Work visa Australia step by step is the phrase many skilled workers search when they want one clear pathway from “I’m interested” to “I’m working in Australia.” This friendly guide breaks the journey into simple actions you can follow, whether you’re an engineer, nurse, software developer, teacher, tradie, or hospitality professional.
Before you start, remember there are two big routes:
Employer-sponsored (temporary or permanent)
Points-tested skilled migration (independent or state-nominated)
Australia updated key rules in late 2024–2025, including the replacement of the old TSS 482 with the new Skills in Demand framework and refreshed English test settings. Always check official pages as you move through the steps. Immigration and citizenship Website+2Immigration and citizenship Website+2
Step 1 — Pick the right pathway (quick filter)
Use this quick filter to decide your first direction:
A. Employer-Sponsored (you have a job offer or can find one):
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — temporary, employer-sponsored, with streams aligned to the Core Skills Occupation List. Employers must sponsor, nominate a genuine role, pay market salary, and meet sponsorship obligations. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) — permanent residency if an approved employer nominates you and you meet age, skills, English, and occupation list rules (including Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition). Immigration and citizenship Website+1
B. Points-Tested (no employer needed):
Skilled Independent (subclass 189) — permanent, invitation-only via SkillSelect; you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), be on the relevant occupation list, and score competitive points. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (provisional) 491 — require state nomination first, then invitation. States publish priority guidelines and open/close frequently. Live in Melbourne+1
Tip: If you’re flexible on location, regional pathways (491) can be a strategic bridge to PR after meeting on-shore work/residence requirements.
Step 2 — Check your occupation and assessing authority
Open the Skilled Occupation List (now referencing the Core Skills Occupation List for many visas). Confirm your exact ANZSCO occupation and note the assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, AHPRA for nurses, ACS for IT). This ensures you choose the correct visa and get the right skills assessment. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Action list:
Find your occupation on the official list and note the code/title. Immigration and citizenship Website
Identify the assessing authority for your occupation. dewr.gov.au
Download the authority’s checklist and timeframes (fees, documents, processing times vary by authority). Engineers Australia
Why it matters: Most skilled visas require a positive skills assessment before you lodge or before invitation. A correct, valid assessment protects you from last-minute refusals.
Step 3 — Confirm English test options and score targets
From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated accepted tests and equivalencies. Check the English language requirements page for the latest rules and your visa’s level (Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior). This can affect points and eligibility. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Action list:
Choose a test accepted for your visa (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced; other tests were also added/standardised). Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Book early to avoid delays; aim for Competent English minimum for many skilled visas, with higher bands if you’re chasing extra points. Immigration and citizenship Website
If retaking, plan timing so results are valid at invitation/lodgement.
News watch: Some work/holiday and training pathways saw changes to minimum “functional” bands. If you’re on a niche route, verify current settings. The Australian
Step 4 — For points-tested visas: calculate your score and plan your EOI
For 189/190/491, calculate points for age, English, skilled experience, qualifications, partner skills, Australian study, NAATI CCL, and more using the official Points Table. Build a points roadmap before you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Immigration and citizenship Website
Action list:
Add up your points honestly using the official table. Immigration and citizenship Website
Check a reputable calculator for cross-checks and scenarios (useful but not a substitute for the official table). VisaEnvoy
If aiming for 190/491, study state nomination criteria and occupation availability; these change during the program year. Live in Melbourne+1
Gather proof for every claim (qualifications, employment letters, skills assessment, English results).
EOI insight: EOIs are competitive. States may prioritise sectors like health, construction, teaching, and digital. Review each state’s current focus before applying. Live in Melbourne+1
Step 5 — For employer-sponsored visas: understand the three stages
For the new Skills in Demand (subclass 482), and for ENS 186, you’ll typically see three steps: sponsorship → nomination → visa application. Requirements include proving a genuine position, market salary, and occupation eligibility. Immigration and citizenship Website+2Immigration and citizenship Website+2
Employer-sponsored checklist:
Employer holds/obtains standard business sponsorship (or accredited) and passes business tests. Immigration and citizenship Website
Employer lodges a nomination for a real role with market salary and correct occupation stream. Immigration and citizenship Website
You lodge the visa application with health, character, English, and skills evidence. For ENS Direct Entry, check the age cap (with limited exemptions) and occupation list. Immigration and citizenship Website
Processing: Government targets for the new system aimed to be faster, but recent reports note variability and delays in some streams. Plan your start date conservatively and watch updates. The Australian
Step 6 — Create your ImmiAccount and prepare documents
All visas are lodged online via ImmiAccount. Creating an account is simple, and the official site provides guides for attaching documents and paying fees securely. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Action list:
Create ImmiAccount (individual). Verify your email and set up MFA. Immigration and citizenship Website
Start the application for your chosen subclass and fill all pages carefully. Save as you go. Immigration and citizenship Website
Attach evidence: passport, skills assessment, English test, employment letters, references, qualifications, police checks, health checks when requested.
