Introduction
This guidebook provides comprehensive information on the types of Australian visas that may be available for Indonesians seeking to work in Australia. As part of the Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), the governments of Indonesia and Australia committed to enhancing mobility of professionals and facilitating greater access for each other’s workers.
The guidebook outlines the main visa categories for Indonesian professionals seeking employment or professional engagement in Australia. Each visa subclass featured is accompanied by a general overview of its conditions, including eligibility criteria, rights and limitations, duration of stay benefits and pathways to further migration opportunities.
Visa sub-classes are aligned with Australia's current workforce needs as identified in the country’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the National Skills Needs List. The MLTSSL is a government-endorsed list that identifies occupations experiencing medium to long-term shortages across Australia and is used to determine eligibility for skilled migration visas. By focusing on visa subclasses that are directly linked to occupations on these lists, the guidebook ensures that the information provided is relevant, up-to-date, and beneficial for professionals whose skills are in demand.
It is important to note, however, that not all visa types or individual circumstances are covered within this guidebook. Immigration policies and visa conditions are subject to frequent updates. Therefore, while this guide serves as a useful starting point, readers are strongly encouraged to consult the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or seek professional immigration advice to obtain the most current and comprehensive information tailored to their specific needs and qualifications.
Visa Types
Temporary vs permanent visa
Temporary working visas allow individuals to live and work in Australia for a limited period, often tied to a specific employer, occupation, or project. These visas typically include conditions regarding duration of stay, work limitations, and eligibility for family accompaniment. In contrast, permanent working visas grant holders the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, with access to broader benefits such as healthcare, social services, and a pathway to citizenship. This guide offers a comparative overview of both visa types to help professionals make informed decisions based on their career goals and migration plans. Table 2 below summarises the main differences to consider for Indonesians applying for a temporary or permanent visa to work in Australia.
Australian work visas can generally be obtained through two main application pathways: employer-sponsored and individual (independent) applications. In an employer-sponsored visa, an Australian employer nominates a skilled worker to fill a position that cannot be filled locally. This pathway usually requires the employer to be an approved sponsor and demonstrate the genuine need for the role. It can lead to either temporary or permanent residency, depending on the visa subclass. In contrast, an individual or independent application allows skilled professionals to apply for a visa based on their qualifications, work experience, and skills, without requiring sponsorship from an employer. This process is points-based and commonly linked to occupations listed on the MLTSSL. Both pathways have distinct eligibility criteria, benefits, and obligations, and choosing the right one depends on the applicant’s personal circumstances and professional goals. Table 2 below summarises the main differences to consider for Indonesians using an employee visa or an individual application visa to work in Australia.
Visa process
Points tested visa system
The points-tested visa system is used by the Australian government to rank and select skilled workers for permanent or temporary visas. The goal of this system is to select applicants who are most likely to contribute to the Australian economy, based on skills, age, English ability, and other factors
These visas do not require a job offer, but instead assess your individual qualifications and attributes.
How the points test visa works
1. Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
2. Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority in your profession.
3. Calculate your points score (minimum is 65 points to be eligible).
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system.
5. Wait for an invitation to apply based on your score, occupation, and demand.
6. If invited, apply for the visa within the specified time.
b. ANZSCO and the visa process
ANZSCO stands for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is a system used by the Australian and New Zealand governments to classify and describe occupations in a standardized way — especially for things like visa applications, labour market analysis, employment statistics, and skills assessments.
ANZSCO plays a critical role in skilled migration because it defines whether an occupation is eligible for a visa, the qualifications, skills, and duties expected for the specific occupation and what evidence applicants must provide for their skills assessment.
Every occupation has a 6-digit ANZSCO code and is organized in a hierarchy:
Example: 261313 – Software Engineer
2: Major Group (e.g., Professionals)
6: Sub-Major Group (e.g., Information & Communication Technology Professionals)
1: Minor Group (e.g., Software and Applications Programmers)
3: Unit Group (e.g., Software and Applications Programmers)
13: Specific Occupation (Software Engineer)
Each ANZSCO entry includes:
• Job title and code
• Brief description of the occupation
• Typical tasks/duties
• Skill level required
• Alternative titles
General eligibility requirements
Permanent Visa
Temporary Visa
Case study for particular occupations
A. Aged-care worker
Permanent Visa
Temporary Visa
IA-CEPA commitment on movement of natural persons
A. Annex 1
The IA-CEPA is an agreement between Indonesia and Australia that supports the temporary movement of people between the two countries, especially for business and work-related purposes. While it encourages mobility, the agreement also ensures that both countries maintain control over their immigration systems and professional regulations.
Article 12.4 of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) plays a key role in facilitating the movement of natural persons between the two countries for temporary purposes, such as business or professional engagements. Under this article, both Indonesia and Australia agree to a set of entry commitments, which are detailed in Annex 12-A. This annex outlines the specific terms and conditions under which each country permits temporary entry for various categories of individuals, including business visitors, skilled workers, and professionals. It sets clear limitations, eligibility criteria, and permitted durations of stay for each category.
Aside from immigration requirements, individuals must fulfil additional national obligations for professional requirements, such as obtaining licenses, professional certifications, or business approvals, before they are legally allowed to engage in professional practice or business operations. This ensures that while mobility is encouraged and supported, each country retains its sovereign right to uphold domestic standards and regulatory controls over its workforce and professional sectors.
In addition to the general provisions for the movement of natural persons, IA-CEPA offers an alternative mobility pathway through the Subclass 403 Visa (Special Program – SDE), specifically designed for skilled Indonesian workers. This visa allows eligible individuals to temporarily work in Australia under structured programs aimed at enhancing workforce skills and promoting bilateral cooperation. The SDE program currently includes key sectors such as financial and insurance services, mining and engineering-related services, information and telecommunications, tourism and travel, the creative economy, agri-business and food processing, and the green economy. Furthermore, additional sectors may be considered for inclusion in the program, subject to mutual agreement between Indonesia and Australia and in consultation with relevant industry stakeholders. This pathway reflects both countries’ commitment to deepening economic ties and supporting skills development through targeted, sector-based labour mobility.
B. Annex 2
Contact details for the Australian Embassy in Indonesia: public-affairs-jakt@dfat.gov.au or consular.jakarta@dfat.gov.au
Official Australian Immigration visa websites: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia
