A side-by-side comparison of all major Australian work visas, covering work rights by visa type, processing times, costs, employer and location restrictions, and path to permanent residency for each option.
Australia offers a range of work visas for different circumstances, whether you are a student, a working holidaymaker, a skilled migrant, or a sponsored professional. This guide compares the most common options side by side so you can identify the best pathway.
Are you 18–30 (or up to 35 for some countries) and want to work and travel?
Working Holiday Visa, Subclass 417 or 462
Are you currently studying full-time at an Australian institution?
You are likely on Subclass 500. Check your visa conditions for work rights
Do you have a skilled occupation and a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor you?
Employer-sponsored: Subclass 482 TSS (or 186 ENS for permanent)
Do you have a skilled occupation, strong points score, and want to migrate independently?
Skilled Independent: Subclass 189 (no sponsor needed)
As above, but willing to commit to a specific state or regional area?
State Nominated: Subclass 190 (permanent) or 491 (regional, provisional)
You just finished your Australian degree and want to work before applying for PR?
Graduate Temporary: Subclass 485 (post-study work stream)
You want to work in a regional area with an approved regional employer?
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional: Subclass 494
| Visa | Work Hours | Employer Restriction | Location Restriction | Study Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 417 / 462 WHV | Unlimited | 6 months max per employer | None | Up to 4 months |
| 500 Student | 48 hrs/fortnight (term) | None | None | Full-time (required) |
| 482 TSS | Full-time | Sponsoring employer only | None | Yes |
| 186 ENS | Unlimited | None (permanent) | None | Yes |
| 494 SESR | Full-time | Approved regional employer | Regional area only | Yes |
| 189 Skilled Independent | Unlimited | None | None | Yes |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | Unlimited | None | Intended: nominating state | Yes |
| 491 Regional | Unlimited | None | Designated regional area | Yes |
| 485 Graduate | Unlimited | None | None (unless regional condition) | Yes |
| Visa | Application Fee (primary) | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 417 / 462 WHV | ~$635 AUD | Health insurance (OVHC) ~$500–800/yr |
| 500 Student | ~$710 AUD | OSHC health cover ~$600–1,200/yr |
| 482 TSS | ~$3,115 AUD (paid by employer) | Skills assessment, English test |
| 186 ENS | ~$4,770 AUD (paid by employer) | Skills assessment, medicals |
| 494 SESR | ~$4,640 AUD (paid by employer) | Skills assessment, medicals |
| 189 Skilled Independent | ~$4,640 AUD | Skills assessment, English, medicals |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | ~$4,640 AUD | Skills assessment, English, medicals |
| 491 Regional | ~$4,640 AUD | Skills assessment, English, medicals |
| 485 Graduate | ~$1,895 AUD | Medicals, English test if required |
| Visa | 75% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 417 / 462 WHV | 1–3 weeks | 1–2 months |
| 500 Student | 1–3 months | 2–4 months |
| 482 TSS | 3–7 months | 6–12 months |
| 186 ENS (TRT stream) | 6–14 months | 12–18 months |
| 189 Skilled Independent | 8–18 months | 14–24 months |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | 8–18 months | 14–24 months |
| 491 Regional | 8–18 months | 14–24 months |
| 485 Graduate | 4–7 months | 6–10 months |
No direct path. Work experience can support future skilled migration EOI.
Study → 485 Graduate → skilled migration EOI or employer sponsorship → 189/190/186 PR.
482 → 3 years with sponsor → 186 ENS (Temporary Residence Transition stream).
Already permanent residency on grant.
494 (5 years) → 3 years living and working regionally → 191 permanent visa.
Already permanent residency on grant.
Already permanent residency on grant.
491 (5 years) → 3 years in regional area → 191 permanent visa.
485 → skilled migration EOI or employer sponsorship → 189/190/186/494 → PR.
Visa Sponsorship Guide
Working Holiday Visa Jobs Guide
Student Visa Work Rights
Skilled Migration Pathway Guide
482 Visa Jobs Guide
485 Visa Jobs Guide
186 Visa Jobs Guide
189 Visa Jobs Guide
190 Visa Jobs Guide
491 Visa Jobs Guide
494 Visa Jobs Guide
462 Visa Jobs Guide
Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and may change at any time without notice. Immigration law and visa conditions are complex and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. This content does not constitute legal or migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