Pay the application charge and keep the receipt; some visas allow staged payments for family members. Immigration and citizenship Website
Step 7 — Health, character, and biometrics
Australia requires health examinations (via approved panel clinics), police certificates for each relevant country, and biometrics in some locations. You’ll receive instructions through ImmiAccount. Keep validity windows in mind so nothing expires mid-process. Immigration and citizenship Website
Step 8 — After you apply: bridging visas, updates, and travel
If you apply onshore, you may receive a Bridging Visa to stay lawfully while a decision is made; conditions can vary by subclass. Use VEVO to view your visa status and conditions at any time and follow any requests for more information promptly. Immigration and citizenship Website
Step 9 — Moving and settling: housing and everyday setup
Once you have your grant and arrive, you’ll quickly handle a few practical tasks:
Tax File Number (TFN) application with the ATO
Bank account setup
Superannuation selection
Driver licence transfer (state rules vary)
Renting a home (bonds, inspections, references)
For renting, compare markets on trusted Australian sites:
Browse suburb prices on Realestate.com.au
Compare on Domain.com.au
Find a share house on Flatmates.com.au
Check tenancy rights on NSW Fair Trading (a state gov.au tenancy authority)
These links help you research suburbs, set realistic budgets, and understand tenant rights and bonds before signing a lease.
The core journey in one place — Work visa Australia step by step
Below is a simple map you can follow and check off:
Define your pathway (Employer-sponsored 482/186 vs Points-tested 189/190/491). Immigration and citizenship Website+2Immigration and citizenship Website+2
Confirm your occupation and the relevant assessing authority. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Plan your English test to meet visa and points goals. Immigration and citizenship Website
For 189/190/491, calculate points and prepare your EOI; for 190/491 check state nomination. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
For 482/186, coordinate employer sponsorship/nomination and compile evidence of genuine role and market salary. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Create ImmiAccount, lodge, attach, and pay. Immigration and citizenship Website
Complete health/character and respond to any requests quickly. Immigration and citizenship Website
Track status in ImmiAccount/VEVO and plan arrival once granted. Immigration and citizenship Website
That sequence is your Work visa Australia step by step roadmap from research to arrival.
Deep dive: Employer-sponsored — what each party does
Employer responsibilities (typical):
Prove the genuine need for the position and that it aligns with the occupation list.
Offer market-rate salary and comply with workplace laws.
Lodge sponsorship (if not already approved) and nomination with required evidence. Immigration and citizenship Website
Your responsibilities:
Meet English, skills, and experience thresholds.
Hold a positive skills assessment if the stream requires it (and when required for 186 Direct Entry). Immigration and citizenship Website
Provide accurate, consistent documents and attend health checks.
Choosing 482 vs 186:
482 is usually temporary (with pathways to PR depending on stream and policy settings).
186 is permanent at grant if you meet nomination and visa criteria. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Practical note: Even with targeted median processing goals, actual timelines may fluctuate by stream and caseload. Build in buffer time. The Australian
Deep dive: Points-tested — getting competitive
Your pillars for a strong EOI:
Occupation demand in current program year (watch state lists). Live in Melbourne
Points score (aim higher than the bare minimum; recently competitive EOIs often exceed 65–75+ depending on occupation). Immigration and citizenship Website
English (Proficient/Superior can unlock big point boosts). Immigration and citizenship Website
Partner points (if applicable) and NAATI CCL.
State nomination (190/491):
Each state publishes its own priority sectors and pathways for offshore vs onshore applicants. Open and close windows can be short — subscribe to updates and prepare documents in advance. Live in Melbourne+1
Invitation rounds:
Invitation activity for the 189 can surge or slow based on national targets. Keep an eye on reputable updates and official announcements; do not rely on rumours. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
This is the Work visa Australia step by step discipline for points-tested candidates: lift points where possible, time your EOI smartly, and track state rules closely.
Document pack — what most workers prepare
While each subclass differs, a tidy pack saves weeks:
Passport bio page + all visas/arrival stamps
Skills assessment outcome letter (if required)
Qualifications and transcripts
Employment letters (title, duties, full-time/part-time, dates, salary)
Payslips or tax summaries as proof of employment
English test results (valid at decision/invitation) Immigration and citizenship Website
Police certificates for every required country
Health exam results and clinic receipts
Marriage/birth certificates for dependants (if included)
Create a simple filename system (e.g., “Name_Occupation_DocType_YYYYMM”) and keep PDFs under size limits for easy uploads via ImmiAccount. Immigration and citizenship Website
Timing realities in 2025
Policy shifts: Australia introduced the Skills in Demand structure (replacing the old TSS) in December 2024, with evolving streams and occupation settings in 2025. Always verify your stream and list at lodgement time. Immigration and citizenship Website
Processing times: Some streams report delays; plan conservatively. The Australian
Occupation lists: Reviews and consultations (via Jobs and Skills Australia) mean list composition can change; keep checking if your role is in scope and how it’s treated. Jobs and Skills Australia
The safest habit is to re-check the official page for your subclass just before you pay and submit.
