Types of Visas for Foreign Workers in Australia

Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled foreign workers, thanks to its strong economy, high quality of life, and demand for talent across industries. For Filipinos and other overseas professionals, understanding the visa options is an important first step toward working in Australia. Each visa type has its own requirements, benefits, and potential pathways to permanent residency.

Here’s an overview of the most common visa types available for foreign workers in Australia:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers when they cannot find a suitable candidate locally.

• Streams available:

  • Short-Term Stream – valid up to 2 years (renewable once).

  • Medium-Term Stream – valid up to 4 years and may lead to permanent residency.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have skills listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and meet English proficiency requirements.

• Why it’s popular: It’s one of the fastest routes for Filipinos to start working in Australia, especially in healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.

• Key features:

  • Offers immediate permanent residency.

  • Applicants must pass a points test based on age, education, work experience, and English skills.

  • Requires nomination from a state or territory government.

• Why it’s popular: This visa is ideal for workers with in-demand skills who want to settle permanently in Australia with their families.

3. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

The Skilled Independent visa is a PR visa for workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state government.

• Key features:

  • Independent – no sponsorship required.

  • Applicants must pass the points test and have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

  • Grants full permanent residency rights, including access to Medicare and social benefits.

• Why it’s popular: This visa offers the highest level of independence and is perfect for highly skilled workers who want flexibility in choosing where to live and work.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

The Employer Nomination Scheme is a PR visa for skilled workers nominated by their Australian employer.

• Streams available:

  • Direct Entry Stream – for workers who meet skill and English requirements.

  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for workers who have held a TSS visa and worked for their employer for several years.

• Why it’s popular: It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency while maintaining stable employment.

5. Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 417 & 462

This visa is designed for young people (usually between 18–30 years old, with some exceptions up to 35) who want to travel and work in Australia temporarily.

• Key features:

  • Stay up to 12 months, with the option to extend for a second or third year.

  • Allows casual or short-term work to fund travels.

• Why it’s popular: While not a long-term option, it’s a great opportunity for young Filipinos to gain international work experience and explore Australia.

6. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) – Subclass 187 (Replaced by 494 Visa)

Although the Subclass 187 has been replaced, regional work opportunities are now available under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494.

• Key features:

  • Employer sponsorship required in a regional area.

  • Valid up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

• Why it’s popular: Regional visas encourage settlement outside major cities, where many job opportunities exist in healthcare, trades, and agriculture.

Final Thoughts

For Filipinos dreaming of working in Australia, knowing which visa suits your skills and career goals is crucial. Whether you’re seeking temporary work, long-term stability, or a path to permanent residency, Australia offers multiple visa options to meet your needs.

At Cirrus Global, we specialize in helping skilled Filipino workers navigate the complex visa process. From identifying the right visa pathway to preparing applications and connecting you with employers, our team ensures you are supported every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward building your future in Australia, now is the best time to explore your visa options.