Work Visa Options for Healthcare Professionals in Australia: Visa Subclass 482, 494 and Training 407 Visa

Subclass 482 Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa Australia

The Subclass 482 Visa is divided into three categories:-

• Short-term Stream Visa
• Medium-term Stream Visa
• Labour Agreement Stream

Short-term Stream 482 Visa

When there is a need for talented workers but there is a lack of Australians with the necessary skills, this Visa permits firms to fill the gap. You may stay for up to two years or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) is in effect. Therefore, the Subclass 482 Visa, commonly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, is designed to address skills shortages in the Australian labour market. This Visa allows skilled workers to temporarily live and work in Australia while sponsored by an approved employer. The Visa has three streams:

1. Short-term Stream (STS): This stream is suitable for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It allows Visa holders to work for up to two years and can be renewed once, with the possibility of transitioning to another Visa.
2. Medium-term Stream (MTS): Occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) fall under this stream. The Visa duration is up to four years, and Visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for individuals with a labour agreement sponsored by an employer.

Important points to keep in mind while applying for this Visa

• You must work in Australia for at least two years and up to four years if you are subject to an International Trade Obligation (ITO). Holders of Hong Kong passports may stay for up to five years.
• Can visit Australia as many times as you wish while the Visa is valid.
• If you meet the requirements, you may even seek permanent residence in Australia.
• Applicants may use the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) if they hold a 457 or TSS short-term stream visa.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be sponsored to operate in an occupation on the list of approved short-term skilled professions, such as pharmacists.
• You must have at least two years of working experience as a pharmacist in a hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy or any other chosen occupation or a related sector.
• You should have an appropriate skills assessment if this is necessary for your occupation (once you pass the KAPS exam, the Australian Pharmacy Council will send the skills assessment letter to you)
• You must work directly for your work sponsor pharmacy, hospital or affiliated organisation unless you are exempted.
• You must meet minimal English language competency levels unless you are exempted from doing so.

Cost of the Visa

The cost of the Temporary Skilled Visa (Subclass 482).

• Main applicant fee- AUD $1330.
• Dependents fee (Additional applicant charge 18 and over)- AUD $1330
• Additional applicants fee (under age 18 years)- AUD $335

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-sponsored Regional Visa) for Pharmacists

The Skilled Employer-sponsored Regional Visa is divided into three categories, namely:

• Employer-sponsored Stream
• Labour Agreement Stream
• Subsequent Entrant

Employer-sponsored Stream Subclass 494 Visa

This Visa allows regional firms to solve identified labour shortages in their region by sponsoring skilled workers in cases when employers fail to find an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

It requires sponsorship by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. Key features include:

1. Employer Sponsorship: Employers must be located in a designated regional area and have a genuine need for the nominated position.
2. Occupation List: Applicants must choose an occupation from the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Successful Visa holders may apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) Visa after three years.

Only some Australian regional locations are allowed for residence, employment, and education. After three years from the day your Visa was issued, you can apply for permanent residency. This Visa lets you stay in Australia for up to five years.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be sponsored to operate in an occupation on the list of approved short-term skilled professions
• You must have at least three years of working experience in your chosen occupation or a related sector
• You should have an appropriate skills assessment if this is necessary for your occupation
• You work directly for your sponsor or affiliated organisation unless you are exempted 
• You must meet minimal English language competence levels unless you are exempted from doing so.
• You must be under the age of 45 unless an exemption applies to you.

Note:- The eligibility criteria are the same for the Labour Agreement Stream. 

Cost of the Visa

• Main applicant fee- AUD $4,240.
• Dependents fee (Additional applicant charge 18 and over)- AUD $2,120.
• Additional applicants fee (under age 18 years)- AUD $1,060.

Subclass 407 Training Visa for Pharmacists in Australia

This Visa allows you to take part in workplace-based occupational training activities to improve your skills for your job, area of tertiary study, field of expertise or in a professional development training program in Australia. 

The Subclass 407 Visa is specially designed for individuals seeking occupational training or professional development opportunities in Australia. It has several streams, including the Training Plan stream, which is relevant for employers looking to provide structured workplace-based training:

1. Duration: The Visa allows for stays of up to two years or up to four years in exceptional circumstances.
2. Applicants: This visa is suitable for individuals sponsored by an eligible Australian organisation for occupational training purposes.

This Visa allows you to stay in Australia on a temporary basis because it is a temporary Visa. The Visa authorities might grant you a Visa that lets you stay in Australia for up to two years.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be sponsored by a firm or any organisation, such as a community pharmacy or hospital.
• You must be nominated (only exempted in case your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency)
• You must have an invitation (only exempted if your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency)

Cost of the subclass 407 Visa

The Training Visa cost may start from AUD $325 for the main applicant.

What Next?

Understanding the nuances of Australian work Visas is crucial for individuals seeking employment opportunities in the country. The Subclass 482, Subclass 494, and Training 407 Visas cater to different needs, from addressing skill shortages to facilitating structured training programs. Prospective applicants should carefully assess their eligibility and choose the most suitable Visa option to embark on a successful professional journey in Australia.

The best course of action for you would be to speak with a MARA agent/consultant who could walk you through the entire Visa application process as well as any requirements that come with receiving a Visa. 

Academically's team can help you to complete the process from the eligibility check for the pharmacist, KAPS exam preparation and English exam preparation (PTE exam) to a hassle-free migration.

Our professionals have years of experience in the field, and they guide you in the best manner throughout the complete process. 

Get in touch with our experts today to learn more about the Visas and how you can acquire one easily!

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