Working in Australia: Skilled and Unskilled Pathways.
Your full guide to finding work in Australia with or without experience, and bringing your family along.
An Introduction to Working in Australia
Australia offers diverse opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers from around the world. With its robust economy, high standard of living, and accommodating immigration regulations, Australia has become a preferred destination for individuals seeking improved work chances and quality of life for their families.
Whether you're a highly skilled professional or searching for entry-level work, Australia has options to fit your needs. This article will lead you through the various alternatives, requirements, and how you can bring your family along for your Australian journey.
Pathways for Skilled Workers
The purpose of Australia's skilled migration policy is to attract workers with training and experience in high-demand occupations. This is the quickest route to permanent residence.
List of Skilled Occupations
Australia has many skilled occupation lists that are frequently updated based on labour market needs:
- The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): For jobs with long-term requirements
- Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL):For vocations with immediate needs
- Regional Occupations List (ROL): For some geographic locations
Point-Based System
The skilled migration program assesses eligibility through a points system. Points are rewarded for:
- Age (highest scores for 25–32 year olds)
- English Language Proficiency
- Skilled work experience
- Educational Qualifications
- Australian study requirements
- Regional study
- A professional year in Australia.
- Credentialed community language qualifications.
- Partner skills
Skilled Visa Options
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Permanent residency
- No sponsor required
- Must be invited to apply
- Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL
- Can include family members
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Permanent residency
- Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory
- Must have an occupation on the relevant list
- Must commit to living in nominating region for 2 years
- Can include family members
Employer Sponsored Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Pathway to permanent residency
Unskilled Worker Pathways
Even without formal qualifications or experience, there are ways to work in Australia, though these typically lead to temporary rather than permanent residency.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
This popular option allows young people (18-35) from eligible countries to work in Australia for up to 3 years:
- Initial 12-month stay
- Can extend for 2nd and 3rd year by doing specified work (often agricultural)
- Work limitations (6 months per employer generally)
- Study for up to 4 months
Seasonal Worker Program
For workers from Pacific islands and Timor-Leste to work in agriculture for up to 9 months.
Labour Agreement Visas
Some industries have special labor agreements allowing employers to sponsor unskilled workers for temporary visas in sectors with labor shortages.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
While primarily for study, this visa allows limited work rights (40 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during breaks). Many use this as a pathway to gain Australian qualifications and transition to skilled visas.
Skilled vs Unskilled Pathways Comparison
| Factor | Skilled Worker | Unskilled Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Duration | Permanent or long-term temporary | Short-term temporary (usually 1-3 years) |
| Path to PR | Direct pathways available | Limited, often requires transitioning to skilled visa |
| Income Potential | Higher, professional salaries | Minimum wage or piece rates |
| Family Inclusion | Generally allowed | Limited or not allowed |
| Requirements | Skills assessment, qualifications, experience | Often just age and nationality requirements |
Bringing Your Family to Australia
Many Australian visas allow you to include family members in your application or sponsor them to join you later. The rules vary depending on the visa type.
Family Members You Can Include
- Partner: Married or de facto (including same-sex partners)
- Dependent children: Generally under 18, or up to 23 if full-time students
- Other dependents: In some cases, parents or other relatives
Family Visa Options
- Included in primary application: Most skilled visas allow family members to be included
- Partner visas: For spouses/partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens
- Child visas: For dependent children
- Parent visas: Several options with varying wait times and costs
Family Considerations for Unskilled Workers
Most temporary unskilled work visas don't automatically include family members, but there are some options:
- Working Holiday makers can sometimes bring dependents if they can show sufficient funds
- Student visa holders can bring immediate family members as dependents
- After transitioning to a skilled visa, family sponsorship becomes possible
Resources and Next Steps
Here are some official resources to help you begin your Australian work journey:
- Department of Home Affairs - Official immigration website
- Australian Government Employment - Job market information
- Skills Assessing Authorities - For skilled migration
- Study in Australia - Education pathway information
Ready to Start Your Australian Journey?
Take the first step today by assessing your eligibility or contacting a registered migration agent.
Check Your Visa Options
