- Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa) – Work, Travel & Explore Australia
- Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa) – Travel & Work in Australia for Young Adults
- Subclass 407 Visa (Training Visa) – Workplace-Based Training Visa
- Subclass 400 Visa (Temporary Work – Short Stay Specialist)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) – Work in Australia After Your Studies
- Subclass 408 Visa (Temporary Activity Visa)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa – Provisional
Frequently asked questions about Australian temporary work visas
Which Australian visa lets me work temporarily without an employer sponsor?
The subclass 417 Working Holiday and subclass 462 Work and Holiday visas allow eligible young people from participating countries to work while travelling. The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows recent graduates of Australian qualifications to work without sponsorship. None of these requires an employer to nominate you.
What is the difference between a subclass 400 and a subclass 482 visa?
The subclass 400 is a short-stay visa for highly specialised, non-ongoing work, usually granted for up to three months, and does not require sponsorship approval. The subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is for ongoing employment of up to four years and requires an approved sponsor, an approved nomination and a nominated occupation on the relevant list.
Can a temporary work visa lead to permanent residence in Australia?
Some can. The subclass 482 can lead to the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, and the subclass 491 and 494 lead to the subclass 191 after three years. The subclass 400, 407, 408, 417 and 462 do not carry a direct permanent pathway, although holders may separately become eligible for other visas.
Does my employer have to be an approved sponsor for every temporary work visa?
No. Sponsorship approval is required for the subclass 482 and 494. The subclass 407 Training visa requires an approved temporary activities sponsor, and parts of the subclass 408 require a supporting sponsor or nominator. The 400, 417, 462 and 485 do not require a sponsoring employer at all.
How long can I stay in Australia on a temporary work visa?
It depends on the subclass. The subclass 400 is usually granted for up to three months, the 485 for two to three years depending on stream and qualification, the 482 for up to four years, and the 491 and 494 for five years. Processing times published by the Department vary by subclass and stream.
Related reading: Immigrad employer-sponsored visa services, the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, how to find an employer sponsor in Australia, and book a consultation.
This page is general information only and is current as at September 2026. It does not take your circumstances into account. Visa criteria and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change, and complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent.