Work Visa News
Stay informed about work visas, including Temporary Skills Shortage, Employer Nomination Scheme, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional, Designated Area Migration Agreement, Working Holiday, Training, Work and Holiday, and Temporary Work visas.
The Australian Government has provided clarity on future planning levels, while key adjustments to English language requirements and skilled visa pathways continue to unfold. For those looking to migrate, current visa holders, and Australian employers, understanding these updates is more timely than ever. We’ve compiled the most relevant migration news to help you navigate these changes. Permanent Migration Program Levels Confirmed From September 2, 2025, Australia’s Permanent Migration Program for the 2025-26 financial year has been confirmed at 185,000 places. This mirrors the settings from the 2024-25 program. This commitment by the government ensures continuity, with a strong focus on skilled migration and supporting family reunification. English Language Reforms and... Read more
About Work Visas
If you possess skills and capabilities to enhance Australia's economy and workforce, then you may be eligible to migrate to Australia by applying for an Australian Work visa.
These visas are specifically designed to encourage applicants to obtain sponsorship through an employer or to secure nomination.
Many foreigners choose to live and work in Australia because of the lifestyle and employment opportunities offered.
Revisions to "Specified Work" for Working Holiday Visas
Recent legislative adjustments have altered the "specified work" requirements for those on Working Holiday Maker visas. The list of areas impacted by natural disasters, including events like bushfires, floods, and cyclones, where such work can be undertaken, has been updated. This expansion became effective from 5 April 2025.
Consequently, work completed within these newly designated recovery zones will now be recognised as counting towards the requirements for applying for subsequent visas. This includes eligibility for a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, offering more pathways for continued stay while supporting recovery efforts in affected communities.
New Designated Area Migration Agreement for the Northern Territory
A new agreement has been established to address specific workforce requirements within the Northern Territory. This new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory officially commenced on 19 March 2025. Its primary purpose is to enable employers in the Northern Territory to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local labour.
The newly enacted DAMA is valid for a period of five years and encompasses a broader range of occupations compared to previous agreements. These types of agreements often provide concessions to standard visa criteria, facilitating the recruitment of needed workers in designated regions and supporting regional economic development.
Important things to know about work visas
- Visa Options: There are different visa options available, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, and Skilled Independent visa. Choosing the right one depends on your circumstances.
- Sponsorship: Most work visas require an Australian employer to sponsor you. Ensure your potential employer is an approved sponsor recognised by the Australian government.
- Occupation Lists: Check if your occupation is on the relevant occupation list for the visa you're applying for. These lists can change, and some occupations might have additional requirements or restrictions.
- Skills Assessment: Depending on the visa type, you may need to undergo a skills assessment to prove that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your occupation.
- English Language Proficiency: English language proficiency may include test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, depending on your visa type and nationality.
For more details visit our work visas page.
First Work and Holiday (Temporary) visa 462)
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) lets people 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) have an extended holiday in Australia and work here to help fund their trip.
- You must have a passport from an eligible country
- You can work while you are here
- You can apply for a second Work and Holiday visa if you meet certain eligibility criteria
Papua New Guinea Added
Papua New Guinea has been added to the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) program. This came into effect on 1st July 2023.
Work Visa Caps for 2023-2024
There is an annual limit or cap on the number of first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas available in each program year (1 July to 30 June) for applicants who hold a passport from an eligible country. Once the cap has been filled, no more applications can be lodged until the next program year. There is no cap on second or third Work and Holiday visas. Read more about work visa caps.
Work Visa Application Charges
The Australian work visa application process involves mandatory Government Visa Application Charges (VAC), with charges varying based on the specific work visa type and number of applicants.
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Or book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents .
More Work Visa News
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The most popular visas in work migration
Are you required to fill a temporary skills shortage for an Australian Employer?
The 482 is a temporary visa, which entitles skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years if they are sponsored by an approved Australian employer.
It is compulsory for your professional skills or work experience to be relevant to the position you are applying for in Australia.
For Australian employers looking to sponsor skilled workers to live and work full-time in Australia, there is the Employer Nomination Scheme.
The applicant must possess relevant qualifications and work experience in the nominated occupation, and be nominated in an eligible skilled occupation as outlined in the Combined list of eligible skilled occupations.
This is a provisional visa. You can stay in Australia for a period of 5 years from when your visa is granted.
You must be employed to work in the nominated occupation and in a position within the sponsoring business or an associated entity of that business, located in a designated regional area of Australia.
It provides benefits including a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191).
Work Visa Reviews
Big big big thanks to Stuart and his team for all of his help over the years with our 482 visa and now our PR. Stuart has been professional, efficient and answered our endless questions throughout the whole process which really put us at ease. We couldn't be happier with our experience and we highly recommend Stuart and the team for any visa related assistance. Thanks again 🙂
Stacey Smith
31/08/2025
The team at This Is Australia were incredible from start to finish. Matt, Steve, Stuart, Cristina and Sayuri were all thorough and proficient with their work. Their efforts helped me get my 482 visa within 3 months without any hassle. More power to the TIA Team ❣️❣️
Jeswin Thomas
21/08/2025
I’m so grateful for the amazing support I received throughout my 482 visa process. It was a complex case, but everything was handled with professionalism, care, and clear communication. I was especially impressed by how smoothly things progressed — my visa was granted in just two months! A heartfelt thank you to Stuart, Steve and Sayuri for their knowledge, patience, and guidance every step of the way. You made a stressful process so much easier. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing visa assistance!
Akki Sattar
28/07/2025
I really couldn't thank Stuart and the team enough. They handle everything from start to finish, from the initial consultation, the skills assessment with vettases and the lodgement and approval of the employer sponsored 494 visa. I've worked with many immigration agents over the years but I found Stuart, Ravi and the rest of the team so professional and supportive always there to answer questions and put your mind at ease, can't recommend enough!
Aaron Childs
08/05/2025
I would like to thank This is Australia for their support starting from my 494 visa to my 191 PR visa application which was approved today. What I thought would take 10months was approved in just 2months. Stuart Eley as well as Steve Rungassamy have been very helpful - walked me through the entire process and ensured that I had all the necessary documents for the application. Again, I am very thankful to this company. I did not have any doubts coming to Stuart Eley for assistance. Best regards and I hope you can help more clients in the future!
mae anne dela paz
21/03/2025
My encounter with "This is Australia Migration Agency" was amazing. A professional and experienced agency. I got my 482 subsequent entrants visa approval in 20 days. From the initial consultation to the final approval of my visa, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. They guided me through every step of the process, answering all my questions with patience and expertise. Thanks to their dedication, my migration journey was smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration assistance! I
Natalyn Koh
19/02/2025
This is Australia, the best migration agency and has a great and helpful team that I will surely recommend to everyone for any visa related. I am very thankful to Stuart and Steve, they helped and guided me process my 494 Visa. They are the best and accomodating. Once again, thank you, You guys are legend!🥂
Mae Lim
15/07/2024
Finally I got my 482 visa, Big thank to all TIA lawyers for the help until My visa granted yesterday.
Al Azmar
19/07/2023
Finally my 186 granted today. Its been a very long journey for me. Thank you so much Stuart and his team to assisted me all throughout the process. I highly recommend this agency.
May See
23/05/2023