Two mini checklists you can print
Mini Checklist A — Employer-Sponsored (482/186)
Job offer and signed contract
Employer sponsorship/nomination lodged (with genuine position + salary evidence) Immigration and citizenship Website
Occupation confirmed on the relevant list
Skills assessment (if required by stream)
English test at required level
Health + police + biometrics
ImmiAccount application submitted and paid Immigration and citizenship Website
Mini Checklist B — Points-Tested (189/190/491)
ANZSCO occupation + assessing authority confirmed Immigration and citizenship Website
Positive skills assessment received
English test at target level (aim for more points if possible) Immigration and citizenship Website
Points verified with documents
EOI submitted; state nomination applied (if 190/491) Live in Melbourne
Invitation received; lodge via ImmiAccount with full evidence Immigration and citizenship Website
These two lists are your Work visa Australia step by step snapshots to keep you on track.
Common mistakes to avoid in 2025
Wrong occupation mapping: Titles differ across countries; duties must match ANZSCO tasks—not just your job title. Immigration and citizenship Website
Expired English results at decision time: Check validity windows and whether your visa counts results at lodgement or decision. Immigration and citizenship Website
Assuming points without documents: Every claim needs evidence ready to upload. Immigration and citizenship Website
Ignoring state criteria: If pursuing 190/491, state rules can override your assumptions; read their nomination pages. Live in Melbourne+1
Rushing lodgement: Incomplete attachments or inconsistent dates create delays and potential refusals. Immigration and citizenship Website
H2 — Work visa Australia step by step for graduates and early-career talent
If you’re early in your career, you can still build a path:
Graduate roles with employer sponsorship through Skills in Demand 482 (where eligible) can open doors to later PR via ENS 186, depending on policy settings and your occupation. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Points-tested is still possible with strong English, a recognised degree, and additional points (partner, state nomination, or regional study). Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Focus on enhancing English and skills assessment as early wins while networking with employers.
H2 — Work visa Australia step by step for in-demand sectors
Some sectors feature regularly on state lists and employer pipelines:
Healthcare and Aged Care
Education (teachers)
Engineering and ICT
Construction and Trades
Agriculture and Food Processing
States publish yearly priorities; employers across these sectors often sponsor via 482/186. Monitor both fronts to multiply your options. Live in Melbourne+1
Life admin while you’re waiting
Use your waiting period to understand living costs and rental processes. Compare suburbs and house-share options, and read tenancy rules:
Realestate.com.au — rental listings, suburb guides
Domain.com.au — market insights, rentals
Flatmates.com.au — share accommodation
NSW Fair Trading — renting rights, bonds, condition reports
Add these to your bookmarks now; they will help you settle faster after your grant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Which visa should I choose if I don’t have a job offer?
If you have a skilled occupation, consider the 189 (independent) or 190/491 (state-nominated). Check the occupation list, get a skills assessment, calculate your points, and submit an EOI. State nomination can significantly improve your chances. Immigration and citizenship Website+2Immigration and citizenship Website+2
Q2. Has the 482 been replaced?
Yes. The Skills in Demand framework replaced the old TSS 482 settings in December 2024. The new arrangements use updated occupation/stream rules. Always read the current Skills in Demand (subclass 482) page before you lodge. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Q3. What English score do I need?
It depends on the visa. Review the English language requirements page and your subclass eligibility. Higher English can also boost points for 189/190/491. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Q4. Do I need a skills assessment?
For most skilled and many employer routes (e.g., 186 Direct Entry) you need a positive skills assessment from the correct authority. Requirements and validity vary by occupation. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Q5. How do I lodge my application?
Create an ImmiAccount and follow the online steps: form completion, attachments, payment, and health/character checks when requested. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
By following the actions above, you have a practical, realistic Work visa Australia step by step plan that lines up with Australia’s 2025 rules. Revisit the official subclass page before lodging to catch any late changes, especially to the occupation list, English settings, or nomination criteria. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Work visa Australia step by step doesn’t have to be confusing: pick your pathway, gather evidence carefully, and keep your documents valid at the moment that matters (invitation and lodgement). If your strategy changes—say a state opens your occupation or an employer offers sponsorship—pivot using the same core steps outlined here. Live in Melbourne+1
