Do you know that over 2,14,790 South Africans lived in Australia in 2023? Yes, South Africans are attracted to Australia’s strong economy, high quality of life, and diverse employment opportunities. Australia is a desirable place for people looking for overseas job experience. If you are from South Africa and planning to get global exposure, you must obtain the Australia Work Permit.
However, if you don’t know how to secure a work permit in Australia from South Africa, this article is for you. Here, we will provide complete details about securing a work visa in Australia. But, before proceeding, let us give you an overview of the Australian Work Permit.
Australia Work Permit – An Overview
Skilled professionals worldwide intending to stay and work in Australia can apply for a work permit. This work visa is granted to candidates under various subclasses based on the type of work, skill level, and duration of stay.
Different types of Australia Work Permits for South Africans
The following information explains the different types of Australian work permits.
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
When they cannot identify a suitable Australian applicant, this visa enables Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers.
Key Features:
- Employer-sponsored
- Up to 4 years’ validity (subject to the occupation)
- Must have relevant skills and work experience
- Can result in permanent residency after a few years
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This permanent visa is point-tested for skilled workers who are either not sponsored or not sponsored by family.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency
- No sponsorship needed
- Must score the points threshold (65+)
- Occupation must be on the MLTSSL
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Australian skilled workers are nominated for permanent visas by state or territory governments.
Key Features:
- Needs to be nominated by a state/territory
- Adds five points to your test score.
The occupation should be listed under the skilled shortage list.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
A permanent residence visa enables Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for a permanent job.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
For young South Africans (typically between the ages of 18-30 or 18-35, depending on the scheme) to work and holiday in Australia for a period not exceeding one year.
Requirements for the Australia Work Permit for South Africans
Although the prerequisites vary depending on the type of visa, the general requirements for eligibility are:
- Age: Typically between 18 and 45 years of age for skilled visas.
- Occupation: Your occupation should be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate your English language proficiency using tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Skills Assessment: A favourable skills assessment from an approved authority is typically necessary.
- Health and Character Checks: You must undergo medical tests and police clearance.
- Points Test: Depending on your age, education, job history, and English proficiency, you will require a minimum of 65 points for points-tested visas (such as Subclass 189, 190).
Steps to apply for an Australia Work Permit for South Africa
To successfully receive the Australia work permit from South Africa, candidates must follow the following steps.
- Step 1: Find the Suitable Visa Type
To determine the best visa for you, consider your credentials, line of work, and career goals. Apply the Australian Government’s Visa Finder tool or ask a registered migration agent.
- Step 2: Verify the Occupation in the SOL List
Ensure your occupation is listed under the skill shortage list of Australia or the MLTSSL. This is essential for skilled and sponsored visas.
- Step 3: Undertake a Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority for your profession (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for ICT professionals, etc.).
- Step 4: Take an English Language Test
Book and take an approved English test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge). Minimum scores depend on visa type.
- Step 5: Submit an EOI
On the SkillSelect website, draft and submit an EOI for a points-tested visa (189, 190). Your EOI is not a visa application; rather, it expresses your interest in applying for one.
- Step 6: Invitation to Apply (if necessary)
You will be invited to apply if your EOI is approved. Typically, you have sixty days to apply for a visa.
- Step 7: Apply for the Visa
Finish your application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to submit documents such as:
- Passport
- Skills assessment report
- English test results
- Employment references
- Qualifications
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination results
- Step 8: Wait for a Decision
Processing times depend on the visa. For instance:
- Subclass 482: Approximately 1–3 months
- Subclass 189/190: 6–12 months (or more, depending on demand)
Conclusion
South Africans seeking international work experience in Australia can secure an Australia work permit by meeting specific eligibility criteria. These include being between 18 and 45 years old, having an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, having English proficiency tested, undergoing health and character checks, and having at least 65 points for points-tested visas. The process takes 1–3 months and 6–12 months for Subclass 482 and Subclass 189/190 visas.
For more details about the application process of an Australian work permit from South Africa, contact Keymart visa via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
