Australia’s work visas cater to a wide range of skilled workers, each with specific eligibility criteria. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria for some of the most common work visas:

Eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in Australia.

The eligibility criteria include:

• You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position that is available and meets the skill level required by the visa.
• You must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated position. A positive skills assessment may be required.
• Generally, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application unless exempt due to specific circumstances.
• You should have at least three years of relevant full-time work experience in your occupation.
• You need to demonstrate competent English language skills, which may involve passing an English test such as IELTS.
• You must meet the health and character requirements as specified by the Australian government. This visa has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement, each with its own specific eligibility conditions.

Eligibility for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

The eligibility criteria include:

• You must be sponsored by an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia.
• You must obtain a positive skills assessment for the occupation you are nominated for.
• You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, with certain exemptions for specific occupations or circumstances.
• A minimum of three years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation is required.
• You need to show competent English language proficiency, often demonstrated through an English test.
• You must satisfy the health and character requirements. This visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years if you meet additional criteria.

Eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is designed for young adults who want to travel and work in Australia for up to three years.

The eligibility criteria include:

• be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) - except for Canadian, French and Irish citizens who can be 18 to 35 (inclusive)
• Hold a passport from an eligible country.
• For your first Working Holiday Visa, you must apply from outside Australia.
• You need to have sufficient funds (typically around AUD 5000) to support yourself during your stay.
• You must not have any dependent children accompanying you during your stay.
• You must meet the health and character requirements.
• Adequate health insurance coverage is required for your stay in Australia. The visa allows you to work short-term jobs and study for up to four months. Completing specified work in regional Australia can qualify you for a second and third visa.

Eligibility for the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is similar to the Subclass 417 visa but has additional eligibility criteria and is available to specific countries.

The eligibility criteria include:

• You must be aged 18 to 30 (inclusive) and hold a passport from an eligible country.
• You must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education.
• You need to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency, typically an IELTS score of at least 4.5 or equivalent.
• The first Work and Holiday Visa must be applied for from outside Australia.
• You need sufficient funds (around AUD 5000) to support yourself during your stay.
• You must not have dependent children accompanying you during your stay.
• You must meet the health and character requirements.
• You are required to have adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia. This visa also allows you to work and holiday in Australia, with the option to extend your stay by applying for a second and third visa after completing specified work in regional areas.

Navigating the eligibility criteria for an Australian work visa can be complex, but our team at This is Australia is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and personalised support to ensure you meet all requirements.