How to Travel to Australia and Apply for a Skilled or Temporary Work Visa

That’s why knowing what to do, when to do it and how to present yourself is crucial to standing out and getting that visa approved.

Now, let’s talk real opportunities. Australia’s workforce has gaps it desperately needs to fill. Hospitals are short on nurses, the tech industry is screaming for software developers and the construction sector needs skilled hands on deck, urgently. If you’ve got experience and qualifications in an in-demand profession, you’re already halfway there. What remains is to master how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa the right way – without wasting time or money. And that means understanding the types of visas available, the eligibility requirements and the key documents you’ll need to submit.

But beyond the paperwork and visa classes, this is about lifestyle too. Australia offers one of the highest qualities of life in the world. Clean cities, strong labor laws, family-friendly benefits, high salaries and access to permanent residency – it’s not just about working; it’s about building a future.

When you figure out how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa successfully, you unlock a gateway to not just a job, but a new life. And whether you plan to stay in Sydney, move to Melbourne or settle in regional Queensland, you’ll find a welcoming community and a structured path to thrive.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through every step of how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa – from identifying the right visa stream to submitting your application and preparing to relocate.

We’ll also cover common mistakes, insider tips and strategic advice that can help you move faster through the process. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already halfway through your journey, this guide is designed to give you clarity, confidence and a clear roadmap to follow. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk, real steps and real opportunity.

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Before we jump into how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa, let’s cover the essentials:

• There are different types of work visas. Some are temporary, others lead to permanent residency.

• Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• You’ll need an English test (IELTS or equivalent), a skills assessment and health checks.

Knowing these things upfront will save you a ton of time, money and heartache. Now let’s break it all down step-by-step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Stream

This is the foundation. If you mess this up, the rest won’t matter.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Perfect if you want to live and work anywhere in Australia – no sponsor required. It’s points-tested and suitable for high-demand professions on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This one requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. It’s also points-tested and includes occupations from both MLTSSL and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Now here’s a big one if you’re wondering how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa with employer sponsorship. The 482 is employer-sponsored and allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)

This is ideal if you’re aged 18-30 (35 for some countries) and want to travel to Australia and work temporarily. You can work with multiple employers while exploring the country.

Step 2: Check If Your Occupation Is Eligible

Here’s the secret sauce most people skip.

When planning how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa, your job must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists.

Australia has three major lists:

• MLTSSL – For long-term skilled roles

• STSOL – For short-term skilled positions

• ROL (Regional Occupation List) – For regional jobs

Example jobs in high demand:

• Registered Nurses

• Electricians

• Software Engineers

• Carpenters

• Chefs

• Aged Care Workers

• Diesel Mechanics

• Civil Engineers

Pro Tip: Always match your job title exactly as it appears on the occupation list. Even small wording differences can result in a rejected application.

Step 3: Skill Assessment – Prove You’re Legit

You can’t just say you’re an engineer or nurse – you need to prove it.

To apply for a skilled or temporary work visa, Australia requires a formal skills assessment through an approved assessing authority. Each occupation has a designated body. For example:

• Engineers Australia for engineers

• ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT professionals

• TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) for trades

Expect to submit:

• Academic qualifications

• Work experience documents

• Employer reference letters

• English language test results

• Professional licenses (if applicable)

The skill assessment can take 8–12 weeks, so don’t delay this step.

Step 4: Meet the Points Test Requirements (For Skilled Visas)

When applying for a Subclass 189 or 190 visa, your eligibility is based on points. You need at least 65 points, but the higher, the better.

How Points Are Awarded:

• Age (25–32 = 30 points)

• English proficiency (IELTS 8+ = 20 points)

• Work experience (More years = more points)

• Education level

• Partner’s skills

• State nomination or regional sponsorship

Use the Australian Government’s Points Calculator to estimate your score. Aim for 80+ points for a better shot.

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

After your skill assessment, you’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.

This isn’t a visa application – it’s like a job resume for the Australian government. It lets them know you’re interested and eligible.

Make sure your EOI includes:

• Occupation and ANZSCO code

• Skill assessment reference

• English test results

• Total points claimed

From here, you’ll wait for an invitation to apply (ITA). This could take a few weeks to several months, depending on your occupation and points.

Step 6: Get Sponsored by an Employer (for 482 Visa)

This is the most direct path for those searching how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa through a company.

To be eligible for the Subclass 482 visa, you must:

• Find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you

• Be offered a job that matches the Skilled Occupation Lists

• Meet minimum experience and qualification requirements

Many employers in healthcare, hospitality, construction, agriculture and tech are actively recruiting.

Look for sponsorship job ads on platforms like:

• Seek.com.au

• Workforce Australia

• Jobaroo

• LinkedIn (Australia jobs section)

Step 7: Apply for Your Work Visa

Now comes the most critical part of the process – the actual visa application.

You’ll submit your documents online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Depending on the visa type, you’ll need:

• Valid passport

• Skills assessment outcome

• Police clearance certificates

• Health exam results

• English test scores

• Proof of work experience

• Job offer or nomination letter (if employer-sponsored)

Visa processing times can range from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the stream and volume of applications.

Step 8: Plan Your Relocation to Australia

Once your visa is approved, it’s time to move. But hold on – this isn’t just about packing your bags.

Here’s what smart migrants do before they travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa:

• Secure temporary housing in advance (Airbnb, hostel, short-term rentals)

• Open an Australian bank account from abroad

• Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) on arrival

• Get Australian health insurance coverage if your visa doesn’t include Medicare

• Set up job interviews in advance if on a temporary visa

If you’re relocating with family, research schools, childcare and health services in your target city.

Where You Should Apply From – Onshore vs Offshore

This is a big decision.

• Onshore applications mean you’re already in Australia (often on a visitor or student visa).

• Offshore means you’re applying from your home country.

Many skilled and temporary work visas allow both. However, onshore applicants often get faster processing and can be eligible for bridging visas – meaning they can stay legally while waiting.

Costs to Expect When Applying

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a rough estimate of costs when planning how to travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa:

• Skill assessment: AUD $300–$1,200

• IELTS test: AUD $400+

• Visa application fees:

  • Subclass 189: AUD $4,640

  • Subclass 482: AUD $1,330–$2,770

  • Subclass 190: AUD $4,640

• Medical exam & police checks: AUD $300–$500

• Relocation costs: Flights, housing, insurance, etc.

Pro tip: Keep all receipts. Some of these expenses may be tax-deductible once you’re working in Australia.

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How Long Can You Stay on a Skilled or Temporary Work Visa?

• Subclass 482: Up to 4 years, renewable

• Subclass 189 and 190: Permanent residency

• Working Holiday Visa: 12 months, extendable if you meet farm work criteria

You can also bring your spouse and children, provided you meet sponsorship and income requirements.

Can You Transition to Permanent Residency? Yes!

Here’s what makes this route golden.

When you travel to Australia and apply for a skilled or temporary work visa, you’re opening doors to permanent residency (PR).

After holding a 482 visa for a few years – and if your employer nominates you – you can transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) for PR.

For Skilled Visa holders (189/190), you already have PR from day one. This means:

• Access to Medicare

• Eligibility for citizenship

• Freedom to live and work anywhere

• Sponsor family members