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.
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.
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
Indicative occupation list and visa recommendations for working in Australia
Australia offers over 100 visa subclasses across various streams; each tailored to specific purposes and applicant profiles. The spreadsheet here presents a non-exhaustive list of selected occupations along with corresponding visa recommendations for individuals seeking employment in Australia. The listed occupations are generally drawn from those identified as in-demand under the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs,19 reflecting Australia’s medium- to long-term skill needs. While the list is subject to periodic updates, it provides a useful reference for understanding areas of potential skill demand.
Visa eligibility depends on individual factors like qualifications, experience, and personal circumstances. As such, visa sub-class recommendations are meant to serve as a general guide, not definitive advice. A tailored assessment is necessary to determine the most appropriate visa, which may include options beyond those listed in our list. The spreadsheet suggestions assume the applicant is an Indonesian national who is not currently residing in Australia. While some recommended visas may allow short-term stays, the focus is primarily on long-term options—specifically those permitting work in Australia for over 12 months.
IA-CEPA commitment on movement of natural persons
A. Annex 1
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
