Temporary Work Visa for Australia
Australia is known for its solid economy and offers a high minimum wage, approximately 3,300 AUD or around 2,080 euros. The country provides a peaceful lifestyle and is considered safe, making it an excellent choice for temporary work and residence.
Through its Department of Home Affairs, the Australian government has created several visas for foreigners who wish to live and work temporarily in Australia. Some visas may restrict work to a specific area or profession.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482)
This visa is unique in that only specific occupations are eligible, and it must be sponsored by an employer. The Priority Occupation List #1 outlines the professions experiencing workforce shortages in Australia.
Priority Occupation List #1
- Chief Executive or General Manager
- Construction Project Manager
- Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- External Auditor
- Internal Auditor
- Surveyor
- Cartographer
- Other Spatial Scientist
- Civil Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mining Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Veterinarian
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Industrial Pharmacist
- Retail Pharmacist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- General Practitioner
- Resident Medical Officer
- Psychiatrist
- Other Medical Practitioners
- Midwife
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
- Registered Nurse (Medical)
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
- Registered Nurses nec
- Multimedia Specialist
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software and Applications Programmers nec
- ICT Security Specialist
- Social Worker
- Maintenance Planner
- Cook
This visa is valid for up to 2 or 4 years, and holders of Hong Kong passports can stay for up to 5 years. Visa holders can enter and exit Australia as many times as they wish while their visa remains valid. It also allows applicants to include family members, but the application must be done simultaneously.
Requirements:
- Hold an occupation from the above list.
- Have at least two years of work experience in the last 5 years.
- A relevant skills assessment (optional, required only if necessary for the occupation).
- English language proficiency.
Documentation: #2
- Valid and well-maintained passport.
- If the application is made through Trades Recognition Australia #3, include the skills assessment reference number.
- For Project and Program Administrators or Specialist Managers in unclassified roles, include the skills assessment reference number #4.
- If an Australian legislative body requires a skills assessment exemption, submit the corresponding evidence.
- Copies of certificates proving qualifications (employment letters, academic diplomas, or certificates).
- Copy of the vocational license or registration.
- Previous employment reference letter on company letterhead, including:
- Name
- Position held
- Employer details
- Dates of service
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with:
- Employment history
- Educational background
- Dates of employment for the last 5 years
- If nominated by an employer, the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) is required.
- Health insurance.
- Medical examinations #6.
- If you're a doctor:
- Proof from the medical board recognizing your qualifications and confirming that you are registered or will be registered.
- Medical personnel certificate for General Practitioner or Resident Medical Officer #7.
- If you’ve spent more than 12 months in Australia in the last 10 years, provide a certificate from the Australian Federal Police.
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and any other country where you spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- If you served in the military, provide discharge papers.
Application Process #2:
- Before applying, gather all necessary documentation and ensure their accuracy. Any errors or discrepancies in identity verification can lead to a ban from applying for any Australian visa for up to 10 years, affecting both the applicant and their dependents applying simultaneously.
- The employer must initiate the sponsorship process and pay the associated fees for the visa. Fees range from 2,500 AUD to 7,500 AUD. The employee also has to pay fees, which can start from 1,200 AUD. The employer cannot ask the applicant to cover both fees.
- Start the application:
- Apply through ImmiAccount #5.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the visa application fee. The application will not be processed if the fee is not paid. The fee is 1,330 AUD. Keep the transaction reference number.
- After applying:
- Status updates may not be provided, and more documentation may be requested.
- It is recommended not to travel until the visa is issued.
- Notify the authorities if your phone number, marital status, or other circumstances change, such as the birth of a child or the withdrawal of the application.
- Visa issuance includes:
- Visa grant number.
- Start date.
- Visa conditions.
References
#1 Australia Department of Home Affairs - Priority Occupation List
#2 Temporary Skill Shortage (482) Visa Information
#3 Trades Recognition Australia - Skills Assessment
#4 VETASSESS - Professional Occupations Skills Assessment
#5 Applying Online with ImmiAccount