What this visa lets you do
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Key requirements
- Be nominated by an Australian employer whose business is actively and lawfully operating
- Apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved
- Usually be under 45 when you apply (some exemptions apply)
- Have at least Competent English
- Meet the requirements of your stream
- Meet health and character requirements
Streams
Direct Entry streamOccupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, usually 3 years' relevant work experience and a positive skills assessment.
Temporary Residence Transition streamFor subclass 457 or 482 holders with 2 years' eligible full-time sponsored employment in the 3 years before applying, nominated by the employer who sponsored them.
Labour Agreement streamFor workers whose employer is party to a labour agreement.
Costs to plan for
Family members aged 18 or over with less than functional English may need to pay a second instalment charge. For this visa that charge is AUD 4,890. You may also pay for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.