | Up to 18 months |
| 2 | Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degree | International students who completed higher education in Australia (university level) | 2 to 3 years (depending on qualification and location) |
You must have already held an Australian student visa to be eligible for this post-study option. International students use this visa to work, gain experience, and then apply for a permanent skilled worker visa.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand or the Subclass 482 visa is the visa you need if you have an employer sponsorship. This visa allows an employer to sponsor a suitable skilled worker. The employer must be hiring you because they cannot hire anyone else with the relevant skills in Australia.
| S.No | Visa Stream | Purpose | Stay Duration | Key Eligibility Criteria |
| 1 | Core Skills Stream | Allows employers to fill labour shortages with skilled workers. | Up to 4 years | Applicant’s occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List. |
| 2 | Specialist Skills Stream | Designed for highly skilled workers in specific high-need occupations. | Up to 4 years | Occupation must fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 and meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. |
| 3 | Labour Agreement Stream | For workers nominated under a formal labour agreement with the government. | Up to 4 years | The employer must have a valid Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. |
| 4 | Subsequent Entrant | For family members of existing subclass 457 or 482 visa holders. | Same as a primary visa holder | Applicant must be a family member of a current subclass 457 or 482 visa holder. |
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
Did you know Australia is the best country for a working holiday visa for Indians? The Australian working holiday visa is granted to Indian nationals who want to explore Australia while remotely working from India. We say it’s the best country because it does not have exorbitant minimum bank balance requirements compared to other countries that allow a working holiday visa. The types of working holiday visas are:
| S.No | Visa Type | Purpose | Stay Duration | Work Rights |
| 1 | First Work and Holiday visa | Allows young adults to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to fund their trip. | Up to 12 months | Can work during stay |
| 2 | Second Work and Holiday visa | For those who have previously held a first Work and Holiday visa. | Up to 12 months | Can do any kind of work |
| 3 | Third Work and Holiday visa | For those who have previously held a second Work and Holiday visa. | Up to 12 months | Can do any kind of work |
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This Australian work visa is for Indians who have not been sponsored. Nevertheless, they are skilled enough to be employed. There are 3 streams under this visa category. However, as an Indian you need to apply only through the point-tested stream. Basically, those who are meeting the necessary points are considered skilled workers and can get this visa.
| S.No | Visa Type | Purpose | Stay Duration | Work Rights |
| 1 | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points Tested Stream | Allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. | Permanent | Full work rights |
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is similar to the skilled independent visa. However, the catch is that you need to be nominated by a specific Australian state/territory. The visa is given permanently. This means you do not have to constantly apply for a new visa. You become a permanent resident directly. This visa allows you to sponsor your family members as well.
| S.No | Visa Type | Purpose | Stay Duration | Work Rights |
| 1 | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points Tested Stream | Enables skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia | Permanent | Full work and study rights |
How Can I Get an Australian Work Visa from India?
You can get an Australian work visa from India. However, you have to follow the necessary steps to get a work visa. First of all, ensure that you have a job offer from a recongised employer. You cannot get a work visa until you have secured a job offer. Search for popular platforms like Seek, Jora, Indeed Australia, etc and look for employment opportunities.
Once you have a job offer, identify the visa you need, ensure you meet the Australia Work Visa Requirements for Indian citizens, and then apply for a visa. Visit the nearest visa application centre to file your application.
Australia Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The Australian work visa requirements vary depending on the visa you are applying for. Each visa comes with a unique condition or criterion. However, there are certain conditions applicable irrespective of the visa subclass. These requirements are provided below:
| S.No | Requirements | Description |
| 1 | Valid Passport | Must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Australia. |
| 2 | Occupation on Skilled List (if applicable) | The job must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL/CSOL), based on the visa. |
| 3 | Skills Assessment | A formal assessment by a recognised authority to verify qualifications/skills. |
| 4 | English Language Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE test scores are typically required. |
| 5 | Job Offer (if required) | Needed for employer-sponsored visas (e.g., TSS 482). |
| 6 | Health Examination | Medical check by an approved panel physician to meet health standards. |
| 7 | Character Check | Police clearance certificate from each country lived in for 12+ months. |
| 8 | Relevant Work Experience | Usually 2–3 years of experience in the nominated occupation. |
| 9 | Proof of Funds (if required) | Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. |
| 10 | Age Limit | Generally under 45 years (some exceptions apply). |
| 11 | Expression of Interest (EOI) | Submit an EOI via SkillSelect for points-tested skilled visas. |
| 12 | Nomination/Sponsorship (if applicable) | Required for employer or state-nominated visa subclasses. |
| 13 | No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government | Must not owe money to the Australian government. |
| 14 | Visa Application Fee | Must pay the required fee when applying. |
| Tip: You must always get a documents checklist from the visa application centre. Missing even one document = visa rejection. |
How to Apply for an Australian Work Visa Online?
