How to Apply for Australia or NZ Work Visa?

To apply for a work visa for Australia or New Zealand, you need to follow a step-by-step process — and it starts with knowing your job skills, getting a job offer (in most cases), and meeting visa requirements.

How to Apply for an Australian Work Visa:

Common Work Visa Types:

1. Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage – TSS Visa)

o Employer-sponsored

o Job must be on the Skilled Occupation List

o Valid for up to 4 years

2. Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Permanent)

o Requires 3+ years of experience

o Employer nomination needed

o Leads to Permanent Residency (PR)

3. Subclass 189/190 (Points-Tested Skilled Visas – PR)

o No job offer needed

o Based on a points system (age, education, experience, English)

o Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

How to Apply (Australia):

1. Check your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

2. Get skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority.

3. Take an English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).

4. For employer-sponsored visas:

o Get a job offer

o Employer applies for sponsorship and nominates you

5. Apply online through the Australian Government immigration portal:

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

How to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa:

Common Work Visa Types:

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

o You must have a job offer from an accredited employer

o Role must be on the Green List or pay market rate

2. Skilled Migrant Category (for PR)

o Based on points system (job offer not mandatory, but preferred)

o Need Expression of Interest (EOI)

How to Apply (New Zealand):

1. Find a job with an accredited employer

(List here: employers.immigration.govt.nz)

2. Ensure your job is eligible (Green List or pays high enough).

3. Employer provides a Job Check reference.

4. Submit your visa application online via:

immigration.govt.nz

Basic Requirements (Both Countries):

• Job offer (for most visas)

• Valid passport

• Qualifications + work experience

• English proficiency test (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

• Health and character checks

• Proof of funds (sometimes)

Need Help?

You can:

• Apply yourself via the government websites.

• Or hire a licensed migration agent (MARA in Australia, IAA in New Zealand) to guide you.