Step 3 - Employee Applies for a Permanent Visa

The employee must apply for a visa to work permanently in Australia.

Application charge

There is a non-refundable charge for this application.
See: Fees & Charges

Other costs

In addition to the application charge you will need to pay for any medical examinations. You may also be required to pay a charge for obtaining police checks. This charge varies in each country. When required to obtain your own police checks, you are personally responsible for all arrangements. There may also be other costs associated with the application, such as translating documents into English.

Application checklist

The application checklist details the information and supporting documents that you must provide with your application. Complete applications are likely to be processed more quickly. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused.
See: Visa Application Checklist

Application information

This information helps you to understand the requirements for certifying and translating documents, communicating with the department, using a migration agent, and more.
See: Information to Help You Prepare Your Application

How to apply

Complete the following form to apply for a visa.
See: Form 47ES Application for employer sponsored migration to Australia (905KB PDF file)

Eligible family members of the employee may apply with the employee or separately. If they apply separately, they must complete a separate application form and pay a separate application charge.

How and where to lodge

All new Subclass 120 – Labour Agreement and Subclass 855 – Labour Agreement visa applications with Australian business nominators are processed by one of three centres of excellence named in the Labour Agreement. Your employer will be able to tell you which office you should lodge your application with.
See: Centres of Excellence

All subclass 120 and 855 applications lodged by Australian businesses prior to 1 March 2009 will continue to be processed in the office named in the Labour Agreement.

Note: The visa application can be lodged at the same time as the nomination form. However, the employee should not make travel arrangements to Australia until after they have been granted a visa as nomination approval does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.

After you lodge your application

Information about what happens after you lodge your nomination.
See: After Lodging Your Application