Australia Work Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility, & Document Requirements

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  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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Dreaming of working in Australia? You’re not alone. With its vibrant cities, strong economy, and high quality of life, Australia attracts thousands of skilled professionals from India every year. But before you pack your bags, securing the proper work visa is crucial.

From understanding the various visa types to meeting the eligibility criteria and preparing the necessary documents, the process can seem overwhelming. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about obtaining an Australian work visa for Indians, helping you plan your career transition with confidence.

Types of Australia Work Visas Available for Indians

Australia offers multiple work visa options for Indian citizens, providing exciting opportunities to work and live in the country. Here is an overview of the different work visas available.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

• An approved employer sponsors this type of Australian work visa for skilled workers to fill a position for which they can’t find a suitable Australian candidate.
• Temporary Skill Shortage visas can be issued for either short-term (up to 2 years) or mid-term (up to 4 years) purposes.
• Approximate application fee is ₹11,500.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• If you hold expertise in a specific skillset but do not have an employer to support your visa application, you can apply for a skilled independent visa for Australia.
• It also allows you to work and live permanently anywhere in Australia.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Nominated visas are similar to subclass 189, but require a nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
• Also leads to permanent residency.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

• This type of visa is ideal for skilled workers whose employer has nominated them for permanent residency.
• Approximate application fee is ₹49,500.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)

• It is designed for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional Australia, and it also serves as a pathway to permanent residency.
• Approximate application fee is ₹46,200. 

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

• A holiday and work visa is for younger people between the ages of 18 and 30 who wish to work and explore Australia for up to 12 months. This visa can be further extended for up to two or three years.
• Approximate application fee is ₹8700.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

• It is for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian Institution. It allows them to live, study, and work temporarily to gain experience.

Eligibility Criteria for an Australian Work Visa

The type of visa you wish to apply for determines the qualifying requirements for a work visa to Australia.

Skills and Occupation

• Depending on the kind of work visa, your occupation must be listed on either Australia’s Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List or its Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• To demonstrate that your education and work history meet Australian standards, you should take a skills test administered by an appropriate assessment body.

English Language Proficiency

• The majority of visas require evidence of English language proficiency, typically demonstrated through scores acquired in the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS.
• The visa-specific score may differ. For example, skilled visas frequently demand a score of 6 or higher on the IELTS, while Subclass 482 usually requires a minimum overall score of 5.

Age Requirements

• You must be under 45 at the time of invitation to be eligible for the majority of general skilled migration visas (such as Subclass 189 and 190).
• Older applicants may be eligible for certain employer-sponsored visas that offer flexibility.

Health and Character Requirements

• To demonstrate that you meet Australia’s health criteria, you must get a medical examination.
• To demonstrate good character and the absence of a significant criminal record, a police clearance certificate is required.

Points Test (for Skilled Visas)

• You must receive at least 65 points for visas such as Subclass 189 and 190, which are determined by some criteria, including age, education, job experience, and English language skills.

Sponsorship or Nomination

• You must have a legitimate employment offer and sponsorship from an authorised Australian employer to apply for an employer-sponsored visa (such as Subclass 482 or 186).
• To apply for a state-nominated visa (Subclass 190), you must obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

Documents Required to Apply for an Australian Work Visa

Here’s a clear list of the documents usually required to apply for an Australian Work Visa (requirements may vary depending on the specific visa subclass, e.g., Temporary Skill Shortage visa, Skilled Independent visa, etc.):

1. Personal Documents

• Valid Passport: Should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• Passport-size photographs: As per Australian visa photo guidelines.

2. Proof of English Proficiency

• PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved test scores to meet minimum language requirements.

3. Skills and Employment Documents

• Educational certificates
• Work experience letters from previous employers
• Reference letters outlining your duties and the duration of employment
• Detailed CV or Resume.

4. Skills Assessment Report

• For skilled visas, you often need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

5. Sponsorship or Nomination Documents (if applicable)

• Job offer letter or contract from your Australian employer
• Sponsorship approval (for employer-sponsored visas)
• State nomination certificate (for Subclass 190 or 491 visas).

