How this Visa Works
On this page
This visa allows staff from educational research institutions to fill academic, teaching positions in Australian educational/research institutions and schools.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is required if your visit to Australia is for more than three (3) months.
Where sponsorship is required, you should not lodge your visa application until you have received confirmation that sponsorship has been approved.
Work rights
While you are in Australia you can work only in the position nominated in your visa application.
Bringing family
The following people may be included in your application.
- your spouse
- your dependent children
- other dependent relatives living with you.
See: Family Member Definitions
Visa validity period
If appointed to a senior academic position or scientific research position you can stay in Australia for whichever of the following is earlier:
- the period of the appointment as indicated in the letter of appointment
- four (4) years.
For all other applicants you can stay in Australia for the approved period of sponsorship with the maximum period of stay of up to two (2) years.
Extending your stay
If while in Australia, you decide to apply for a further visa to extend your stay, you will need to complete a new visa application form and attach appropriate evidence required to support the purpose of your stay.
If sponsorship is required, the sponsor will need to lodge a new sponsorship application.
The sponsorship and visa applications should be lodged well in advance of the expiry date of your current visa.
See: How to Apply
Other visa options
You should consider applying for the Subclass 457-Business (Long Stay) visa which offers the following advantages.
- applications can be lodged online
- employers can request multiple positions under a single sponsorship
- no labour market testing is required
- maximum stay of up to four (4) years.
See: Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457)
More information
For more information about temporary residence visas can be found in Form 986i.
See: Information form 986i Temporary Residence in Australia (non-business) - general guide (68KB PDF file)