Australia Work Visa - Basic Facts
Australia has continued its quest for skilled migrants with its unemployment level growing ever lower. The Australian Migration Program provides various types of work visas for accommodating applicants who possess varied skill sets or capabilities, ranging from tradesmen to professionals. In fact it has been predicted that there will be 108,100 visas granted in the period 2009 to 2010.
Types of Australian work visas
There are many types of Australian work visas available. Some are designed for holiday makers while others are for those intending to stay in the country permanently.
- Australian working holiday visa: This is probably the most popular form of Australia work visa and the most convenient to obtain. The work-cum-holiday visa program is actually a rare opportunity for individuals in the age group of 18 to 30 years from a few countries for holidaying in Australia and earning money for supplementing their travel finances. This implies that you are eligible to work as well as travel for a period up to one year. You can leave or re-enter Australia several times so long as the period of validity of the visa remains. Australian working holiday visa of subclass 417 is applicable for certain countries like Belgium, Canada, UK, Italy, Japan, Germany, Denmark to name a few. A slightly different form of Australian work and holiday visa sub class 462 is for the people of Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, U.S and Turkey.
- Skilled independent permanent visas: There are two types of visas under this category.
a) Independent migrant visa sub class 175: You will be granted this visa if you have scored on points related to the requirements of the Australian labour market. You do not need a sponsor to get work permit. The work permit also includes your partner as well as your family.
b) Sponsored migrant visa subclass 176: For getting this visa you have to have a sponsor/relative who lives in Australia or get nomination from the participating state. Your partner and your family can stay in Australia as permanent residents.
- Temporary independent skilled visas: There is the provisional regional sponsored visa subclass 475 for people unable to fulfil the criteria of a skilled independent visa. There is also the temporary recognised graduate visa subclass 476 for fresh graduates of a few overseas universities. This allows for working till 18 months and getting work experience for jobs that are in high demand in the country.
- Independent resident Australian visas subclass 885: These are for students, as well as a few temporary Australian visa holders, wishing to move on a permanent basis.
- Sponsored resident visa subclass 886: These are for students who have obtained an Australian qualification through two years of study in the country and desire to stay permanently. Also, those who do not get the skilled independent minimum marks but have a relative for sponsoring them can obtain this visa.
Other forms of work visas include Australian visas that are employer-sponsored, medical practitioner visa, as well as educational work visa. It is best to consult a professional immigration service provider who will provide guidance on the different Australian work visas that are available.
