Australia continues to be a top destination for Filipinos seeking better opportunities abroad. With competitive salaries, high standards of living, and strong worker protections, it’s no surprise that many skilled professionals and tradespeople aspire to work there.
However, before you can begin your journey, it’s essential to understand the key requirements for applying to work in Australia. While requirements may vary depending on the type of visa, here are the common elements every Filipino applicant should prepare for.
The first and most basic requirement is a valid Philippine passport. Your passport should have at least six months of validity at the time of your application. Since most work visas are granted for several years, it’s recommended to renew your passport before applying to avoid issues later.
Australia is looking for skilled workers in industries such as healthcare, construction, engineering, agriculture, and hospitality. Applicants must demonstrate relevant education, training, and work experience for the position being applied for.
Skills Assessment: For many occupations, applicants must undergo a skills assessment conducted by an authorized Australian assessing body. This confirms that your skills match Australian standards.
Work Experience Proof: Employment certificates, contracts, and references from employers are often required to verify your experience.
Since English is Australia’s official language, proving your proficiency is a major requirement. Most applicants need to take an English test such as:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
OET (Occupational English Test – for healthcare professionals)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-based test)
The required scores vary depending on the visa type and occupation. For example, nurses often need higher English scores compared to tradespeople.
If you are applying for a visa such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482, you will need a valid job offer from an approved Australian employer. The employer must prove that they could not find a suitable local candidate and are therefore sponsoring a skilled foreign worker.
For other visa pathways, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you may not need employer sponsorship, but you must still meet points-test criteria and occupation list requirements.
Australia places a strong emphasis on health and security. All visa applicants must undergo a medical examination by a panel of approved doctors. This ensures that you are fit to work and do not pose any risk to public health.
Additionally, you will need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate from the Philippines (and from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years). This proves you have good character and no serious criminal background.
Some visa categories require applicants to show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves, especially in the initial months of their stay. This is more common in student and working holiday visas, but employer-sponsored visas may also require evidence of financial readiness.
Applying for an Australian visa comes with fees, which vary depending on the visa subclass. You will also need to prepare supporting documents such as:
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Educational transcripts and diplomas
Employment records
Skills assessment outcome
English test results
It’s important to ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and—if required—certified or translated.
For visas such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, applicants must meet the points test. Points are awarded based on:
Age (18–44 years old earn the most points)
English language ability
Skilled employment experience
Educational qualifications
State or territory nomination (if applicable)
Meeting the minimum points threshold is crucial to receiving an invitation to apply.
Applying to work in Australia requires careful preparation, from gathering documents to passing skills and English assessments. While the process may seem overwhelming, it is manageable with proper guidance and support.
At Cirrus Global, we specialize in helping skilled Filipino workers meet Australia’s requirements and successfully apply for visas. From resume preparation and skills assessment assistance to interview coaching and visa documentation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re serious about building your career in Australia, start preparing your requirements today. The sooner you complete them, the closer you’ll be to achieving your Australian dream.