Australia is a member of the Commonwealth and offers several professional visa options for workers willing to work. Some of these visas may even result in your family members and you being granted temporary or permanent residency. The Australian immigration point system is another option for getting a visa. This article covers the specifics of this and how to get an Australian work visa without an agent.
Can you apply for a work visa without an agent?
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Most people who enter Australia on any type of visa (student, work, tourist) use a migration agent’s services. The cost of services charged by these agents are usually high and the case of fraudulent practices among them is on the high side. People ask if they can apply for an Australian work visa without using a migration agent, and the answer is YES! The Australian government has created all the necessary measures and facilities so that people may apply for their visa independently. The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ website includes detailed instructions for submitting every type of work visa.
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Types of Australian Work Visas
Global Talent Visa- subclass 858.
A global talent visa has two options available depending on what your skills are. For the streamlined pathway you will need to submit an expression of interest. A global talent visa is permanent and you can stay in Australia permanently.
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa- subclass 186.
You can only apply for an 186 visa, a permanent work visa, only if you have a sponsor. You can select one of the available streams for an 186 visa.:
- A direct entry stream.
- A labor agreement stream.
- A temporary residence transition stream.
Permanent Skilled Regional Visa- subclass 191.
Visa 191 was launched on November 16 of 2022. It is also a permanent work visa, but you must have a previous valid visa to apply for subclass 191.
Regional Sponsored Migration Visa-subclass 187.
If you previously held another work visa that is still in effect and you worked for the same employer during that time, you are eligible to apply for an 187 visa.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa- subclass 494.
With a 494 visa, you will be permitted to work in designated areas where your sponsoring employer has nominated you. This visa is temporary and it’s valid for only five years. You can apply for permanent residency after three years if you are eligible.
Skilled Independent Visa- subclass 189
Visa 189 is a points-based visa and you must have at least 65 points from the skills table to be eligible for this visa. If you are granted a 189 visa, you can stay in Australia permanently.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa- subclass 482.
The 482 has three streams available that you can apply for depending on which stream suits you better. You must be nominated and sponsored by your company in order to obtain this visa. After a few years, you can seek permanent residency even though this visa is just temporary.
Temporary Activity Visa- subclass 408.
Visa 408 is a temporary work visa issued during the pandemic to help visitors extend their previous visa. You can apply for visa 408 if you can provide eligible evidence that you were affected by the global pandemic.
Temporary Graduate Visa- subclass 485.
For a 485 visa, you can choose between two streams depending on your occupation. For example, if you want to apply for the graduate work stream your occupation must belong to the skilled occupation list. Whichever track you choose, your temporary visa 485 is only good for two to four years. You must apply for a new work visa in order to obtain a permanent one.
Temporary Work Visa for Short Stay Specialist- subclass 400.
You can only apply for this visa if you have a specialized skill that is in short supply in Australia. This visa is usually issued for 3 months, but in some cases, it can be extended for 6 months.
Australian work visa requirements
The requirements for each work visa depends on your circumstances and the type of visa you apply for. Each visa type has its own eligibility requirement and fees to pay. You have to carefully go through each of them and choose the one that fits you more.
To apply for different types of Australian work visas without an agent online, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website through ImmiAccount. If you require an official invitation to apply, you can submit an EOI on SkillSelect. Before you start applying, do your research and see if there is any exception for you (nationality). For instance, there are some exceptions for UK citizens applying for an Australian Visa.
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Here is a summary on how to apply for a work visa in Australia.
Step 1—Submit an EOI
This step is not necessary for everyone. It is only for those whose visa requires an EOI. Submit your EOI on SkillSelect to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and be invited to apply.
Step 2—Collect your Documents
Gather the appropriate legal documents and prepare your evidence of venture capital funding, business intentions and activities, if applicable.
Step 3—Apply for your Visa
You can find the work visa application form on ImmiAccount. Detailed instructions on how to submit your application will be sent to you (through a registered email or otherwise stated).
Step 4—Wait
After successfully submitting your visa application, you will get confirmation that your application and documents have been received. You can track and manage your application online via ImmiAccount.
Step 5—Receive your Result
You will receive the official decision on your work visa application request in writing. If your application is accepted, you will be given your visa grant number, the start date of your visa, and any relevant visa limitations. If you are rejected, you will know why and if you are eligible for a decision appeal. Remember that if your visa application is denied, there will be no reimbursement of your application money.
How many months does it take to process a work visa?
Most work visa applications are processed within a year or two years. However bear in mind that the processing time is not promised, and the length of the review period will depend on a variety of factors. Certain streams within the various subclasses of visas for short-term visitors may be processed in a few months. No matter how long it takes, if something is missing from your application, the processing time will always be extended.
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How much does a work visa cost without an agent?
An Australia work visa costs between AUD315 to AUD4,115. Depending on the subclass to which you apply, you may not be required to pay a visa fee at all. However, for some visas, there are additional costs. For some visas, you must pay a second installment fee for your family members who don’t speak English at a proficient level. You also have to pay additional fees for each family member who applies with you.
