How Hard Is Getting an Australian Work Visa?

Getting an Australian work visa can be moderately difficult, depending on your skills, employer sponsorship, and visa type. For skilled professionals (like IT, engineering, healthcare), it’s very possible—but not automatic.

Key Australian Work Visas:

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

• Requires sponsorship by an approved employer.

• Must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

• English proficiency and relevant qualifications needed.

• Valid for 2–4 years, with PR pathways.

Chance: High if you have a job offer and required skills.

2. Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – PR)

• Permanent visa.

• Requires 2–3 years of work experience and employer nomination.

Chance: Strong for experienced professionals with employer backing.

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

• No sponsorship needed (189), but very competitive.

• Points awarded for age, experience, education, English, etc.

• 65 points is the minimum, but 85+ is safer for IT and engineering roles.

Chance: Moderate to difficult – depends on your occupation and points score.

What Makes It Easier:

• Job offer from an Australian employer.

• Occupation on Medium-Long Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL).

• High level of English (IELTS/PTE).

• Good age bracket (25–39 preferred).

• Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority.

What Makes It Harder:

• Occupation not in demand.

• Low English scores.

• No employer sponsorship or low points for PR.

• Incomplete or unverifiable documents.

Summary:

• Not easy, but very achievable for skilled workers—especially in IT, trades, healthcare, and engineering.

• Employer sponsorship makes the process much smoother.

• PR visas (189/190) are more competitive.