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Working visas

The Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Citizenship issue visas for international visitors to live and work here.

If you want to work while you're here, you will need a visa that allows you to do so.

This page is for people who want to work in Australia. Information about all visa, immigration and refugee options can be found on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website. Try the Visa Wizard to find a visa that is suitable for your circumstances.

Short stay working visas

Business people

Read about business visit visa options to do business, attend a conference or training.

Working holiday

Depending on your country of origin, a working holiday visa can allow young people to have an extended holiday and have short-term work while they are here.

Skilled and business migration visas

There are a number of visa options for professionals and other skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia. You can apply as an independent, employer sponsored or State or Territory government nominated person.

Independent migration

Independent visa options for professionals and other skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia can either be permanent or provisional with a pathway to permanent residency.

Employer sponsored

To help fill skills shortages in some industries, employers can sponsor a worker from overseas with relevant skills, qualifications and experience.

You may be eligible to apply for a temporary or permanent working visa if you are being sponsored by an Australian employer.

State sponsored

If you are not eligible for independent migration, and you don't have an employer to sponsor you, consider applying for nomination by a State or Territory government—they offer some options for visa sponsorship.

If you want to set up a business in Queensland you may lodge an expression of interest for State nomination.

All state nominations are processed through the Australian Government's SkillSelect program.

Work, live and play in Queensland

The Queensland Government has an agreement with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to encourage skilled and business migration to the state. The Queensland State Migration Plan identifies the eligible skills and quotas needed for the state's workforce.

A state-sponsored visa can either be permanent or provisional with a pathway to permanent residency.

Applications for state-sponsored business visas require state or territory nomination and are made through the Australian Government's SkillSelect program. If you are seeking a Queensland nomination for sponsorship, select 'Queensland' in your expression of interest.

Keep up to date with the news on Queensland's skilled and business migration.

Using a migration agent

A migration agent can help you with your visa application. If your case is complex or if you just need help with choosing the right visa, gathering your documents or filling in the application form, an Australian migration agent can help.

Find out more about Australian migration agents.

Health insurance

Health insurance may be a requirement for some visa types, but even if it’s not, you might want to consider health insurance cover during your time in Australia, in case you get sick or injured.

Find out more about health insurance for overseas visitors.

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
31 May 2013

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