The Australian work visa application is made online. Before you apply, ensure that all documents are translated into the English language. Moreover, ensure that you have gathered all the necessary documents. It is advisable to apply on time. The following are the Australian work visa online steps:
- Create an ImmiAccount: Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create this account and log in.
- Upload documents: You need to upload the necessary documents
- Pay the fees: Pay the visa application fee
- Wait for visa processing: Your visa is processed
- Get a decision: A decision will be made. You will be informed in writing about the visa application decision.
| Tip: Although these are the steps. It is advisable to get the assistance of a visa officer. 1.Fill the visa application form and visit the nearest visa application centre 2. They will help you book a date for a visa interview. 3.Thereafter, your documents are verified, and an interview is conducted. 4.Your visa is processed, and a decision is made. |
To learn how you can create an ImmiAccount, watch this video:
Australia Work Visa Cost for Indians
The Australian work visa cost varies depending on the visa you are applying for. Nevertheless, we have provided the fees for the main types of visas. The Australian work visa for Indians fee is as follows:
| S. No | Australia Work Visa Type | Fees |
| 1. | Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | AUD2,300.00 |
| 2. | Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) | AUD3,210.00 |
| 3. | Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) | AUD670.00 |
| 4. | Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | AUD4,910.00 |
| 5 | Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | AUD4,910.00 |
Additional Expenses You Will Incur
Apart from the visa cost, there are many expenses related to working abroad. There are several other Australia Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens that may not be ob
- Minimum bank balance: You must have a minimum bank balance for certain visas. For example, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), and the Working Holiday Visa. Skilled worker visas, or employer-sponsored visas, do not have a minimum bank balance criterion.
- Health insurance: You must have money to get a valid health insurance.
- Living expenses: Living in Australia can be expensive. Hence, consider the same.
Australia Work Visa Processing Time for Indians
The visa application processing time also varies depending on the visa you are applying for. The processing time provided below is as per the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The processing time is subject to change.
| S. No | Australia Work Visa Type | Processing Time |
| 1. | Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | 57-90 days (depending on visa stream) |
| 2. | Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) | 57-4 months |
| 3. | Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) | Less than 1 day-7 days |
| 4. | Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | 6 months |
| 5. | Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | 16 months-21 months |
Also Read: Reasons for Australia Work Visa Rejection
Things to Consider After Getting an Australian Work Visa
The following are the things you must keep in mind after getting a work visa. These tips will be helpful and will prevent any unnecessary problems in the future.
- Understand the conditions of the visa you just received. Get to know the Dos and Don’ts. For example, the employer you can work under, limitations on working hours, etc.
- Learn about your rights: As an employee, you are entitled to certain rights like good working conditions, fair wages, etc.
- Health insurance: You must have health insurance to mitigate the cost of any emergency. This is one of the Australia work visa requiredments for Indian citizens.
- Understand the taxation rules: You will have to apply for a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
- Opening a bank account: You need to open a bank account in Australia to manage your finances and to receive your salary.
Also Read: Easiest Ways to Get PR in Australia in 2025 (State-wise Guide & Tips)
FAQs
To get a job in Australia, visit popular job portals. The best websites are Indeed Australia, LinkedIn Australia, and Seeker. Look for job opportunities, and ensure you meet the job criteria. Thereafter, apply for jobs. Once you get a job offer you can apply for a visa.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a five-year permanent visa. The visa perits skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas in Australia.
The minimum age limit to work in Australia is 18 years. There is no upper age limit. However, most skilled worker visas have an upper cap of 45 years. You might not get a visa after that.
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