6. Health and Character Documents

• Health examination reports (you will be directed to complete a health check by authorised clinics).
• Police clearance certificates from India (and any other country you lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years).

Before flying to Australia on a work visa, it is essential to be fully prepared, not just with documents but also with protection.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Australian Work Visa

Applying for an Australian work visa involves multiple stages. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the process:

1. Check Your Eligibility

• Discover which visa subclass best suits your needs (such as 189, 190, 482, or 186).
• Ensure your occupation is listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL or CSOL).
• Check if you meet the points test (for skilled visas), English requirements, age limit, and health/character criteria.

2. Get Your Skills Assessed

• Apply to the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (like ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering).
• Receive a positive skills assessment report, which is often mandatory for skilled visas.

3. Take an English Language Test

• Complete IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL and secure the required score.

4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• For point-tested visas (189 or 190), create a profile on SkillSelect and submit your EOI.
• Provide details such as age, qualifications, experience, English scores, and specify the occupation.

5. Wait for Invitation or Sponsorship

• For visas like 189/190, wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Australian government.
• For employer-sponsored visas (such as 482 or 186), always ensure that your employer lodges the nomination.

6. Gather Your Documents

• Collect all necessary documents: passport, skills assessment, English test scores, employment proofs, health and police clearances, and sponsorship documents if needed.

7. Apply for the Visa Online

• Lodge your visa application through the ImmiAccount portal on the Australian immigration website.
• Pay the visa fee.

8. Complete Health Exams and Biometrics

• You will receive instructions for a medical examination and, in some cases, a biometrics collection.

9. Await Visa Decision

• The immigration department will process your application. You may be asked to provide additional documents.

10. Receive a Visa Grant and Make Travel Plans

• Once it is approved, you will receive a visa grant notice with all details of your visa conditions and validity.
• You’re now ready to move to Australia and start working!

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Applying for an Australian work visa is a detailed process, and even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Here are some of the most common reasons applications get refused.

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Missing documents are a top reason for refusal.
• Insufficient Points Score: For points-based visas (such as Subclass 189 or 190), not meeting the minimum of 65 points results in outright rejection.
• Negative Skills Assessment: If your skills assessment authority does not recognise your qualifications or work experience, the visa will be refused.
• Failure to Meet Health or Character Requirements: Severe medical conditions or a criminal record can result in rejection.
• Financial Issues: Not showing sufficient funds can result in a refusal.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Australian Work Visa

Applying for an Australian work visa can be highly competitive, particularly for skilled visas that utilise a point-based system.

Score Higher on the Points Test

• For visas such as Subclass 189 or 190, the higher your points, the better your chances of receiving an invitation.

Ensure a Strong Skills Assessment

• Submit detailed and well-organised documents for your skills assessment.
• Include employment contracts, payslips, reference letters with duties matching the nominated occupation, and any project documents.

Maintain clear and consistent documents

• Ensure that your resume, reference letters, and application forms are consistent in terms of job titles, dates, and responsibilities.
• Get official translations for any non-English documents.

Choose an Occupation in High Demand

• If possible, nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or one that’s currently in shortage.
• Research that states the need for your occupation to target a state nomination.

Prepare Financially

• Have clear proof of funds if your visa requires it, and make sure that your bank statements are up-to-date, transparent, and accurate.

Final Thoughts

Getting an Australian work visa may look complicated at first, but for Indian applicants who plan well, it’s well within their reach. By exploring the visa types that suit your profile, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements, and compiling thorough documentation, you can significantly increase your chances of approval. 

Whether your goal is to migrate independently based on your skills, through a state nomination, or with an employer’s sponsorship, Australia provides multiple routes to build a successful professional life. Begin the process early, keep your documents flawless, and if needed, consult a registered migration expert to navigate it confidently.

>> Also Read: Tourist Visa Guide

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.