We connect skilled South Africans with permanent jobs in Australia. No upfront costs, full visa support, and trusted employers ready to invest in your future.
Choosing to work in Australia is a life-changing decision, and working with the right team makes all the difference. At Work In Australia, we specialise in placing South African skilled workers into permanent roles with trusted Australian employers who are ready to invest in your future. We take care of the hard work—from securing your job placement to arranging your visa and covering the costs—so you can focus on preparing for your new life. With step-by-step guidance and a proven track record of successful placements, we make the journey simple, transparent, and secure.
What you will need to complete your work visa application
Valid Passport
A valid passport is your essential travel document when heading to Australia for work.
Before you start your visa process, check your passport validity carefully. Australia requires your passport to be valid for your entire stay, so don’t risk issues at the border or delays in your visa application.
If your passport will expire soon, start the passport renewal process immediately. You’ll need an up-to-date passport to meet the hiring company’s requirements and avoid complications with your travel plans.
Keep in mind, processing times for passport renewal can vary, so act early. Double-check the expiration date and verify it covers your full employment period in Australia.
Staying proactive about passport validity makes your shift smoother and keeps your focus on your new job.
Skills Assessment
As part of your skills assessment, you may need to complete a technical interview.
This step checks if your practical knowledge and experience meet Australian standards. You’ll answer questions about your trade and may be asked to solve real-world problems.
Technical Interview
Before your visa application moves forward, you’ll need to complete a technical interview—often referred to as a skills assessment—conducted by an Australian assessor through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or a registered RTO.
This interview checks your expertise in your trade through a verbal and, sometimes, practical test. It can take place online via video call or in person, depending on where you live. Good technical interview preparation is essential, so review your daily tasks and brush up on key trade concepts.
Here are four things you should expect:
- Answer detailed questions about your work experience.
- Explain how you perform specific trade tasks.
- Demonstrate or describe tools and safety procedures.
- Respond to scenarios that test your problem-solving skills.
Follow these technical interview tips for success.
Qualifications and Skills Verification
When applying for a company-sponsored visa, you’ll need to provide clear evidence of your qualifications and skills. Start by gathering all relevant documents for credential verification, such as diplomas, trade certifications, degrees, or other professional credentials.
Your educational background must be accurately represented, so make sure copies are up-to-date and legible. Some positions may require a formal skills evaluation, particularly if you’re moving to Australia. In such cases, you’ll need to submit your qualifications to an Australian evaluating authority for validation.
It’s essential that all your paperwork matches the requirements specified by both the hiring company and immigration authorities. By organizing your credentials early, you’ll streamline the visa process and avoid unnecessary delays, making your application much stronger and more reliable.
Work Experience Evidence
Once you’ve gathered your qualifications and skills documents, it’s time to focus on proving your work experience. For an Australian visa, you must show you’ve been employed during the previous year.
The hiring company expects clear documentation types to support your application. You’ll need to provide proof that you’ve held relevant positions and performed the duties required by your role. Make sure your paperwork is organized and authentic.
Typical documentation types include:
- Reference letters from previous employers describing your responsibilities and dates of employment.
- Employment contracts that outline your job title, duties, and duration of work.
- Pay slips as financial evidence of your active employment.
- Any other official records confirming your employment history.
Solid documentation of your work experience increases your chances of a successful visa application.
Police Clearance Certificate
Every visa applicant must provide a police clearance certificate to show they’ve a clean criminal record.
As part of the application process, you’ll need to submit this certificate from your home country and any other country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more. This document helps the hiring company and immigration authorities verify your criminal background and guarantee you meet the character requirements for entry.
Obtaining a police clearance certificate can take time, so start the process early.
Contact local police or relevant authorities in each country, following their specific procedures. Make sure your certificates are recent and translated if required.
Providing accurate, up-to-date certificates will keep your application process on track and demonstrate your commitment to following all visa requirements set by the hiring company.
Medical Examination
Alongside verifying your background with a police clearance certificate, you’ll also need to prove you meet the health standards for your visa.
The Australian government requires a medical examination to be completed by an approved medical provider. This step isn’t just a formality—it’s to guarantee you don’t pose a public health risk and can handle the demands of living and working in Australia.
Your hiring company will typically guide you through the process and cover the associated costs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Schedule an appointment with an approved medical provider.
- Undergo tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and a physical exam.
- Wait for your results to be sent directly to immigration authorities.
- Receive confirmation that you meet the necessary health standards.
English Language Proficiency
You will need to show proof of your English skills for certain positions.
Companies often accept test scores from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Make sure you check which test and score are required before you apply.
IELTS
Teachers and Nurses must do the Eilst test and pass with all 8 plus score
IELTS is widely recognized and tests your abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking English. You’ll need to understand the IELTS test formats—Academic or General Training—since employers often specify which one they accept.
TOEFL
Many employers accept the TOEFL as proof of English language proficiency, especially if you’re applying for roles that require clear communication. The exam assesses your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, using academic and workplace scenarios. You’ll need to complete tasks like reading passages, listening to conversations, responding to prompts, and writing essays—all under time limits.
PTE
Heavy duty auto electricians, Diesel mechanics, and Boilermakers must do the PTE test.
PTE is a computer-based exam that evaluates your speaking, writing, reading, and listening abilities.
Signed Employment Contract
Once you’ve accepted an offer, you’ll need to review and sign the employment contract or offer letter provided by the hiring company.
This document outlines the employment terms, including your job title, salary, benefits, working hours, and other essential details.
Take time to read it carefully and guarantee you understand all contract obligations before signing. If you have questions about any clauses, ask the employer for clarification.
Your signed contract is a critical document for your visa application, as it proves you have a legitimate job offer and clarifies your role with the company.
Make sure all information matches your expectations and the verbal offer you received.
Only sign when you’re confident you agree with the employment terms and conditions.
Passport-Size Photographs
Photographs play an essential role in your visa application, as you’ll need to submit recent passport-sized photos that meet Australia’s specific requirements.
It’s vital to follow the official passport photo requirements and photo submission guidelines to avoid delays in your application process. Australian authorities are strict about details, so make sure your photos match exactly what’s asked for.
Keep these points in mind:
- Photos must be in color, clear, and taken against a plain white or light grey background.
- Your face should be directly facing the camera, with a neutral expression—no smiling or frowning.
- Remove hats, glasses, or any accessories that obscure your face and eyes.
- The photo should be recent—taken within the past six months—to guarantee it accurately represents your appearance.
Meeting these requirements guarantees a smooth process.
Personal Information Forms
When applying for an Australian visa, you’ll need to complete personal information forms that capture your essential details, such as your full name, date of birth, and contact information.
These forms are a critical part of the application process, helping the Department of Home Affairs verify your identity and assess your eligibility. You should guarantee that all personal details you provide are accurate and consistent with your other documents.
Mistakes or omissions could delay your application or cause complications. Be prepared to answer questions about your background, including your residential history and employment information.
Sometimes, the authorities may request additional information to clarify your circumstances. By filling out the personal information forms carefully, you’ll help streamline the application process and support your hiring company’s efforts.
Start Your New Career in Australia with a Team You Can Trust
When Work In Australia applies for employment in Australia on your behalf we assist with the handling of the visa process.
By preparing these essentials, you’ll guarantee a smooth visa process and take the first step toward your exciting new career.
FAQs
Regular Questions
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