🇦🇺 Apply Now for Australia’s 476 Work Visa – No Sponsorship or Prior Experience Needed

Are you a recent engineering graduate looking to work in Australia without sponsorship or prior experience? The Australia 476 Work Visa offers a golden opportunity to gain international experience, explore career prospects, and even transition to permanent residency.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the 476 Visa, including eligibility, application steps, required documents, and how to increase your chances of approval.

What is the Australia 476 Work Visa?

The Subclass 476 Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa is designed for recent engineering graduates from accredited institutions. It allows them to live, work, and gain experience in Australia for up to 18 months without needing a job offer, employer sponsorship, or prior work experience.

This visa is particularly attractive to young professionals looking for a career boost in Australia’s thriving engineering and technology sectors.

Key Benefits of the 476 Visa

• No Sponsorship Required – Apply independently without needing an employer to sponsor you.
• No Work Experience Needed – Fresh graduates can qualify without prior job experience.
• Stay for 18 Months – Live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency – Potential to apply for skilled migration visas later.
• Bring Your Family – You can include your spouse or dependents in your application.

Eligibility Criteria for the 476 Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 476 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age Requirement – You must be under 31 years old at the time of application.
2. Engineering Degree – You must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, or Postgraduate Diploma in engineering in the last two years from a recognized institution.
3. Eligible Universities – Your degree must be from a university accredited by the Washington Accord or specific recognized institutions in certain countries.
4. English Proficiency – You must demonstrate English language ability through tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6 in each band), TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English.
5. Health and Character Requirements – Applicants must pass health and police clearance checks.

Recommended for you: 491 Skilled Regional Visa and Permanent Residency in Australia – Immigration Process

Eligible Engineering Fields

Your degree must be in one of the following engineering disciplines:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Telecommunications Engineering
• Other closely related fields

For a full list of eligible universities and detailed requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the 476 Work Visa

Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Australia 476 Work Visa:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet all the requirements related to age, degree, and English proficiency.

2. Gather Required Documents

You will need:

• A valid passport
• Degree certificate and academic transcripts
• English language test results
• Health and character clearance certificates
• Passport-sized photographs

3. Submit Your Application Online

Create an ImmiAccount and apply through the Department of Home Affairs website.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

As of 2025, the 476 Visa application fee is AUD 425. Additional charges may apply for dependents.

5. Attend Biometrics and Health Examination

You may be asked to undergo medical checks and provide biometric data.

6. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months. Stay updated on processing times here.

What Happens After You Get the 476 Visa?

Once your visa is granted:

• You can travel to Australia anytime within the visa validity period.
• Work in any sector – While this visa is aimed at engineers, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do.
• Apply for Permanent Residency – Gain Australian work experience and later apply for PR through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

To improve your application success rate:

• Apply as soon as possible after graduation to meet the two-year qualification requirement.
• Ensure all documents are accurate and correctly formatted before submission.
• Prepare for your English proficiency test to meet the required scores.
• Avoid common application mistakes like incorrect document uploads or incomplete forms.

FAQs About the Australia 476 Visa

1. Can I extend the 476 Visa after 18 months?

No, this visa cannot be extended. However, you can apply for another skilled visa or permanent residency during your stay.

2. Is the 476 Visa open to all nationalities?

No, only graduates from Washington Accord accredited universities or specific recognized institutions can apply.

3. Do I need a job offer before applying?

No, you don’t need a job offer or sponsorship to qualify for the 476 Visa.

4. Can I include my spouse in my application?

Yes, your spouse or de facto partner can be included in the visa application.

5. How much is the 476 Visa fee?

The application fee is AUD 425, but additional charges apply for dependents and health checks.

Conclusion

The Australia 476 Work Visa is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates seeking international experience without sponsorship or work experience. With an easy application process and strong career prospects, this visa serves as a stepping stone to a long-term future in Australia.

Start your application today through the official Australian immigration website.

More Opportunities: