A working visa for Australia can reshape your professional path: from joining cutting-edge projects in Sydney to contributing to emerging industries in Brisbane. Yet many applicants encounter intricate regulations, extensive paperwork and unexpected waiting times. With a clear roadmap, each requirement becomes manageable and transparent.
In this article, we outline seven straightforward steps to help you apply for an Australian working visa. Backed by Simon Mander Consulting P/L’s 22+ years of migration expertise and a proven history of thousands of successful visa grants, you’ll receive practical tips and personalized support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Get started with these essential resources:
- Download our free Skilled Migration Booklet: https://simonmander.com/consultation/
- Explore comprehensive guides in our Visa Information Hub: https://simonmander.com/visa-information-hub/
- Discover real client success stories: https://simonmander.com/#testimonials
- Sign up for upcoming info sessions: https://simonmander.com/#upcoming-event
Let’s dive into the steps to secure your Australian working visa.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for an Australian Working Visa
Before you begin your Australia working visa apply process, take time to confirm you meet the basic requirements. A clear eligibility check saves you weeks of paperwork and hundreds in wasted fees. At a glance, most working visa streams look for:
- Age and nationality
- English language proficiency
- Occupation and skills on the Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List
- Health and character clearance
By matching your profile against these criteria first, you can narrow down the right visa path and avoid time-consuming detours.
Identify your target visa category
Australia offers several working visa categories, each built for a different scenario:
- Skilled Migration (points-based, permanent or provisional)
- Employer-Sponsored (temporary or permanent, backed by an Australian company)
- Working Holiday (short-term visas for 18–30-year-olds)
- Partner Visas (for spouses, de facto partners or fiancés)
For example, a 28-year-old IT graduate with good English and no employer lined up might lean toward a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). On the other hand, if a tech firm in Melbourne has offered a position, an Employer-Sponsored stream like the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) could be faster.
Understand age and occupation requirements
Each subclass has its own age window and list of eligible occupations:
- Working Holiday visas (subclass 417 & 462): typically 18–30 years old
- Skilled streams (189, 190, 491, 482): usually under 45 at time of application
Your occupation must appear on the current Skilled Occupation List. If you’re not sure which list applies, check the Home Affairs website for details on Short-Term, Medium-Long-Term and Regional lists.
Evaluate points and sponsorship pathways
Skilled visas generally require at least 65 points under Australia’s migration points test. Points factors include:
- Age
- English language level
- Skilled employment (Australian and overseas)
- Educational qualifications
- Specialist or regional study and partner skills
If you fall short on points, consider:
- State or territory nomination (adds extra points under subclasses 190 or 491)
- Employer sponsorship (bypasses points for subclass 482)
- Family sponsorship in designated regional areas
Mapping out these options early helps you target the pathway that best suits your background and career goals.
Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Subclass and Stream
Picking the right visa subclass is a critical step—you don’t want to spend time on an application that doesn’t match your profile. Australia’s working visas fall into temporary and permanent streams, with options for national or regional placement. Here’s a quick guide to help you zero in on the pathway that suits your career goals and personal circumstances.
Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa lets approved Australian employers sponsor skilled workers when local talent can’t be found. It splits into two streams:
- Short-term stream (up to 2 years): aligned to the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Use this if you need a faster placement or your occupation isn’t on longer-term lists.
- Medium-term stream (up to 4 years, with potential pathway to permanency): tied to the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Ideal if your occupation is in high-demand and you’re aiming for a more secure, long-term stay.
Your sponsor must be a registered business under the standard business sponsor scheme. You’ll need a nomination for your specific role, at least two years’ relevant work experience, and to satisfy English, health and character requirements.
Skilled Migration (subclasses 189, 190, 491)
Skilled migration visas cater to professionals whose skills Australia needs. All three streams require a positive skills assessment, an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, and at least 65 points on the migration points test.
- Skilled Independent (189): no sponsorship required. Once invited, you apply straight away and, if approved, get permanent residency.
- Skilled Nominated (190): you must secure nomination from a state or territory government. This adds 5 extra points, improving your chance of an invitation. Check each jurisdiction’s priority occupation lists for their needs.
- Skilled Regional (491): a provisional 5-year visa for candidates willing to live and work in designated regional zones. You can be nominated by a state/territory agency or sponsored by an eligible family member. After three years of regional residence, you become eligible for a permanent visa (subclass 191).
National tracks (189, 190) let you settle anywhere in Australia, while the 491 visa rewards regional commitment with bonus points and a clearer route to permanency.
Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visas (subclasses 417 & 462)
For travellers aged 18–30 (or up to 35 for some countries), the Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) visas offer up to 12 months of work and travel freedom.
