Living or working in Australia: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas

If you are under 30 (or 35 for eligible countries) and want to fund travel with short‑term work, the Working Holiday visa is the fastest route – apply online, pay the fee, and you can arrive within weeks. For longer stays, secure a job offer and apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa; it allows up to four years of work and possible pathway to permanent residency. No dedicated digital‑nomad visa exists yet, so remote‑work travellers must use a visitor visa (up to 3 months) or a business visa if invited by an Australian entity.

Working Holiday (subclass 417): open to citizens of 40+ partner countries, age limit 18‑30 (or 35 for some). You may work for any employer up to six months, study up to four months, and stay for 12 months. Extensions are possible after completing specified regional work.

Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482): requires a nominated employer, occupation on the Medium‑and‑Long‑Term Strategic Skills List, and a positive skills assessment. Valid for up to four years, renewable, and may lead to a Skilled Independent visa later.

Visitor visa (subclass 600) for remote work: allows stays of up to three months (or six months for some nationalities) but does not permit employment for an Australian business. Use only for short‑term remote work with a foreign employer.

Application fees range from A$ 620 for a Working Holiday to A$ 1 600 for a TSS visa (including the sponsorship levy). Additional costs include health checks, police certificates and possible translation fees.

Processing times (2026): Working Holiday – typically 1–3 weeks; TSS – 2–4 months depending on occupation and employer documentation. Plan your application at least three months before your intended departure.

1. Check eligibility on the Home Affairs website.

2. Gather required documents: passport, proof of funds (A$ 5 000 for WH), health insurance, police certificate, skills assessment (TSS).

3. Create an ImmiAccount, fill the online form, upload documents, and pay the fee.

4. Await decision; you may receive a request for additional information.

5. Once approved, receive a visa grant notice. Book your flight after the visa is granted.

You cannot work on a visitor visa for an Australian employer; doing so breaches immigration law.

The Working Holiday visa does not allow you to work in the same job for more than six months; changing employers resets the six‑month limit.

Health insurance is mandatory for the Working Holiday visa and strongly recommended for TSS.

If you plan to study longer than four months, you need a student visa (subclass 500).