Article
14 min read
How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Australia (2025)
Immigration
Author
Jemima Owen-Jones
Last Update
July 30, 2025
Table of Contents
How easy is it to get a work visa in Australia?
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Australia?
Australia visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Australia visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Australia work-permit application process
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Australia?
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Australia?
Hire employees in Australia faster with Deel Immigration
Key takeaways
- Expanding into Australia opens the door to a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce and positions your business at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, making Australian hiring a strategic move for global growth.
- Australia’s visa and work permit system is complex and highly regulated, with strict labor market testing, sponsorship requirements, and rigorous compliance standards. This makes it difficult and time-consuming for businesses to attract and hire global talent.
- Deel Immigration cuts through Australia’s red tape with automated workflows, local expertise, and Employer of Record services—handling sponsorship, compliance, and documentation so you can onboard top talent quickly, compliantly, and with total peace of mind.
Expanding into the Australian market gives your business access to a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce and a strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. With Australia’s strong economy and business-friendly landscape, international hiring can turbocharge your team’s capabilities or support a new branch Down Under. The catch? Bringing in global talent means jumping through Australia’s complex visa and work permit hoops.
Visa sponsorship in Australia is tightly regulated, with strict labor market testing, salary thresholds, and compliance demands. Navigating these requirements solo can eat up weeks, trigger costly errors, and expose your business to compliance penalties or hiring delays. For many companies, these headaches stall growth and create unnecessary risk.
That’s where Deel Immigration comes in. Deel’s streamlined workflows, local expertise, and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions cut through red tape, handling sponsorship, documentation, and compliance for every permit type. Imagine onboarding top Australian talent in record time, with total peace of mind and full visibility at every step. The right partner makes accessing Australia’s market not only possible but painless.
How easy is it to get a work visa in Australia?
Obtaining a work permit in Australia is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on whether an employer in Australia has nominated the individual, and whether the applicant will be filling a skill gap in the local labor market.
| Factors affecting difficulty in obtaining a work permit | |
|---|---|
| Employer sponsorship | Employers must be approved sponsors in Australia to nominate a foreigner for a work permit in Australia. This means employers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate sponsorship license for the type of visa they wish to sponsor. |
| Labor Market Test (LMT) | Employers must conduct Labor Market Testing to ensure that no locals are suitable for the position they are filling before submitting a nomination for a temporary work permit. This ensures that the foreign worker will address a skill gap in the local labor market. |
| English proficiency requirement | Visa applicants must often demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language through an internationally recognized English test. This includes IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and OET. |
Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.
—Leanne Schofield,
Head of People at Form3
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Australia?
You can choose from several work visas designed for temporary or long-term stays, each suited to different skill levels, job roles, or age groups. Below are the main permits Deel supports for employment in Australia.
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Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482): This Temporary Skill Shortage visa suits medium-to-long-term roles where employers can’t find qualified Australians. Eligible applicants must have at least two years’ relevant experience and meet the minimum salary threshold of AUD 53,900 annually. The visa can last up to four years and allows family members to accompany the holder. Sponsoring employers must hold a valid licence and undertake labor market testing before nomination
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): This permanent residence visa is ideal for skilled workers nominated by approved employers. Applicants need five years’ relevant work experience or equivalent qualifications, plus English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent). There’s no maximum stay limit, and you can include dependents in your application. The visa requires a sponsor with a valid nomination approval
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Training Visa (Subclass 407): This temporary visa is designed for workplace-based training to improve skills in your current occupation or field. Applicants need a sponsor (or host) organization and must demonstrate good health and character requirements. You can stay up to two years, depending on the duration of the training program. Holders can’t switch to most other visas without leaving Australia
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Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400): This visa suits short-term, highly specialized work such as participating in events, international proceedings, or expert assignments. Applicants need evidence of specialized skills or qualifications and an invitation from an Australian host. You can stay for up to three months in any 12-month period or six months in exceptional circumstances
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Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): The working holiday visa (Subclass 417) targets young travelers between 18 and 30 years old who are passport holders from eligible countries and want to holiday and work in Australia. This visa is popular among working holiday makers seeking to enter Australia for up to 12 months. Applicants need a passport from a participating nation, sufficient funds for arrival, and health insurance. The visa lasts 12 months, with the option to extend via regional work or additional eligibility criteria
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Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): This work and holiday subclass 462 visa program resembles the Working Holiday visa but is open to different nationalities under reciprocal agreements. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or two years’ work experience, English proficiency, and health insurance. You can stay for 12 months and can apply for a second year by completing three months of specified regional work
Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier, and more cost-effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility, which our team values.
