How to Apply for an Australia Work Permit – Globexa Immigration
Are you planning to work in Australia in 2025? With its strong economy, multicultural society, and high quality of life, Australia continues to attract skilled professionals from all over the world. However, navigating the Australian work visa process can be overwhelming without the right guidance.
This in-depth guide by Globexa Immigration covers everything you need to know to apply for an Australia Work Permit in 2025, including visa types, eligibility, documents, application steps, and expert tips.
1. Why Work in Australia?
Australia ranks among the top countries in the world for work-life balance, employment rights, and income levels. Here’s why thousands of skilled workers choose Australia every year:
High wages: Competitive salaries, especially in healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction.
Path to PR: Many work visas lead to permanent residency.
Safe and inclusive society: Welcomes diversity and offers a high standard of living.
Global opportunities: Australian work experience is highly respected worldwide.
2. Who Needs a Work Permit?
Any foreign national who wishes to work legally in Australia for a temporary or permanent period must apply for a relevant Australian work visa. The type of visa you apply for depends on:
Your occupation and skill level
Whether you have a job offer from an Australian employer
Whether you want a temporary job or permanent role
If a state or territory is willing to nominate you
3. Types of Australia Work Visas in 2025
Australia offers multiple visa categories. Below are the most common work permits:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored
Allows 2–4 years of work depending on the occupation
Requires nomination by an approved sponsor
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Points-based system
No sponsor or nomination required
Leads to permanent residency
3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Points-based permanent visa
Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory
4. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer
Must have at least 3 years of experience in the relevant field
5. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
For young adults aged 18–30 (up to 35 in some countries)
Allows work and travel for up to 12 months
6. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For recent international graduates from Australian universities
Provides work rights for 18 months to 4 years
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an Australia Work Permit in 202
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Category
Selecting the right visa is the first and most important step. If you:
Have an Australian job offer → Consider Subclass 482 or 186
Don’t have a job offer but have strong qualifications → Go for Subclass 189 or 190
Want to explore Australia with casual work → Apply for Working Holiday Visa
Step 2: Check Your Occupation in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Australia publishes a Skilled Occupation List every year for visa eligibility. Some of the most in-demand jobs in 2025 include:
IT professionals: Software engineers, cybersecurity analysts
Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, aged care workers
Trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers
Education: Early childhood teachers
Pro Tip: Use the ANZSCO code to match your occupation when submitting documents.
Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment
To prove your qualification and experience:
Contact the designated assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., ACS for IT, TRA for trades)
Submit your resume, qualification certificates, transcripts, work experience letters
Pay the assessment fee (typically AUD 500–1000)
Processing time: 2–12 weeks
Step 4: Take an English Language Proficiency Test
You need to demonstrate English skills unless exempt. Accepted tests:
IELTS General or Academic: Minimum band 6.0 in each module
PTE Academic: Minimum 50–65 score
TOEFL iBT: Score of 64–93 depending on visa
Results are valid for 3 years.
Step 5: Calculate Your Points (for Subclass 189/190)
Australia uses a points-based system for skilled migration. You need at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest.
Points are awarded for:
Age (maximum points for 25–32 years)
Education (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD)
Work experience (in and outside Australia)
English test scores
State nomination
Partner skills
Use the SkillSelect Points Calculator to calculate your score.
Step 6: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile on the SkillSelect portal. Your EOI must include:
Personal details
Selected occupation and ANZSCO code
English test scores
Skills assessment outcome
Work history
Total points claimed
Then wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Invitations are issued monthly depending on demand.
Step 7: Apply for State Nomination (For Subclass 190)
If applying under Subclass 190:
Choose a state that lists your occupation
Meet their unique criteria (e.g., job offer, ties to the state, proof of funds)
Lodge a separate application for nomination
Once nominated, your points increase by 5 extra points.
Step 8: Get Employer Sponsorship (For Subclass 482 or 186)
If you’ve received a job offer:
Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor
Employer submits a nomination application
You can apply for the visa once nomination is approved
Your employer must provide:
Labor Market Testing (LMT) report
Details of your role and salary (must meet minimum wage requirements)
Step 9: Lodge the Work Visa Application
Once you receive an ITA or nomination, apply online through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Documents you’ll need:
Passport
Educational certificates
Skills assessment letter
English test result
Employment reference letters
Police clearance
Medical exam report
Resume
Form 80 (character information)
Visa Fees (approx.):
Subclass 482: AUD 3,035
Subclass 189/190: AUD 4,640
Subclass 186: AUD 4,640
Step 10: Complete Health and Character Checks
Schedule a health check with an approved panel doctor
Provide Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) for all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years
Step 11: Wait for Visa Decision
Visa processing time varies by subclass:
Subclass 482: 2–4 months
Subclass 189/190: 4–9 months
Subclass 186: 6–10 months
During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may ask for further documentation.
Step 12: Receive Visa Grant & Move to Australia
If approved, you will get a Visa Grant Letter with:
Visa number
Start date
Entry conditions
Length of stay
You can now plan your travel and begin your exciting new career in Australia!
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
Applying under the wrong occupation
Missing deadlines for English tests or skill assessments
Over-claiming points in EOI (leads to rejection)
6. Latest Policy Updates for 2025 (Important!)
Australian immigration policies are reviewed annually. Here are the latest 2025 updates:
Higher English Requirements: IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58 now preferred for faster processing.
Regional Focus: More invites issued for those applying to regional areas like Adelaide, Darwin, Tasmania.
PR Priority: Candidates with Australian work experience or study in regional Australia are prioritized.
Faster Processing for STEM Fields: Tech and health applicants are getting visa decisions within 2-3 months.
Important Note: Always use the most recent information from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult with professionals like Globexa Immigration.
7. How to Prepare a Job-Ready Resume for Australia
Australian employers expect a clear, professional resume that aligns with their local standards.
Key Tips:
Use a clean layout (no photo or fancy fonts)
Start with a Professional Summary (3–4 lines)
Include Key Skills aligned with the job description
List Work Experience in reverse chronological order
Add Achievements and Metrics (e.g., increased sales by 30%, reduced downtime by 20%)
Always include references if available
Sample Headline:
Experienced Mechanical Engineer | 5+ Years in Plant Operations | ANZSCO 233512
Globexa Immigration can help tailor your resume and cover letter to boost your employer sponsorship chances.
8. Still Confused? Let Globexa Immigration Help You
Applying for an Australian Work Visa in 2025 may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Globexa Immigration, we offer:
Personalized eligibility assessments
End-to-end visa documentation support
Resume and interview preparation
Employer connections (for sponsored jobs)
Post-landing support (accommodation, job search, settlement)