Key eligibility points:
- Passport country: each subclass lists partner nations, so confirm your eligibility first.
- Age limit: usually 18–30 (some extend to 35).
- Financial capacity: proof of about AUD 5,000 savings and a return ticket or extra funds is required.
To extend your stay for a second year, you must complete at least three months of specified work in approved industries such as agriculture, construction, fishing, mining or tree farming. After a second year, further extensions may be granted with additional qualifying work.
By matching your professional background, personal goals and timeline to one of these streams, you’ll set yourself on the most efficient path. Next up: creating and configuring your ImmiAccount so you can lodge your application online.
Step 3: Create and Configure Your ImmiAccount
Before you australia working visa apply online, set up an ImmiAccount – the official portal for lodging visa applications with the Department of Home Affairs. Think of it as your digital workspace: you’ll submit forms, upload documents, pay fees and track your application status all in one place.
Register for a new ImmiAccount
Go to online.immi.gov.au and click “Create an ImmiAccount.” You’ll be prompted to enter:
- A valid email address
- Basic contact details (full name, phone number)
- A strong password
Choose security questions that only you can answer—steer clear of easily guessed responses like your pet’s name or birth city. After submitting, watch for an activation email and click the verification link. Once confirmed, you’ll unlock full access to the dashboard.
Navigate the dashboard and start your application
Upon logging in, the dashboard displays “New application” and “My applications.” Click “New application,” then pick your visa subclass—whether it’s a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Skilled Independent (189) or Working Holiday (417). The system walks you through:
- Personal details (passport, contact information)
- Visa-specific sections (occupation, sponsor or nomination details)
- Travel history, health and character declarations
Use the “Save” button frequently. You can pause and return at any time without losing your progress.
Set up notifications and security
To stay aligned with Home Affairs requests, enable both email and SMS alerts in “Account settings.” This ensures you’re instantly notified about document requests or application updates. Then, reinforce security by:
- Using a unique password (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers and symbols)
- Changing your password periodically
- Activating two-step verification if the option appears
With your ImmiAccount registered, configured and secured, you’re ready to move on to gathering your documents and completing your australia working visa apply process with confidence.
Step 4: Gather and Prepare All Required Documents
A well-organised document bundle is your best ally when applying for an Australian working visa. Submitting high-quality scans, correct formats and complete records reduces the chance of delays or additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs. As you collect each file, label it clearly (for example, “Garcia_PassportBio.pdf”) and check that every page is legible.
Create a master checklist—either in a spreadsheet or on paper—that lists every required document for your chosen subclass. Tick off items as you scan or photocopy them, and keep originals in a safe folder. If you’re working with a migration agent at Simon Mander Consulting, share your checklist early so your consultant can spot any gaps before you lodge.
Passport and identity evidence
Your passport is the primary proof of identity. For this section, prepare:
- A colour scan of the bio data page, showing your photo, name, passport number and expiry date.
- Digital passport-style photo (if required by your subclass), compliant with Home Affairs guidelines.
- Certified copies of name-change documents if your current name differs from previous records (marriage or deed poll certificates).
Ensure each scan is well-cropped, with no glare or shadows. Save files in PDF format where possible, and confirm all text remains sharp when you zoom in. If you need to certify a copy, visit a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace to stamp and sign your documents.
Qualifications and employment records
Evidence of your skills and experience is crucial for both points-tested and sponsored visas. Gather:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates from recognised institutions.
- Positive skills assessment outcome from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).
- Employer reference letters on official letterhead, detailing your role, duties, dates of employment and weekly hours.
If your work history spans multiple roles, ask former employers for separate letters. Each letter should be signed, dated and include contact details so the Department can verify if needed.
Sponsor, nomination, or partner documents
Depending on your pathway, you’ll need additional paperwork:
- Employer-sponsored streams (e.g., subclass 482): nomination approval from your Australian sponsor and evidence of their business registration.
- Skilled Nominated streams (e.g., subclass 190, 491): your state or territory nomination letter, including the occupation list category.
- Partner visas: proof of your genuine relationship—marriage certificate, joint bank statements, utility bills in both names, and sworn affidavits from family or friends.
Keep each document in its own folder (physical or digital) and include a brief cover note outlining its purpose. For instance, label “NSW_Nomination_190.pdf” for a Skilled Nominated visa letter. This simple structure makes it easier for you—and for migration officers—to navigate your application.
