🇦🇺 How to Apply for an Australia Work Visa by Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to live and work in Australia, applying for a work visa by yourself is entirely possible—no agents required. With the right information and preparation, you can complete the process on your own and save both time and money.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for an Australia work visa independently in 2025.

Which Australia Work Visa Should You Apply For?

Australia offers several types of work visas. The most common options include:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer.
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – For those nominated to live and work in regional Australia.
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – Employer-sponsored visa for temporary work in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – For permanent work with employer sponsorship.

Find the full list and details of each visa type here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia

Step 1: Check Your Occupation Eligibility

Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List to qualify for most work visas. Each visa subclass has its own eligible occupation list. To check if your occupation qualifies, visit:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

If your job is listed, you can proceed with the next steps.

Step 2: Take a Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled visas. This assessment checks whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.

You’ll need to contact the relevant Assessing Authority for your occupation. A list of assessing bodies is available here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment

Each authority has its own application process and fees.

Step 3: Meet the English Language Requirement

To qualify for a skilled work visa, you must prove your English proficiency through one of the following accepted tests:

• IELTS
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• OET (for healthcare professionals)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

Minimum scores vary depending on the visa. For detailed requirements, visit:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

For points-based visas (like 189, 190, and 491), you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect platform. This is not a visa application but a way to show your interest and get invited to apply.

Create an account and submit your EOI here:
https://skillselect.gov.au/

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You’ll be ranked based on factors such as age, education, English ability, and work experience. Invitations are issued to candidates with the highest scores.

Step 5: Get a State Nomination (if required)

If applying for the Subclass 190 or 491 visa, you’ll need to be nominated by a state or regional government.

Each state has its own requirements. Visit their official migration pages for application details:

• New South Wales: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration
• Victoria: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
• Queensland: https://migration.qld.gov.au
• South Australia: https://migration.sa.gov.au
• Western Australia: https://migration.wa.gov.au

Step 6: Gather Your Documents

Before submitting your visa application, ensure you have the following:

• Valid passport
• Positive skills assessment result
• English test result
• Educational certificates
• Work experience documents (reference letters, pay slips)
• Health examination and character documents
• State nomination (if applicable)

Step 7: Apply Online for the Visa

Once you receive an invitation to apply, log in to your ImmiAccount and complete the visa application:

Create or log in here:
https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

Upload your documents, pay the visa application fee, and submit your application. Fees vary based on visa type and number of applicants.

Step 8: Complete Medical and Character Checks

You may be asked to undergo a health examination and provide police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

Health checks info:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

Character requirements:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character

Step 9: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary depending on visa type and application completeness. You can track the status via your ImmiAccount.

Check estimated processing times here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

Conclusion

Applying for an Australia work visa by yourself is entirely doable if you follow the process carefully. From checking your eligibility to submitting your application through ImmiAccount, each step is clearly defined by the Australian Government.

Be patient, stay organized, and keep track of your deadlines. With preparation, you can secure your Australian work visa without third-party help.

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