This article is reviewed regularly by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated April 2024
Australia has consistently been a popular choice among Indian nationals seeking employment opportunities abroad due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and diverse range of job prospects. For Indian nationals to work legally in Australia, it is necessary to acquire a suitable work visa that permits them to reside and work in the country for a specified duration.
Keep reading on with Wego to find out more about the Australia work visa from India.
Table of Contents
Australia work visa from India 2024 types
There are several types of Australian visas, namely, permanent work visas, temporary work visas, regional migration, short-stay work visas and more. The following are some of the Australian work visas available for Indian citizens.
Please visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website to find out the complete list of Australian work visas.
Book cheap flights to Australia
Employer nomination scheme visa (EMS) – subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (EMS) is a visa that allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible for the EMS visa, applicants must:
- have the necessary skills for the job
- be nominated by an Australian employer
- meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements
The EMS visa has three streams, namely, the direct entry stream, labour agreement stream and the temporary residence transition stream.
Direct entry stream
The EMS direct entry stream visa allows applicants to:
- live, work and study in Australia indefinitely
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
- apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
To apply for this stream, applicants must:
- have an occupation that is on the list of eligible skilled occupations
- have at least 3 years relevant work experience, unless you are exempt
- have a positive skills assessment unless you are exempt
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for an EMS direct entry stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Licencing, registration or membership
- provide evidence of any licence, registration or professional membership mandatory to perform the nominated occupation in the state or territory you intend to work in, if applicable.
- if you are a doctor, provide one of these certificates issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as proof of full registration:
- unconditional or general medical registration
- conditional specialist registration, which allows you to practise only in your particular specialty with no further training or supervision requirements
- if you are a barrister or solicitor, provide proof of admission to practise as a lawyer in the relevant state or territory.
Skills and qualifications documents
- you can provide any one of the following documents:
- documents that prove your skills and qualifications, or
- documents to prove you are exempt from proving your skills and qualifications
Age exemption documents
Please note that if you are 45 years old or older, provide documents to show you are exempt from the age eligibility criteria.
You are exempt from this criteria if any of the following apply to you:
- you are nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level B, C, D or E) by a university in Australia
- you are nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical (scientific) specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 by an Australian scientific government agency
- you currently hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand citizen’s family member (subclass 461) visa and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated position, for at least 2 years in the last 3 years immediately before you apply. The 2 years exclude periods of unpaid leave.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that prove you have Competent English.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the EMS direct entry stream visa from India starts from AUD 4,640 (INR 25,29,39).
Labour agreement stream
The EMS labour agreement stream might be for you if you currently work, or will work, for an employer who is a party to a labour agreement.
To apply for this stream, applicants must:
- currently work, or will work, for your nominating employer who is a party to a labour agreement.
- meet the age, skills and English language requirements of the labour agreement
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for an EMS labour agreement stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include the following:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the EMS labour agreement stream visa from India starts from AUD 4,640 (INR 25,29,39)
You can find out more details regarding the EMS visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Temporary residence transition stream
The EMS temporary residence transition stream visa allows applicants to:
- live, work and study in Australia indefinitely
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
- apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
To apply for this stream, applicants must:
- hold a subclass 457, TSS or related Bridging visa A, B or C
- usually, have worked for your employer for at least 3 years full-time while holding a subclass 457 or TSS visa
- have been nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination was approved in the 6 months before you apply
- eligible TSS – short-term stream visa holders, and those visa holders with an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) will be able to apply through the TRT stream.
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for an EMS temporary residence transition stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Licencing, registration or membership
You will be required to provide evidence of any licence, registration or professional membership mandatory to perform the nominated occupation in the state or territory you intend to work in, if applicable.
Age exemption documents
If you are 45 years old or older, provide documents to show you are exempt from the age eligibility criteria.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that prove you have Competent English.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the EMS temporary residence transition stream visa from India starts from AUD 4,640 (INR 25,29,39).
Regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) visa – subclass 187
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa is a type of visa that allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia to live and work in the country permanently. To be eligible for the RSMS visa, applicants must:
- be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a job in regional Australia
- be under 45 years of age
- meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements
The RSMS visa has two streams, namely, the direct entry stream and the temporary residence transition stream.
Please note that the RSMS direct entry stream visa is closed to new applicants.
Temporary residence transition stream
The RSMS temporary residence transition stream visa allows applicants to:
- live, work and study in Australia indefinitely
- sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
- apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for an EMS direct entry stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Licencing, registration or membership
You will be required to provide evidence of any licence, registration or professional membership mandatory to perform the nominated occupation in the state or territory you intend to work in, if applicable.
Age exemption documents
If you are 45 years old or older, provide documents to show you are exempt from the age eligibility criteria.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that show you have Competent English.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the RSMS visa from India starts from AUD 4,640 (INR 25,29,39)
You can find out more details regarding the RSMS visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Skilled nominated visa – subclass 190
The skilled nominated visa is a type of work visa that allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. With this visa, holders can:
- work and study anywhere in Australia
- sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- if eligible, become an Australian citizen
. To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa, applicants must:
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- be invited to apply for this visa
- satisfy the points test
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for a Skilled Nominated visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Relationship documents
In case you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.
Please note that if your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, make sure to provide the authorities a reason for it. (for instance, they already hold Australian citizenship or are a permanent resident)
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that show you have Competent English.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Partner documents
To prove your partner’s identity and relationship with you, you can provide the following documents:
- identity documents and photos
- character documents
- marriage certificate, if applicable
- documents about other relationships, if applicable
For a de facto relationship, provide either:
- evidence that your relationship is registered by an Australian State or Territory, or
- enough documents to prove you have been in a de facto relationship with your partner for at least 12 months before you apply
For both married and de facto applicants, you must provide evidence that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship. Evidence can include but is not limited to:
- joint bank account statements
- billing accounts in joint names
- joint leases or mortgages
- documents that show your partner has lived at the same address as you
Please note that some additional documents will also be required by the authorities. Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for a complete list of the documents required to apply for a Skilled Nominated visa.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the skilled nominated visa from India starts from AUD 4,640 (INR 25,29,39)
You can find out more details regarding the Skilled Nominated visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Temporary skill shortage visa – subclass 482
The temporary skill shortage visa is a temporary visa that allows an employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian. To be eligible for the visa, applicants must:
- be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
- have the right skills to do the job
- meet the relevant English language requirements
The temporary skill shortage visa has mainly three streams, namely, the short-term stream, the medium-term stream, and labour agreement stream.
Short-term stream
The temporary skill shortage short-term stream visa allows a stay for up to 2 years or up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for an EMS direct entry stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Skill and occupation documents
If it is mandatory for you to provide a skills assessment or proof that you have arranged to obtain one:
- for the TSS skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia, your application must include the relevant skills assessment reference number.
- for the occupations of Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified, you must include the relevant skills assessment reference number for your VETASSESS Skills Assessment.
Please note that in case are claiming an exemption from undertaking a mandatory skills assessment because of an exemption specified in the legislative instrument, you must provide relevant evidence with your application.
If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment, you are still required to provide other evidence to demonstrate that you have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to undertake the nominated occupation.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- a copy of relevant qualification certificates (professional and educational)
- a copy of any required registration/licensing
- previous employment reference
- your curriculum vitae or resumé
- previous employment references
Registration/licensing
Where relevant, you must provide evidence from the relevant Australian registration or licensing authority (in the state or territory in which you will be working) that you hold or will be able to meet necessary registration or licensing requirements.
The information relating to registration or licensing required must specify the type of registration or licensing held and the name and contact details of the registering or licensing authority.
Please note that your approved sponsor should be able to provide you with the necessary licensing and registration information.
Registration for medical practitioners
You must provide the following:
- written evidence that the relevant medical board has recognised your qualifications and that you have been registered or will be given medical registration.
- health workforce certificate for General Practitioner, Resident Medical Officer and Medical Practitioner.
Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume`
The curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé that you provide must include full employment and educational history, including dates and positions held, for at least the last 5 years.
Employment references
Employment references that you provide should cover a period sufficient to demonstrate a relevant skill level. They must be on the letterhead of the employer and include the following:
- the name, title and contact details of the referee
- employment details your position
- dates of service
Health documents
You will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for you and any secondary applicants for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that you meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.
Please note that some additional documents will also be required by the authorities. Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for a complete list of the documents required to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage short-term stream visa.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the temporary skill shortage short-term stream visa from India starts from AUD 1,455 (INR 79,316).
Medium-term stream
The temporary skill shortage medium-term stream visa allows a stay for up to 4 years. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
- be nominated to work in an occupation on the list of eligible medium and long-term skilled occupations
- have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity unless you are exempt
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this.
