Australia : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

As you will require a visa to do any kind of work in Australia, it is important to obtain the correct visa before you go. See the Australian Government: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for more information .

• Working Holiday Visa - most graduates visit Australia on a 12-month year-out period directly after studying. To do this you will need a 12-month Australia Working Holiday Visa, also known as the WHM visa. This allows a young person between the ages of 18 and 30 to work on a casual basis. The application must be made offshore on the understanding that the work carried out in Australia is only to supplement your travels. There is a limited employment period with each employer. For more information on the WHM visa, visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
• General Skilled Migration programme - if you are considering working in Australia on a more permanent basis, then you should apply for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme. The programme is divided into three sections: Skilled Independent Visas, Skilled Sponsored Visas and Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) for recent engineering graduates
• Applicants need to have relevant professional qualifications and, in most cases, significant work experience in order to prove that they have the necessary skills to contribute to the Australian economy.
• Student visa - in order to study in Australia, you will need to apply for a student visa if the course lasts longer than three months. You can also apply for permission to work once you have received your student visa. If you have been granted a student visa with work rights, then you will be able to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
• See the Australian Government: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for up-to-date information. Visit the Migration Expert  website for further details on all visas, including information on visitor (travel) visas, business visas and partner (family) visas.

Non-EU country

If you are from a non-EU country, you will need to check with your embassy about regulations for working in Australia. 

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

You will need to apply for a visa before you go to Australia, and processing times can be lengthy. Applications can be made online, for more information visit. 

If you are not a UK national, contact the Australian embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Australian High Commission in the UK.  

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Australia.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

You are able to apply for permanent residency through the Australian General Skilled Migration Program (GSM). You will need to meet the requirements of the points based assessment system. Visit the Australian Government: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for more details.