The short answer to this question is yes, it is legal to work in Australia as a foreign employee. The Australian government has a number of visa programs that allow for the temporary and/or permanent entry of foreign workers into the country.
There are several types of visas available for foreign employees wishing to work in Australia, and the process of acquiring one is relatively straightforward. As always, it is important to confirm that you are eligible for one of these visas before making any travel or work arrangements.
Types of work visas available for foreigners working in Australia
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa
This type of visa can be applied for by an Australian employer if they have “reasonable cause” to believe that they will have difficulty in making an overseas applicant eligible for a job. This visa is designed to allow Australians to take on foreign workers from overseas in situations where there are high levels of unemployment.
2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa
This is a non-statutory visa aimed at the skilled areas of work. Some examples of occupations that are eligible for RSMS visas include nurses, teachers and chefs.
3. Skilled independent visa
Self-employed workers, independent contractors and international students are all eligible to apply for this type of visa. Applicants who wish to hold jobs while they are in Australia will have to prove their skill level and obtain sponsorship before applying for such a visa.
4. Skilled Nominated visa
This is a special visa designed for workers in the skilled fields of work. It also has trade offs for applicants who wish to stay longer than a year in the country.
5. Temporary Skill Shortage visa
This is a four-year work visa that allows workers to undergo training while they are in Australia. The visa’s main advantage is that it allows the holder to apply for permanent residency after two years of good behavior and employment.
6. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
A provisional visa is designed to allow a foreign worker to live in Australia while they are training for their skilled job. In most cases, applicants will be required to prove that they can support themselves while they go through this period of preparation.
7. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
This type of visa was designed for individuals who want to come to Australia in order to perform short-term work. Examples of this include foreign lecturers and tour guides from overseas.
8. Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
This visa currently allows applications from foreign workers who wish to go to Australia in order to conduct business or professional activities.
9. Distinguished Talent visa
This visa was created to allow foreigners to come to Australia if they have talents that will benefit Australia economically, socially, or culturally.
Bottom line
The point that most international employees seem to overlook is that the process to acquire a working visa in Australia is not difficult at all. The way things work from a bureaucratic perspective is that you are given an application form that you fill out and submit, along with documentation that proves your eligibility. As a Foreign Employee in Australia all you need is to be approved for the visa, then all of the necessary arrangements will be made for your stay inside of Australia.