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for a temporary skill shortage medium-term stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Skill and occupation documents
If it is mandatory for you to provide a skills assessment or proof that you have arranged to obtain one:
- for the TSS skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia, your application must include the relevant skills assessment reference number
- for the occupations of Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified, you must include the relevant skills assessment reference number for your VETASSESS Skills Assessment
Please note that in case are claiming an exemption from undertaking a mandatory skills assessment because of an exemption specified in the legislative instrument, you must provide relevant evidence with your application.
If it is not mandatory for you to undertake a skills assessment, you are still required to provide other evidence to demonstrate that you have relevant skills, qualifications and employment background to undertake the nominated occupation.
This may include, but is not limited to:
- a copy of relevant qualification certificates (professional and educational)
- a copy of any required registration/licensing
- previous employment reference
- your curriculum vitae or resumé
- previous employment references
Registration/licensing
Where relevant, you must provide evidence from the relevant Australian registration or licensing authority (in the state or territory in which you will be working) that you hold or will be able to meet necessary registration or licensing requirements.
The information relating to registration or licensing required must specify the type of registration or licensing held and the name and contact details of the registering or licensing authority.
Please note that your approved sponsor should be able to provide you with the necessary licensing and registration information.
Registration for medical practitioners
You must provide the following:
- written evidence that the relevant medical board has recognised your qualifications and that you have been registered or will be given medical registration.
- health workforce certificate for General Practitioner, Resident Medical Officer and Medical Practitioner.
Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume
The curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé that you provide must include full employment and educational history, including dates and positions held, for at least the last 5 years.
Employment references
Employment references that you provide should cover a period sufficient to demonstrate a relevant skill level. They must be on the letterhead of the employer and include:
- the name, title and contact details of the referee
- employment details your position
- dates of service
Health documents
You will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for you and any secondary applicants for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that you meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.
Please note that some additional documents will also be required by the authorities. Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for a complete list of the documents required to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage medium-term stream visa.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the temporary skill shortage medium-term stream visa from India starts from AUD 3,035 (INR 16,54,46).
Labour agreement stream
The temporary skill Shortage labour agreement stream visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour agreement. It allows applicants to live and work in Australia temporarily.
The Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:
- be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement
- have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency unless you are exempt from needing to show this
Documents required
The following are some of the documents required to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage medium-term stream visa from India:
Identity documents
- present the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates.
- a national identity card, if you have one
- proof of a change of name, if applicable. The documents that prove a change of name include:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Skill and occupation documents
If it is mandatory for you to provide a skills assessment or proof that you have arranged to obtain one:
- for the TSS skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia, your application must include the relevant skills assessment reference number.
- for the occupations of Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified, you must include the relevant skills assessment reference number for your VETASSESS Skills Assessment.
- qualification certificates (professional and educational).
- registration, licence or professional membership if you need it to work in Australia. Documents from the relevant authorities must show that you hold or can get the registration, licence or membership. The documents must specify:
- the type of registration or licence held
- the name and contact details of the authority
- references from previous employers must cover a period long enough to show the needed skill level and experience. References should be on the employer’s letterhead and have:
- the name, title and contact details of the referee
- details of your position and the dates of service.
- your curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé should cover at least the last 5 years and show:
- full employment and educational history
- dates and positions held
- the name, title and contact details of the referees
- that you meet the 2 years work experience if this applies.
Health documents
You will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for you and any secondary applicants for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Character documents
You will be required to provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.
Please note that only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are accepted. For immigration purposes, Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
English language documents
You will be required to provide documents that you meet the minimum standards of English language proficiency.
Please note that some additional documents will also be required by the authorities. Visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for a complete list of the documents required to apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage labour agreement stream visa.
Visa cost
The visa fee range of the Temporary Skill Shortage labour agreement stream visa from India starts from AUD 3,035 (INR 16,54,46).
You can find out more details regarding the Temporary Skill Shortage visa from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
How to apply for an Australia work visa from India?
To apply for an Australian work visa from India, follow the steps given below:
- create an ImmiAccount, and then log in to your account
- select the type of visa to apply for
- complete the Australian visa application form
- upload the required visa documents
- pay the visa fee
- submit your Australian visa application
Please note that if any information in your visa application has changed, you can visit the ImmiAccount website to contact the Australian authorities.
