How to Apply for a Working Visa in Australia: New Guide 2025

In 2025, Australia will remain one of the destinations for skilled international workers. The visa software has changed and incorporated new rules favouring STEM workers and region-based applicants. It is now easier to learn how to apply working visa in Australia as submission and tracking tools are available in improved ways with ImmiAccount. On the one hand, Indian citizens have to comply with the new standards of the English language test; on the other hand, work visas have increased the salary limits and have also changed based on revisions in the occupation lists. This is a guide on how to apply for a working visa in Australia, including eligibility, supporting materials, fees, and professional suggestions to enable progression.

Latest Facts & News About Australian Working Visas (2025)

Here are the latest facts and news that people looking for how to apply working visa in Australia should know:

• The Skilled Occupation List published by Australia was also revised in July 2025, affecting the status of visas.

• The Subclass 482 (TSS) visa now has a faster processing time of 4–6 weeks.

• The AUD 70,000 is the lower remuneration criterion for the employer-sponsored visa program.

• No, ImmiAccount provides a more transparent real-time application feature.

• India remains the most promising place for skilled migration to Australia.

• The requirement for IELTS and PTE scores of the Indian applicants has increased.

• The number of visas in the region rose by 18 per cent the year before.

• The GSM program has given additional points to applicants whose qualifications are in STEM.

• Biometrics and compulsory medical examinations are now imposed on every applicant.

• Visas are being reviewed to increase visas to the Subclass 482 and Subclass 189 by 5 per cent in July 2025.

Also Read: Australia Work Permit from India: Latest Guide

Overview – How to Apply Working Visa in Australia in 2025

Here’s a brief overview on how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Australia provides various work visas to skilled migrants and temporary workers.

• These categories are employer-sponsored, skilled migration, and a working holiday visa.

• You should prove your eligibility as someone who works in a particular occupation, has skills, is young, and good at English.

• The procedure involves skills tests, paperwork, and Cyber-application skills.

• The ImmiAccount portal is used to receive most work visa applications.

• Grades on tests of English proficiency have higher requirements, and there are extra papers required when it comes to Indian applicants.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

The TSS visa is a widely preferred option by people looking for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• It is targeted at foreign workers whose abilities are in demand in Australia.

• An Australian-registered employer must sponsor one.

• Available within the short-term and medium-term occupation-based streams.

• Goods up to 2 to 4 years if the stream option is chosen.

• Candidates should have English language skills and wage levels.

• This is appropriate in temporary skilled jobs in Australia.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

The EMS visa is a good alternative for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Offers a permanent visa option in the form of employer nomination.

• Contains three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry and Labour Agreement.

• Poised to need a full-time job offer from an eligible Australian employer.

• The applicant should possess the relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience. 

• Offers a direct route to Australian permanent residency (PR).

• It should fit the age, English, skill, and health requirements.

Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

The skilled independent visa is a good choice for people looking for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• An employer-sponsored points-tested visa.

• Open for skilled workers who have occupations in the MLTSSL.

• Requires submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

• If an application succeeds, the visa applicants are given permanent resident status.

• Works excellently with independent professionals who are planning to live and work in Australia on a long-term basis.

• Points are given according to age, education, English, and work experience.

Working Holiday & Work and Holiday Visas – Subclass 417/462

Here are details about work and holiday visas as part of how to apply for work visa in Australia from India:

• Designed for young adults aged between 18 and 30 or 35 (depending on the country).

• It allows people to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

• Citizens of such countries as the UK, Canada and Ireland can apply for subclass 417.

• Subclass 462 contains countries such as India, but with specific eligibility requirements.

• Engaging in a first-year regional work may qualify you for a second or third-year visa extension.

• A better choice is for cultural exchange and temporary work.

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa Australia: New Guide for Graduates

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia from India in 2025

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply working visa in Australia:

Step 1 – Check Eligibility and Choose the Right Visa

Here is step 1 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Go to the official Skilled Occupation List.

• Compare your job title with the occupations that you are eligible to practice.

• Look at the age, English language, and qualification requirements.

• Select the appropriate visa subclass that suits your profile and aim.

Step 2 – Skill Assessment and English Language Test

Here is step 2 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Undergo evaluation by the appropriate assessing body for the English language test for your job.

• Use government agencies such as ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, etc.

• Take an English test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT).

• To apply, Indian candidates must comply with the revised scoring delineation by June 2025.

Step 3 – Secure a Job Offer or Employer Sponsorship (If Required)

Here is step 3 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Search for job adverts on Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn.

• Search out employers who have a sponsored license approval.

• There is a need to provide resumes that conform to Australian standards.

• Make sure the job is within the salary and occupation requirements.

• Acquire a written official letter of job offer or sponsorship.

Step 4 – Gather Required Documents

Here is step 4 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

• Outcome of skill assessment letter.

• Score of English language examination.

• Education qualifications and certificates.

• Phone check folios and detailed reference letters.

• Police certificate of character.

• Report of medical examination by duly authorised panel physicians.

• Monetary evidence is needed in case you apply without a job offer.

Step 5 – Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Here is step 5 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Make an account on the SkillSelect portal.

• Provide personal, educational, and employment information.

• Submit documentation and evaluation findings.

