Who Needs a Work Permit in Australia
In Australia, any non-citizen intending to work must obtain an appropriate work visa. This requirement applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of the duration or nature of employment. Employers must ensure that prospective international employees secure the necessary visas before commencing work to comply with immigration laws.
Types of Work Visas in Australia
Australia offers a range of work visas tailored to different employment needs and skill levels. Selecting the appropriate visa is crucial for legal compliance and meeting organizational requirements.
| Visa Type | Description |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) | Allows employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers for up to four years. |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | A points-based permanent visa for individuals with skills in demand, not requiring employer sponsorship. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) | Enables employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency. |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400) | For short-term, highly specialized work, typically up to six months. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for Australia
When hiring talent in Australia, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Australia. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — Contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (typically 1-3 months on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for:
Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Australia.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Australia
Independent professionals in Australia can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Australian Dollar (AUD) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Australia.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Australia
Transferring an existing team member to Australia? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Oceania, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in Australia
Obtaining a work permit in Australia involves meeting specific criteria to ensure that foreign workers possess the necessary skills and qualifications.
- Valid Job Offer or Sponsorship: Applicants must have a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor them. This ensures that the employment meets local labor market needs.
- Skills and Qualifications: Candidates should possess relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation, often requiring a skills assessment by an authorized agency.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating adequate English language skills is essential for effective workplace communication and integration.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet health and character standards.
- Age Limitations: Some visas have age restrictions, typically requiring applicants to be under 45 years old at the time of application.
Australia Work Permit Application Process
- Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Visa Type: Identify the visa that aligns with the applicant's qualifications and the employer's needs.
- Step 2: Sponsorship Approval: Employers must become approved sponsors by meeting specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Step 3: Nomination Application: The employer nominates a position for the prospective employee, demonstrating the need to hire a foreign worker.
- Step 4: Visa Application: The employee applies for the visa, providing necessary documentation, including proof of skills, qualifications, and health assessments.
- Step 5: Await Decision: Both employer and employee wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process and decide on the applications.
Process for Visa Sponsorship In Australia
Employers looking to sponsor foreign workers in Australia must first become approved sponsors by demonstrating a commitment to employing local labor and adhering to Australian employment standards. This process involves applying to the Department of Home Affairs, meeting training benchmarks, and ensuring the business is legally operating. Once approved, employers can nominate positions and sponsor eligible foreign workers.
The key steps for sponsoring a foreign worker are:
- Become an Approved Sponsor: Employers must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) by providing evidence of lawful and active business operations in Australia.
- Nominate a Position: Once sponsorship approval is obtained, the employer nominates a role that aligns with the approved skilled occupation lists, demonstrating the need to hire a foreign worker.
- Labor Market Testing (LMT): For certain visa types, employers must show efforts to recruit Australian workers before offering the role to a foreign worker.
- Submit Visa Application: After the nomination is approved, the employee submits their visa application, providing documentation such as proof of qualifications, skills, and health assessments.
- Meet Sponsorship Obligations: Employers must comply with obligations, including offering equivalent employment conditions, maintaining records, and cooperating with the Department of Home Affairs.
Following these steps ensures compliance with Australia's immigration laws and a smooth process for sponsoring international employees.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Australia
Visa application fees in Australia vary depending on the visa type and applicant circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs provides a comprehensive fee structure.
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
| Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) | AUD 1,290 to AUD 2,645 |
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | AUD 4,045 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) | AUD 4,045 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | AUD 4,045 |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400) | AUD 315 |
Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Australia, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Australia
Processing times for Australian work visas vary based on the visa type and individual circumstances. For instance, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) typically takes between one to three months, while the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) can range from six to twelve months. Factors such as application completeness, health checks, and background verifications can influence these timelines.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in Australia
Renewal periods for work permits in Australia vary based on the specific visa type and individual circumstances. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) allows for onshore renewal, enabling skilled workers to extend their stay for up to four more years if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
For permanent visas, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186), renewal is not necessary, as these provide permanent residency. However, for visas like the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400), renewals are not typically allowed, and a new application must be submitted for any additional stays.
Employers and employees should consult the Department of Home Affairs or immigration professionals to understand the specific renewal options and requirements for each visa category to ensure compliance and continuity of employment.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Australia
Australia does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads can consider alternative visa options to live and work remotely from Australia. The most suitable options include:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Allows stays of up to 12 months for tourism or visiting family and friends. Remote work for an overseas company is generally acceptable.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): Designed for individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries), these visas allow holders to work and travel in Australia for up to one year.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Australia
Employing international talent in Australia presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address:
- Navigating Complex Visa Regulations: Australia's visa system is intricate, with various categories and compliance obligations.
- Ensuring Compliance with Sponsorship Obligations: Sponsors must provide equivalent employment conditions and maintain accurate records.
- Managing Processing Times and Costs: Visa processing delays and substantial fees can impact recruitment plans.
Tips for Employers: Engage immigration experts, plan recruitment timelines, and stay informed on policy changes to ensure compliance.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Back
.svg)
.svg)
.png)
.webp)
.svg)