If no job openings in Indonesia match your aspirations, maybe it’s time to consider working in Australia. Besides offering a wide range of career opportunities, Australia is also known for its high quality of life and professional work environment.
But before you can set foot there as a worker, you’ll need to get the appropriate Australian work visa. This article covers the various visa types, requirements, costs, and what to prepare so you can become a legal worker in Australia.
Types of Australian Work Visas
There are various Australian work visa types, each suited to different purposes and applicant profiles. Here are the most common ones:
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
Ideal for those with a job offer from an Australian company. With this visa, an employer can sponsor foreign workers with specific skills currently in demand.
This visa has three streams:
-
Short-Term Stream (valid up to 2 years)
-
Medium-Term Stream (up to 4 years)
-
Labour Agreement Stream, for employers with special agreements with the Australian government.
Requirements include relevant qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.
2. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Australia without sponsorship from an employer or family. Applicants must pass a points test based on age, education, work experience, and English skills.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
Similar to subclass 189 but requires a nomination from a state or territory in Australia. It's for applicants whose skills are needed in specific regions.
4. Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 462
One of the most sought-after visas. It allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to one year. Available to 18–30-year-olds from eligible countries, including Indonesia.
Requirements: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and basic English skills.
5. Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485
For graduates of Australian universities who wish to stay and work temporarily after completing their studies.
Two main streams:
-
Graduate Work Stream: For those with qualifications related to in-demand occupations. Valid for about 18 months. Requires a relevant skills assessment.
-
Post-Study Work Stream: For university graduates (minimum bachelor's degree). Duration varies based on qualification.
General requirements: under 50 years old, previously held a student visa in the past 6 months, completed at least 2 years of education in Australia, and passed an English proficiency test.
How Much Does an Australian Work Visa Cost?
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and number of dependents. Rough estimates:
-
Company-sponsored visa: AUD 1,300–2,700
-
Permanent visas (Subclass 189, 190): Around AUD 4,000 and above
-
Working Holiday Visa: Usually cheaper, around AUD 600
Additional costs may include medical exams, document certification, and unexpected fees.
How Much Savings Do You Need to Prepare?
One major requirement for an Australian work visa is showing proof of sufficient funds to support yourself upon arrival. Amounts vary:
-
Working Holiday Visa: At least AUD 5,000 is usually recommended.
-
Other work or graduate visas: The amount is more flexible but should realistically cover initial living expenses such as housing, transport, and food.
This isn’t just a formality, Australian authorities want to ensure you won’t face financial hardship or become dependent on public support.
Requirements for an Australian Work Visa
While each visa type has its own specific requirements, generally you will need (as outlined by the Australian Embassy in Indonesia):
-
Completed online application
-
Copy of valid passport (bio page, amendments, visa stamps, and previous passports)
-
One recent passport-sized photo
-
Letter of support from the Directorate General of Immigration (if applicable)
-
Visa application fee
-
Proof of funds (e.g., bank statement with minimum AUD 5,000 balance)
-
Relevant qualifications and work experience
-
English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
-
Health examination results
-
Family card (Kartu Keluarga)
Document Preparation Tips
Working in Australia is a dream for many and it’s very achievable. But before you pack your bags, make sure to prepare essential documents like diplomas, transcripts, English test certificates, and recommendation letters. These must be compiled in a clean and readable digital format.
To make this process easier, use Magic Scan by VIDA, a free feature in the VIDA app that helps digitize physical documents into high-quality, professional scans.
Magic Scan can:
-
Scan up to 15 documents at once
-
Automatically detect document borders
-
Auto-crop and enhance quality for upload-ready results
No more struggling with blurry or tilted phone photos. Just scan, save, and upload directly to the Australian immigration system.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career in Australia, take the time to study visa requirements, improve your English, build up your savings, and use Magic Scan to streamline your document submission process.
.png)