Step 5: Translate and Certify Non-English Documents
If any of your evidence—like academic transcripts, birth certificates or police clearances—is not in English, you must provide a certified translation. Skipping this step can lead to processing delays or outright refusal, so it’s essential to get translations done correctly and by an accredited translator.
Mandatory elements in translations
Translations for Home Affairs must meet the Department’s DFAT requirements. Make sure each translated document includes:
- Translator’s full name and contact details
- NAATI practitioner ID and certification level
- Date of translation
- A clear statement identifying the original document (e.g., “This is a true and accurate translation of the original French birth certificate”)
- Translator’s signature—or the legend “Digitally Authenticated by NAATI” if the translation is done and stamped electronically
For the complete list of DFAT translation standards, refer to NAATI’s guidelines: https://www.naati.com.au/resources/dfat-translation-requirements/
Accompanying original documents
Always attach the certified translation alongside the original document or a certified copy of it. If you submit scans:
- Include a scan of the original non-English document
- Include a scan of the certified translation, ensuring both files are clearly labelled (e.g., “Garcia_BirthCert_Spanish.pdf” and “Garcia_BirthCert_Translation.pdf”)
- If you’re using a physical application or a notary, present the original and translated documents together so the certifier can verify the translation against the source
This double‐check approach helps migration officers cross-reference each page without having to chase up missing paperwork.
Common translation pitfalls
Be aware of these frequent missteps:
- Altering or cropping official seals and stamps—leave them intact and visible
- Using uncertified translators—Home Affairs will reject translations not done by a NAATI-accredited practitioner
- Omitting translator credentials—every translation must carry the translator’s ID and signature or digital stamp
- Supplying partial translations—every page of a multi-page document needs translation, even blank pages or those with only official letterheads
By following these guidelines, you’ll safeguard your application against avoidable setbacks and keep your australia working visa apply process on track.
Step 6: Obtain Your Police Clearance for Character Requirements
Australian visas require a clean bill of character. Even a minor criminal record or unexplained gap can delay—or derail—your application. In the Philippines, you’ll need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Philippine National Police (PNP). Here’s how to get yours without hassle.
Philippine National Police Clearance process
Begin with the PNP’s National Police Clearance System (NPCS):
- Go to the NPCS portal at https://pnp.gov.ph/national-police-clearance/ and register a new account.
- Complete your personal profile: full name, birthdate, address and valid ID details.
- Choose an appointment slot at your nearest PNP clearance center.
- Print the appointment slip and bring it, along with the required IDs, to your booked date and time.
This online-first approach cuts down on queues and paperwork—just make sure you enter your information exactly as it appears on your IDs.
Biometric capture and fee payment
At the PNP station, you’ll go through:
- Biometric capture: fingerprint scanning and facial photograph.
- Document verification: present your printed NPCS appointment slip plus one primary ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) and one secondary ID (e.g., barangay clearance).
- Fee payment: the standard PCC charge is ₱150, plus bank or e-payment fees (usually ₱20–₱30).
Most centers provide an on-site payment option via BancNet or GCash. After biometric capture and payment, you’ll receive a claim stub indicating when to pick up your certificate—often within three to five working days.
Certificate validity and timing
Your PNP clearance is valid for six months from the issue date. To align with your visa application:
- Schedule your PNP appointment no more than four months before you intend to lodge your visa.
- Keep the original certificate safe—if it expires before lodgment, you’ll need to start the process again.
- If your visa requires clearances from other countries (for work or study abroad), organise those in parallel to avoid delays.
By timing your PCC correctly, you’ll meet Australia’s character requirements and keep your application moving forward smoothly.
Step 7: Complete Your Health Examinations and Secure Adequate Health Insurance
Ensuring you meet Australia’s health requirements is more than a formality—it’s part of safeguarding both your well-being and the integrity of the visa process. Depending on the visa subclass, you may be asked to undergo a medical exam, chest X-ray or a suite of laboratory tests before your application can proceed. Meanwhile, holding the right health cover not only satisfies visa conditions but also gives you peace of mind as you start your new chapter down under.
Health checks can vary based on factors like your age, nationality and how long you plan to stay. Some applicants need only a general health assessment, while others must complete disease-specific screenings. Let’s break down how to book your exam, what tests you might face, and how to secure insurance that ticks all the boxes.
Booking your medical exam
Once your ImmiAccount flags that a health assessment is required, you’ll receive an eMedical reference number. Use this code to:
- Find a Home Affairs-approved panel physician in your area—search on the Department of Home Affairs website for “panel physicians” or call your local embassy for details.
- Contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment, quoting your eMedical reference and visa subclass.
- Bring the appointment letter, your passport and any forms provided by Home Affairs to the clinic on the day of your exam.
