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• Introduction
• Beware of work visa scams
• Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
• Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
• Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
• Training visa (subclass 407)
• Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
• Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa
• Applying for this visa
• Further information
Introduction
To work in Australia, you must have a valid Australian visa with work rights. A range of temporary and permanent skilled visas are available. The information on this page relates to the most common temporary visa applications made by Chinese applicants. Further information on all visa options is available on the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. See: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa allows participants to engage in cultural exchange and tourism.
In addition, the visa allows the holder to:
• stay in Australia for 12 months from their date of first arrival;
• work for the 12 month duration of their stay, but for no longer than six months with any one employer; and
• study for up to four months.
General eligibility requirements for Chinese Work and Holiday visa applicants are:
• hold a valid Chinese passport;
• are at least 18 but have not turned 31 years of age at the time an application is lodged;
• will not be with a dependent child while in Australia;
• have enough money for support on a working holiday (at least AUD $5000);
• have enough money to buy a return or onward travel ticket at the end of your stay in Australia;
• have not previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417);
• hold tertiary qualifications, or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study;
• have functional English (equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or higher);
• meet character and health requirements; and
• are a genuine visitor.
For more detail on the requirements of the Work and Holiday visa please see the checklist below or read our Work and Holiday visa Frequently Asked Questions.
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
• Checklist (including application form)- Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) is a temporary visa that lets you enter Australia to:
• do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work
• in limited circumstances, participate in an activity or work relating to Australia's interest.
Generally the stay period allowed is up to three months.
You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and when the visa is decided.
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400) visa
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
The Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa allows you to come to Australia on a temporary basis to:
• in relation to a bilateral agreement (Government Agreement stream),
• to represent a foreign government, who will not be given official status in Australia, or a person who is to be employed as a foreign language teacher by a foreign government in an Australian school (Foreign Government Agency stream),
• to do domestic work in the household of someone who holds a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (Subclass 995) (Domestic Worker Stream), or
• as a person with statutory privileges and immunities (Privileges and Immunities stream).
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa
Training visa (subclass 407)
The Training (Subclass 407) visa is for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate in occupational training or professional development.
This visa allows people to:
• take part in workplace-based training to enhance your skills in your current occupation, area of tertiary study, field of expertise
• participate in a professional development training programme in Australia.
This visa is not appropriate for persons whose sole intention is to work.
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Training visa (Subclass 407) visa
Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa allows you to come to Australia on a temporary basis to:
• work as a performer in the entertainment industry
• participate in activities at the invitation of an Australian organisation
• participate or observe in an Australian research project
• work in a skilled position under a staff exchange arrangement
• participate in high-level sports competitions or sport training programs
• participate in an approved special program
• do full-time religious work
• be employed as a superyacht crew member
• participate in a government endorsed event.
This visa requires sponsorship if:
• your stay in Australia is for more than three months
• you apply in Australia.
There is no nomination required for this visa.
If you apply from outside Australia and you intend to stay in Australia for three months or less, the organisation or individual in Australia who has responsibility for the events/activities you will be involved in must pass the support test.
If you apply from outside Australia and you intend to stay in Australia for more than three months you must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor or sponsor who passes the sponsorship test.
Journalists, correspondents or reporters representing overseas news organisations will need to apply for the Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa.
See: Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa
Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa
On 18 April 2017, the Australian Government announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with a completely new Temporary Skill Shortage visa.
More information on eligibility for this visa is available in English on the department’s website.
See: Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa
Applying for this visa
The following information is designed to assist you in preparing and submitting your application:
• Lodging a Visa Application in China (including important information about where to submit your application)
• Visa Application Charges and Payment Options
• Processing Times
• Visa Labels
• Please refer to the General Information page for detailed information on:
- Health Requirement and Medical Examinations
- Health Insurance
- Clients aged 75 years or older
- Parents of Australian citizens/permanent residents
- Character Requirement and Penal Clearance Certificates
- Appointing a Migration Agent or Authorised Recipient
- Supporting Documents
- Document Fraud
- Verification Checks
- Decision Notification
- Visa Labels
- Contacting Us
- Providing Feedback
Further Information
For information on visas not featured on this website, and for more information on those that are, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. See: www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Page last updated 31 May 2018