—Emma Leipold,
Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo
Global HR Solutions
Australia visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the most common Australian work and travel visa options, highlighting key details on eligibility, target candidates, industries, validity, and processing times to help you determine the best pathway for your needs.
Australia visa comparison table
| Visa Type | Target Industries | Target Candidate | Key Eligibility | Validity | Processing Time | Start Before Visa? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (Client-sponsored) | Industries listed in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and selected ANZSCO Major Groups | Highly educated/skilled individuals not readily available in Australia | Bachelor’s degree + 1 year relevant experience OR 5 years relevant experience; English proficiency (IELTS 5.0+); health/character; occupation on CSOL or ANZSCO; min. salary AUD 73,150 (2024), AUD 76,515 (2025) | Up to 4 years (2 years for short-term stream) | 2–6 months | No |
| Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482) (Deel-sponsored) | Industries on the Skilled Occupation List for SID 482 | Highly educated/skilled individuals not readily available in Australia | Bachelor’s degree + 2 years relevant experience OR 5 years relevant experience; English proficiency; health/character; occupation on eligible list; min. salary AUD 87,780 (2025), AUD 91,818 (2025, OHLA sponsorship) | Up to 4 years (up to 2 years for short-term stream) | 2–6 months | No |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) (Permanent Residence) | Industries listed in the Skilled Occupation List | Highly skilled/educated, working in Australia 3+ years, seeking permanent residency | Under 45 years; Bachelor’s degree; 3 years experience (Direct Entry), or 2 years (TRT stream); English proficiency; full-time position; min. salary AUD 73,150 (2024), AUD 76,515 (2025) | Indefinite | 5–15 months (Direct Entry), 6–10 months (TRT) | No (Direct Entry); N/A (TRT, already working in Australia) |
| Training Visa (Subclass 407) | None (training or development across occupations) | Individuals completing workplace-based/professional training in Australia | 18+ years; good health/character; nominated by approved sponsor; Functional English; 12 months work/study experience in last 24 months; job aligned to occupation; detailed training plan required | Up to 2 years | 6–10 months | No |
| Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400) | Industries needing specialized short-term work (IT, engineering, research, education) | Qualified workers with highly specialized skills not generally available in Australia | Good health/character; relevant experience; short-term, non-ongoing, specialized work; up to 3 months (6 months in exceptional cases) | Up to 3 months (extendable to 6 in rare cases) | 10–21 days | No |
| Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) | None | Young adults (18–30/35, eligible countries) seeking to work/travel in Australia | Citizen of eligible countries; 18–30 (or 35); good health/character; not previously held 417/462 visa; sufficient funds (AUD 5,000) | Up to 12 months (max 6 months per employer unless exempted) | 25–45 days | No |
| Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) | None | Young adults (18–30, eligible countries) seeking to work/travel in Australia | Citizen of eligible countries; 18–30; minimum education (varies by country); functional English; good health/character; not previously held 417/462 visa; sufficient funds (AUD 5,000) | Up to 12 months (max 6 months per employer unless exempted) | 25–45 days | No |
For a fast, expert eligibility assessment—including a detailed cost breakdown—Deel Immigration can review your or your candidate’s profile within 48 hours, helping streamline the first step in your UK hiring journey.
See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes
Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.
—Adewale Yusuf,
Co-founder, TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa
Australia visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Employers must hold a valid sponsorship licence approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Before nominating foreign talent, companies need to demonstrate a genuine labor shortage, meet training benchmarks, and maintain compliance with workplace laws. Sponsors must be legally registered entities in Australia and show financial viability and no outstanding sponsorship breaches.
Using an Employer of Record can simplify sponsorship duties. An EOR becomes the legal employer, handling all compliance tasks, payroll, and ongoing reporting. This arrangement lets your organization access global talent without establishing your own local entity.
Deel Immigration, a G2 leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries, can help your business sponsor employees under more than 200 permit categories in 40+ jurisdictions. You’ll benefit from rapid onboarding, bulk case handling at high scale, and real-time compliance monitoring—all backed by a flat, transparent fee.
See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets
Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.
—David Holguín,
Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA
Effortless Visa Sponsorship
Don’t meet the requirements to sponsor workers’ visas?
Australia work-permit application process
Labor market testing is mandatory before lodging employer-sponsored visa applications.
Step one: Labor market testing
Conduct labor market testing to prove that no suitable Australian worker is available. The employer and the recruiter must advertise the role on approved channels and document responses.
Tip: Use Deel Talent to find and hire top global talent through trusted recruiters.
Step two: Sponsorship licence
Obtain a valid sponsorship licence from the Department of Home Affairs. Employers need to submit business registrations, financials, and training commitments.
Tip: With Deel EOR, you can skip the lengthy sponsorship license application process and accelerate global hiring and visa approvals, enabling you to hire in days, not months.
Step three: Visa application submission
Submit the visa application with all required documentation and evidence. Applicants gather passports, health and character checks; sponsors upload nomination details. Deel’s platform pre-validates documents, and immigration experts help complete government forms.
Tip: Deel Immigration offers move support and dependent visa assistance to help families settle.
Step four: Processing and tracking
Wait for processing, which typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the visa subclass. You can track progress in the app and receive automated alerts at each milestone. Deel’s platform updates you instantly when the Department of Home Affairs requests more information.
Tip: Applicants can upload further documentation directly through their Deel dashboard.
Step five: Visa granting and compliance
Receive the visa grant decision and follow any post-approval requirements. If granted, ensure holders meet condition obligations, such as maintaining salary and training commitments.
Tip: Deel’s Compliance Hub will notify you of any workforce compliance risks, such as expiring visas or changes to immigration law.
I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.
—Michael Li,
General Manager at AMB Digital Agency
Platform Tour
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Australia?
The following table provides a comparative overview of key government, application, nomination, and training fees for popular Australian work and holiday visa types.
| Visa | Government Fees | Nomination Fee | Training/Levy | Health Checks & Biometrics | Other Gov/Doc Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482)(Client-sponsored) | Application: AUD 3,115+ 1.4% payment surcharge | AUD 330 | Skilling Australians Fund (SAF): AUD 1,800 per year requested | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by countryNote: Nomination costs must be paid by employer |
| Skills In Demand Visa (Subclass 482)(Deel-sponsored/OHLA) | None (included in overall sponsorship arrangement) | None (included) | None (included) | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Repatriation costs (if required): economy fare to home country & local travelPolice Cert: varies by countryNote: All nomination costs covered by sponsor |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)(Permanent Residence) | Application: AUD 4,770+ 1.4% payment surcharge | AUD 540 | SAF Levy: AUD 5,000 (one-off for main applicant) | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by countryNote: SAF levy cannot be recovered from employee |
| Training Visa (Subclass 407) | Application: AUD 415+ 1.4% payment surcharge | AUD 170 | None | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by country |
| Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400) | Application: AUD 415+ 1.4% payment surcharge | N/A | N/A | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by country |
| Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) | Application: AUD 650+ 1.4% payment surcharge | N/A | N/A | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by countryProof of funds: ~AUD 5,000 (not a fee) |
| Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) | Application: AUD 650+ 1.4% payment surcharge | N/A | N/A | Health Checks: ~AUD 300+Biometrics: ~AUD 100-200 | Police Cert: varies by countryProof of funds: ~AUD 5,000 (not a fee) |
Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all Australian immigration and sponsorship services, with no hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown, so budgeting for talent mobility in Australia is easy and predictable.
