Migration & Work Authorization Guide

Work Visa Pathways for Australia & New Zealand

Understand employer-sponsored visas, direct permanent residency routes, and verified pathways to relocate your skilled trade or professional career.

AustraliaTemporary Work • Up to 4 years

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Enables Australian employers to address certified labor shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas trade workers and specialists when suitable Australian workers are unavailable.

Key Requirements
  • •Nomination by an approved Standard Business Sponsor in Australia
  • •At least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation
  • •Positive skills assessment (TRA or relevant authority) where required for trade roles
  • •Meet vocational English language requirements (IELTS, PTE Academic or equivalent)
  • •Meet standard health and character checks
Employer Role: The sponsoring employer must lodge a nomination with the Department of Home Affairs, certify genuine labor need, and pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Path to PR: Direct transition pathway to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after 2 years of sponsored employment.
AustraliaPermanent Residency • Permanent

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

A permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work indefinitely in Australia.

Key Requirements
  • •Nominated by an approved Australian employer
  • •Relevant trade or professional occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • •Generally under 45 years of age at the time of application
  • •Competent English language ability
  • •Minimum 3 years of post-qualification experience
Employer Role: Employer files nomination and demonstrates genuine business need for a full-time position for at least two years.
Path to PR: Immediate direct permanent residency granting Medicare healthcare access and pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years.
New ZealandTemporary Work • Up to 5 years

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The primary temporary work visa route allowing accredited New Zealand employers to hire skilled migrants to fill vital skill shortages across construction, trades, and services.

Key Requirements
  • •Genuine full-time job offer (at least 30 hours per week) from an INZ Accredited Employer
  • •Approved Job Check from Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
  • •Relevant qualifications or minimum 3 years verified work experience matching ANZSCO specifications
  • •Employment remuneration meeting the relevant median wage threshold
  • •Good health and character clearance
Employer Role: Employers must hold active employer accreditation with Immigration New Zealand and obtain an approved Job Check verifying local advertising requirements were fulfilled.
Path to PR: Direct pathways to New Zealand residence through the Green List (Fast Track Straight to Residence or Work to Residence) or the 6-Point Skilled Migrant Category.
New ZealandPermanent Residency • Permanent

Green List Straight to Residence Visa

Provides an expedited fast-track permanent residence pathway for skilled workers in high-demand Tier 1 Green List occupations such as civil engineers, trade specialists, and healthcare professionals.

Key Requirements
  • •Job offer or current employment with an accredited employer in a Tier 1 Green List role
  • •Meeting specific qualification, occupational registration, or wage requirements for the occupation
  • •Age 55 years or under at application
  • •Proficient English language capabilities
Employer Role: Must be an accredited New Zealand employer providing genuine permanent or 12+ month full-time employment.
Path to PR: Direct grant of New Zealand Residence from day one, with access to subsidized healthcare and education.

Important Immigration Disclaimer

Visa specifications, median wage thresholds, and strategic occupation lists are updated regularly by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration New Zealand. For legal migration guidance or tailored application lodgement, consult registered migration agents (MARA in Australia or LIA in New Zealand).