Step-by-step checklist for your working visa in Australia
Here’s a checklist of key steps for your working visitor visa application.
Follow these steps to enjoy a smooth application process, and to ensure you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements.
✔ Plan early
Start your application early - the sooner, the better. Some applications can take 7-9 months or more to be processed.
✔ Secure a job offer (if needed)
Some working visas (like subclass 482) require employer sponsorship. You’ll need to find an eligible employer willing to sponsor your visa.
Check job boards or speak with registered migration agents to find sponsored positions.
✔ Get a skills assessment (if required)
If your visa requires it, you must complete a skills assessment by a relevant authority. This proves you have the qualifications and experience for the job you're applying for.
Check your visa’s specific criteria, as not all roles need a skills assessment.
✔ Check your eligibility
You’ll need to ensure you meet the specific qualification criteria for your intended visa - for example, subclass 482, 485, 417 and others might have slightly different requirements.
There may be language requirements, work experience, or other conditions you’ll have to meet. These might impact the documents you need to provide.
✔ Plan your finances
You’ll need to show that you can cover living costs, and travel expenses. Start gathering proof like bank statements or sponsorship letters early.
✔ Create a travel itinerary
Make sure you plan your Australian stay with a clear and detailed itinerary, including flights and accommodation. This shows genuine visitor intent. It’s not just good preparation - you might need to submit proof with your application.
✔ Purchase health insurance
Make sure you have adequate Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire duration of your stay. You should arrange health insurance before applying for your visa and include the details in your application.
This is required for many working and working holiday visas to Australia.
Gather your documents
See our complete list of documents that all applicants must submit.
✔ Create an ImmiAccount
Set up a free account on the Department of Home Affairs’ website. It’s your hub for submitting, paying for, and tracking your application.
✔ Complete the admin
Pay the fee, submit your health check, keep copies of all your documents, and be prepared to respond to any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
✔ Consider additional documents
If you’re using a migration agent, you’ll need to submit two additional forms - Form 956 and Form 956A, so the Government knows which agent is representing you.
If you’re under 18, you’ll need to submit a parental consent form. There may be further forms, or steps (like biometrics), depending on your home country.
There also may be further documents required for your specific visa.
Document checklist for your working visa in Australia
✔ Identity documents
You’ll generally need to provide the following:
- Passport - with a minimum of six month’s validity
- National identity card - if your country issues one
- Birth certificate - may also be required.
✔ Proof of finances
You’ll have to prove you have enough money to pay for your trip and stay in Australia. You can provide bank statements, loan letters or other documents.
✔ Character documents
Evidence of good character is often required. For example, police certificates from countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more.
✔ Health insurance
You’ll need to provide proof that you have adequate health insurance. This usually means having a valid Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) policy certificate which shows your name, cover period and policy number.
✔ Health examination results
You’ll need to meet Australia’s health requirements, and exam results may be required for longer stays or high-risk countries. You should complete your health examination, if it's needed, before you lodge your visa application.
Specific eligibility documents
Each visa may have its own required documents. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or your visa’s ImmiAccount requirements for a tailored list.
Make sure you upload clear scans to your ImmiAccount. Incomplete or unreadable documents can cause delays, so make sure you verify everything.
You should also make sure you keep copies of the documents you provide - save PDFs of your application, receipts and uploads. If the Department of Home Affairs asks for more info, you’ll need quick access.
Prepare for your stay properly by avoiding these common mistakes
Steer clear of these common errors to give your application the best chance of success:
- Check your passport expiry date: Ensure your passport has at least six month’s validity from your planned entry date to avoid automatic rejection
- Complete all documents: Upload clear, complete scans to your ImmiAccount. Incomplete files cause a significant number of delays
- Provide translated documents: Submit both original and certified English translations for non-English documents, like birth certificates or police checks
- Plan a clear itinerary: Show genuine visitor intent with a detailed travel plan - vague plans raise questions
- Secure OVHC early: Arrange Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) before applying. Be sure to include your policy details in your application
- Respond promptly: Answer the Department of Home Affairs' requests for additional information quickly to prevent processing delays.
If you don’t feel confident managing the above on your own, consider using a migration agent.
This article provides an overview of the working visa application process. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.