If you’re overseas, confirm the clinic’s panel physician status before booking—non-panel medicals won’t be accepted.
Health checks and lab tests
Your medical requirements will be outlined in your appointment letter, but commonly include:
- Chest X-ray and TB screening (for applicants from high-risk countries or those seeking long-stay visas)
- Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis
- General physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure)
- Urinalysis and other lab work as determined by the physician
Some visas also require additional specialist checks, such as eye or hearing tests, depending on the occupation or intended length of stay. Make sure you enquire about any extra costs before you book.
Adequate health insurance coverage
Most temporary visas require you to hold adequate health insurance from the moment you arrive and throughout your stay. Medicare—Australia’s public health scheme—doesn’t cover all visa holders, so you’ll need a policy that includes:
- Hospital and surgical treatment
- Ambulance and emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Repatriation or evacuation cover (for longer stays)
Aim for a plan that matches or exceeds Home Affairs’ definition of “adequate”—this typically means no monetary caps on essential services. Providers like Bupa, Allianz Care and Medibank offer tailored Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) plans. Keep copies of your policy details, membership number and duration of cover ready to upload to your application or present at immigration checkpoints.
With your health exams completed and insurance in place, you’re well on your way to ticking off one of the most critical steps in your australia working visa apply journey. Next, you’ll lodge your visa application and pay the required fees.
Step 8: Lodge Your Visa Application and Pay the Required Fees
At this stage, you’ve configured your ImmiAccount, gathered all documents, completed translations, secured character clearances and health checks. Now it’s time to put everything into the system, hit “Submit” and settle your fees. A meticulous review before submission will help you avoid avoidable delays or requests for more information.
Completing the online form
Log in to your ImmiAccount and navigate to My applications. Select your in-progress visa application and click Continue. You’ll move through a series of screens:
- Personal details: confirm your name, date of birth and passport information.
- Visa-specific sections: enter your occupation code, sponsor or nominator details, and address in Australia (if known).
- Declarations: answer health, character and travel-history questions honestly.
Use the Save button at every step—this ensures you won’t lose data if you need to pause. When you reach the end, review the Summary page carefully. Look for any unanswered fields or typos and correct them before you click Lodge application.
Attaching supporting documents
Once you lodge, ImmiAccount prompts you to upload your evidence. Follow these best practices:
- File formats: PDFs for text documents, JPEG or PNG for photos.
- File size limits: keep each file under 5 MB to prevent upload errors.
- Naming convention: use clear, consistent names such as
“Garcia_PassportBio.pdf” or “Garcia_PNP_Certificate.pdf”. - Order and grouping: attach each document to its corresponding section—passports under Identity, police clearances under Character, and so on.
After uploading, click on each file to double-check that it’s the correct version and fully legible. Avoid password-protected or corrupted files; they’ll be automatically rejected.
Paying visa fees
Visa fees vary by subclass. At lodgment, you’ll be asked to pay immediately via credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa, JCB and American Express). Here are some common fee examples:
- Working Holiday (subclass 417 & 462): AUD 635
- Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482): AUD 1,265 (short-term) or AUD 2,645 (medium-term)
- Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190, 491): AUD 4,045
- Business Talent (subclass 132): AUD 7,855
If your payment fails, you’ll receive an error message—don’t try multiple times in quick succession, as this can trigger security holds. Instead, verify your card details or use a different payment method. Once successful, ImmiAccount will display a Payment receipt and send a confirmation email. Keep these for your records; they’re proof that you’ve met the financial obligation for your application.
With your form lodged, documents uploaded and fees paid, you’ve officially submitted your australia working visa apply process. Next up: tracking your application and responding swiftly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 9: Monitor Your Application and Respond to Department Requests
After you’ve lodged your application, your role shifts to active monitoring. Staying on top of updates and replying promptly to any Department of Home Affairs requests can be the difference between a smooth approval and unexpected delays. Keep your ImmiAccount dashboard open, set aside time each week to check status changes, and be ready to act the moment you receive a notification.
Tracking status in ImmiAccount and VEVO
Log in to ImmiAccount regularly to see your application’s current status—common labels include “Received,” “In progress,” or “Additional information requested.” Each status update often comes with a timestamp, so you can gauge how quickly your file is moving.
For an extra layer of visibility, use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service. VEVO shows live details of your visa grant, conditions and validity periods. While VEVO won’t reveal every processing step, it confirms when your visa has been formally granted and flags any conditions you must observe once you arrive in Australia.
Responding to document requests
If the Department asks for more evidence—medical results, character clearances or clarification of a document—address it fast. Log back into ImmiAccount, locate the request under View requests, and upload your files directly to that section.
Best practices:
- Rename files clearly (e.g., “Garcia_PNP_Clearance.pdf”).
- Combine small related documents into a single PDF if possible to reduce clutter.
- Add a brief cover note in the upload comments, summarising what you’re submitting and why.
Responding within the specified timeframe (often 28 days) shows you’re on top of your application and helps prevent automatic refusal.
Understanding review and appeal rights
In the unlikely event your visa is refused, you have options to challenge the decision. Low-cost internal reviews by Home Affairs may be available for certain visa subclasses. In other cases, you can seek a merits review through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)—but there are strict time limits (usually 21 days from the date of refusal).
Simon Mander Consulting P/L can guide you through these avenues, from preparing an application for review to presenting fresh evidence. Knowing your rights and deadlines up front ensures you don’t miss critical windows for appeal.
By keeping a close eye on your ImmiAccount, replying swiftly to requests and understanding your review options, you’ll maintain momentum toward your Australian working visa grant. Up next: final preparations for your arrival and life in Australia.
Step 10: Prepare for Visa Grant and Life in Australia
You’ve navigated each stage of the australia working visa apply journey—from eligibility checks to health exams—and now you’re on the home stretch. While you wait for the official decision, it’s crucial to get ready for your new life down under. This final step covers what to look for in your visa grant notice, key pre-departure tasks and how to tap into ongoing support once you arrive.
Reviewing your visa grant notice
When the Department of Home Affairs grants your visa, you’ll receive a formal notice outlining:
- Visa start and expiry dates: Confirm your entry window and plan your first day in Australia.
- Visa conditions: Take note of any limits on work hours, fields of employment or regional work requirements.
- Travel facility validity: Check how long you can leave and re-enter Australia on the same visa.
Save this document in your ImmiAccount and download a copy to print. You’ll need to present it at immigration when you arrive, so double-check that all personal details are correct. If you spot an error, contact us immediately or raise it with Home Affairs before booking your flight.
Pre-departure planning checklist
With your visa in hand, focus on the essentials that will make your transition smoother:
- Book flights and confirm arrival dates: Aim to land a few days before you start work or settle into accommodation.
- Secure initial housing: Look for short-term rentals or serviced apartments in your chosen city or region. Websites like Domain and realestate.com.au can help.
- Arrange currency exchange: Have some Australian dollars in cash for immediate expenses—taxis, groceries or a SIM card.
- Open a local bank account: Many banks allow you to set up a basic account online before you land.
- Research transport options: Familiarise yourself with Myki (Melbourne), Opal (Sydney) or similar smartcard systems.
- Pack essentials mindfully: Remember electrical adapters, prescription medications and proof of your health insurance.
Tick off each item on a shared spreadsheet or travel app so nothing slips through the cracks. Planning ahead means you can hit the ground running.
Leverage post-arrival support
Landing in Australia is just the beginning—settling in can be complex. Simon Mander Consulting offers tailored relocation advice, including:
- Orientation calls to walk you through your first weeks
- Connections to trusted real-estate agents, accountants and recruiters
- Access to our private Facebook community where new migrants share tips and experiences
- Invitations to local meet-ups and info sessions to expand your network
Remember, expert help doesn’t end at visa grant. Whether you need guidance on tax, schooling or renewing your registration, our team is here to support your journey. Reach out anytime at https://simonmander.com for ongoing assistance as you start this exciting chapter in Australia.
Congratulations—you’re almost there! By carefully reviewing your grant notice, ticking off your pre-departure list and leaning on expert support, you’ll turn your australia working visa apply success into a smooth, rewarding arrival.
Your Path Forward
You’ve now seen how each step—from checking your eligibility and gathering documents to lodging your application and planning your arrival—fits together to make the australia working visa apply process more manageable. By breaking the journey into clear, actionable tasks, you can avoid unnecessary delays and approach every requirement with confidence.
As you move ahead, remember that preparation pays off. Keeping your documents organised, meeting deadlines for health and character checks, and responding swiftly to any requests from Home Affairs will keep your application on track. Whether you’re aiming for a Skilled Independent visa, an employer-sponsored pathway or a Working Holiday extension, following these steps will give you a structured roadmap to success.
Simon Mander Consulting P/L is here to help at every turn. With over 22 years of migration experience and thousands of successful visa grants, our team offers tailored advice, hands-on support and the latest updates on policy changes. Ready to get personalised guidance or have a question about your situation? Visit https://simonmander.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources. Let’s make your move to Australia a reality.