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Australia?
Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complexities of Australia’s skilled visa system, enabling employers to hire foreign talent efficiently and compliantly. With expert guidance through every step, Deel ensures your workforce grows without visa or sponsorship headaches.
- End-to-end immigration management tailored to Australian visa categories
- Fast, free visa assessments to evaluate candidate eligibility within 48 hours
- Personalized expert support navigating sponsorship licenses and labor market testing
- Real-time application tracking with automated renewal reminders
- Dependent visa support plus exclusive relocation discounts for families
With Deel Immigration, your Australian hiring journey is streamlined from start to finish, letting you focus on business growth.
We leave everything in Deel's hands…but it is good to have transparency and a lot of visibility as to how the case is developing.
—Valeria Rosati,
HR Operations Lead at Taktile
Hire employees in Australia faster with Deel Immigration
Navigating Australia’s visa sponsorship and application process can be daunting, but Deel Immigration makes it seamless. Our end-to-end immigration management service handles everything—from labor market testing automation to government form submissions—so you can onboard skilled workers swiftly and with confidence.
Book a free consultation today to receive a fast, no-obligation visa eligibility assessment and discover how Deel’s personalized expert support can accelerate your hiring timeline. Benefit from real-time application tracking and automated alerts that keep you informed every step of the way, minimizing delays and compliance risks.
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FAQs
What are the typical application fees for Australian work visas?
Fees range from AUD 1,290 to AUD 4,115 depending on visa type and applicant’s age, with additional charges for dependents and priority processing options.
Can dependents accompany visa holders in Australia?
Yes, most skilled visas, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), allow dependents to apply for accompanying visas.
Is there a digital-nomad visa option for Australia?
No, Australia currently requires standard work visas for employment; there is no dedicated digital-nomad visa available.
What is the difference between a work visa and a digital nomad visa in Australia?
Australia does not offer a digital nomad visa. Work visas require employer sponsorship and compliance with salary and skill requirements.
Are there restrictions or conditions on Australian work visas?
Yes, conditions include minimum salary thresholds (generally AUD 53,900/year), English proficiency, labor market testing, and compliance with sponsorship obligations.
Can visa holders change employers while in Australia?
Changing employers typically requires a new nomination and visa application. Employer sponsorship must be valid and approved for the new role.
What happens if a visa application is denied?
Applicants may appeal or reapply, depending on the refusal reason. Deel provides expert guidance to improve their chances of success on reapplication.
What are the tax and social security implications for visa holders?
Visa holders must comply with Australian tax laws and may be subject to social security obligations; employers should consult local advisors.
Are there travel restrictions while holding an Australian work permit?
Visa holders can generally travel in and out of Australia during validity but must ensure visa conditions are met to avoid cancellation.
What are the pathways to permanent residency?
Visas like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offer direct pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers.
What immigration compliance responsibilities do employers have?
Employers must hold valid sponsorship licenses, conduct labor market testing, maintain records, and meet training benchmarks to stay compliant.
Are language proficiency tests required?
Yes, most skilled visas require English proficiency demonstrated via IELTS or equivalent tests.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Health insurance is required for some visa subclasses, including Working Holiday visas, and applicants must meet health clearance standards.
How does Deel support Australian immigration processes?
Deel offers automated labor market testing, sponsorship license management, document pre-validation, real-time tracking, expert consultation, dependent visa assistance, and relocation discounts to ensure smooth compliance and faster hiring.
Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.