• Submit EOI and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

• More points stand a better chance of getting selected

Step 6 – Apply Online via ImmiAccount

Here is step 6 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Sign in or create an account with ImmiAccount.

• Choose the correct type of visa, and complete the application form.

• Submit all the documents such as a passport, assessment, test results, etc.

• Make the application fee payable with an international card or online banking.

• Submit and note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN).

• Monitor the status of the track through the same profile.

Step 7 – Attend Biometrics and Health Checks

Here is step 7 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Can I book a biometric at my local Visa Application Centre?

• Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.

• Complete health examination in a government clinic.

• Ensure your visa application, as required, includes results.

Step 8 – Wait for Decision and Next Steps

Here is step 8 of how to apply working visa in Australia:

• The Immigrant Account status may be viewed.

• TSS and Subclass 189 are processed after 4-6 weeks and 8-12 weeks, respectively.

• You will be sent an email with your visa grant letter if granted.

• Check all conditions and valid criteria.

• Let yourself be prepared to move or inform your employer.

Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score for Australia Work Visa: Latest Guide

Australia Work Visa Requirements for Indians: Updated 2025

Here are the requirements for how to apply for work visa in Australia from India:

• Has to possess an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the application.

• Depending on the visa subclass one selects, IELTS or PTE should be current.

• A good proficiency test by the concerned testing body is essential.

• Employer-sponsored visas are provided as letters of employment or official sponsorship.

• Candidates are required to present a certificate of police clearance indicating that a person has no criminal record.

• An authorised panel physician must do a medical examination.

• Financial ability is required until the evidence of bank statements or credit letters is provided.

• The most recent colored passport-size photos are to be furnished.

• It is possible to submit all necessary documents online and scan them, uploading and submitting them digitally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Work Visa in 2025

Here are some common mistakes one might make while learning how to apply for work visa in Australia from India:

• Choose an incorrect visa subclass that suits your profile or occupation type.

• Presenting incomplete, expired documents or incorrectly formatted documents.

• Giving a misleading or discrepant background in employment and credentials.

• Not scoring well in the IELTS or PTE tests.

• Failure to report to biometrics or do medical tests on time.

• Failing to go through the updated Skilled Occupation List before application.

• Incorrect computation of points in General Skilled Migration, such as Subclass 189 or 190.

• Submitting skills assessment by unauthorised or unofficial agencies or verification of documents.

Also Read: PTE Score for Australia Work Visa: Experts Guide

Costs, Fees, and Processing Times for Australian Work Visas in 2025

Here are the major costs, fees and processing time related details for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Subclass 482 application fee: AUD 1,455 (short-term stream) or AUD 3,035 (medium-term stream).

• Subclass 186 (ENS visa) base application fee is AUD 4,640.

• The application fee for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa) is AUD 4,640.

• The cost of collecting biometrics ranges between INR 2,000 and INR 3,000.

• Medical examination costs INR 5,000 to 8,000 that vary by city, and in the end, tests must be conducted.

• The prices of police clearance certificates range between INR 50 and INR 1000.

• The fee of the IELTS examination is INR 16,250, whereas the cost of the TE examination is INR 15,900.

• The time to process subclasses 482 is approximately between 4 and 6 weeks.

• The processing time of the subclass 189 is between 8 and 12 weeks.

• Effective July 2025, visa applications rose by up to 5 per cent.

Life and Work Culture in Australia for Indian Migrants in 2025

The life and work culture is essential to know for people searching for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• Australia has cooperative, stateless, and result-oriented workplaces.

• Work-life balance encourages the standard full-time work week of 38 hours.

• National employment standards offer excellent protection to employees.

• IT, the healthcare industry, education, and engineering are significant sources of employment for many Indian migrants.

• Big Indian communities exist in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

• Diwali and Holi are some Indian festivals that are very common in urban regions.

• It is easier to integrate with developing professional networks and effective communication.

• Workplaces are diverse, and they embrace cultural exchange.

Latest Updates and Policy Changes (2025)

Here are the latest updates and policy changes for how to apply working visa in Australia:

• July 2025: The Australian Skilled Occupation List changed, and it had an impact on visa qualification.

• June 2025: Indian applicants must achieve more stringent IELTS/ PTE scores.

• July 2025: A New minimum salary threshold of UD 70,000 has been established regarding sponsored visas.

• The GSM program has also changed in that STEM-qualified applicants will be awarded bonus points.

• Now, regional visa applications are processed faster.

• ImmiAccount has implemented the AI-powered verification of the documents.

• In July 2025, Subclass 482, 186, and 189 visa fees increased by 5%.

• The introduction of new health insurance regulations for employer-sponsored visa holders.

Also Read: Freshers Job in Australia for Indian: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

In 2025, the Australian work visa prospects are excellent, particularly for Indian professionals. The key to how to apply working visa in Australia is the proper choice of the visa, document preparation, and fulfilment of all requirements. Enter an Expression of Interest online using SkillSelect and lodge an online application using ImmiAccount. Common mistakes, such as the absence of documents or misleading information, should be avoided. Keep informed on any changes in policy and occupation list updates. Proper planning can make the dream of working in Australia a reality. Begin your application process and pursue your next step in your career. Contact TerraTern for more information!