Clear Advice on Australian Work Visas
Australia has many visas that allow people to work here. Some are temporary, some are provisional, and some are permanent. Some depend on an employer, while others depend more on your own skills, qualifications or occupation.
We help you work out which pathway may suit your situation, what the Department of Home Affairs is likely to need from you, and where the risks are. Our role is to give you honest, practical advice, not to push you towards an application that doesn’t fit.
Work Visa Pathways We Can Help With
The right visa depends on your circumstances. Common work visa pathways include:
- Employer sponsored visas. These include the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), a temporary visa that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024, and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), a permanent visa.
- Regional employer sponsored visas. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is for skilled workers sponsored to work in designated regional areas.
- Skilled visas. Points-tested pathways such as the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas, which may not require an employer sponsor.
- Temporary Graduate visas. The subclass 485 visa allows some recent graduates of Australian study to live and work here temporarily.
Every visa has its own eligibility criteria, and these rules change from time to time. We check the current requirements for your situation rather than relying on general information.
Help for Workers
If you want to work in Australia, or you are already here and want to stay, we can help you:
- understand which work visa options may be available to you
- check whether your occupation, skills and experience line up with the visa criteria
- prepare and review your visa application and supporting documents
- respond to requests for further information from the Department
- plan ahead if you hope to move from a temporary visa to a permanent one
Help for Employers Sponsoring Overseas Workers
Sponsoring a skilled worker involves obligations for your business as well as for the worker. Employer sponsored visas usually involve separate steps, such as sponsorship approval, nomination of the position and the worker’s visa application. Each step has its own requirements.
We can help your business:
- understand whether sponsorship may be an option for a role
- prepare sponsorship and nomination applications
- understand your obligations as a sponsor
- plan for a worker’s possible transition to permanent residence
When to Speak With a Work Visa Lawyer
You don’t need a lawyer to apply for a visa. But legal advice can make a real difference when the stakes are high or the path isn’t clear. It may help to speak with us if:
- you are unsure which work visa applies to you
- your occupation, qualifications or work history don’t neatly fit the criteria
- you have had a previous visa refused or cancelled
- you are facing a deadline, such as your current visa ending
- you are an employer considering sponsorship for the first time
If a work visa has already been refused, there may be limited time to act. See our visa cancellations and refusals page or contact us as soon as possible.
How We Work
Step 1: Book a free consultation
Speak with us about your situation and get initial guidance.
Step 2: We listen and advise
We take the time to understand your goals and give you honest, practical advice about your options.
Step 3: You decide the next step
If you choose to move forward, we’ll guide you with a clear plan and support you from start to finish.
Why Choose Sambi Legal
Clear communication
We explain the process without confusing legal jargon.
Honest advice
We tell you what we think your options are, including when a pathway may not be suitable.
Responsive service
We keep you informed at each stage of your matter.
A diverse and inclusive team
We work with individuals, families and businesses from many backgrounds.
Talk to a Work Visa Lawyer Today
You don’t need to work through the visa system alone. Whether you’re a worker planning your next step or an employer looking to sponsor skilled staff, we can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Visa requirements change regularly. Please contact us for advice about your situation.
Work Visa FAQs
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for a Work Visa?
No. You can lodge a visa application yourself. Many people choose legal help when their situation is complex, when they have had a previous visa issue, or when they want the application checked carefully before lodging.
Can My Employer Sponsor Me for a Work Visa?
Possibly. Employer sponsored visas generally require the business to be an approved sponsor and the position to be nominated, as well as the worker meeting the visa requirements. We can help you and your employer work out whether this pathway may be available.
Can a Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
Some work visas can be part of a pathway to permanent residence, but this depends on the visa, your circumstances and the requirements at the time you apply. For example, some Skills in Demand visa holders may later be eligible for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). We can talk you through what may be possible.
How Long Does a Work Visa Take?
Processing times vary by visa and by application. The Department of Home Affairs publishes current processing time estimates on its website. A complete, well-prepared application can help avoid avoidable delays, but no one can promise how long the Department will take.
What Happens if My Work Visa Is Refused?
Depending on the visa and your circumstances, you may be able to seek a review of the decision. Strict time limits usually apply, so it’s important to get advice quickly. Our Immigration Merits Review and Visa Cancellations & Refusals pages explain more.
Do You Only Help Clients in Brisbane and Melbourne?
No. Sambi Legal supports clients across Australia.
If you’re dealing with a legal issue and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. Contact Sambi Legal today to arrange your free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you decide on the next steps.
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