Primary Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must meet all the following requirements:

• be sponsored by an approved religious worker sponsor
• have been nominated by your sponsor to fill a position
• work in a position that specifically requires a religious worker and not merely a religious adherent to undertake the duties
• duties must directly serve an institution’s religious objectives
• have qualifications and experience which match those required for the nominated position
• have adequate means to support you and any accompanying secondary applicants while in Australia
• have health insurance for you and any secondary applicants.

Applicants should be at least 18 years of age to apply for this visa.

Financial requirements

You should be able to demonstrate that you have adequate means of support to cover all expenses associated with your stay in Australia, including school fees for dependent children if applicable.

You may be asked to provide evidence of funds, such as employment contract, bank statements or a letter from your financial institution stating your financial position. Allowances, accommodation and other assistance from your sponsor can also be considered when looking at your ability to support yourself and any secondary applicants.

Unpaid position

A position is considered unpaid where the work or activity to be undertaken would not attract a salary or wage if undertaken by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. 

If the nominated position relates to a volunteer position the person will receive no remuneration for doing the work or activity other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the person in doing the work.

Salary or wages

The salary or wages payable to you must be in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices.

If there is no award, and it is not a volunteer position, you must receive at least the minimum federal award rate.

Health insurance requirements

You must hold adequate private medical and hospital health insurance cover for the entire time you are in Australia. You should ensure your insurance will provide at least the level of coverage required for your purpose of stay. Your health insurance cover does not have to be held with an Australian insurer, arrangements made in your home country may be assessed as being acceptable.

This requirement may not apply to you if your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, and you are enrolled with Medicare.
See: Medicare Australia Health Care for Visitors to Australia

Medicare levy exemption

The Medicare Levy is a tax paid through the personal tax system in Australia. People granted temporary residence visas may be subject to the Medicare Levy. The Medicare Levy is based on the taxable income of the individual for each income tax year.

If you are from a country that has no reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, you and your dependents, who have not been entitled to Medicare benefits can seek an exemption from the Medicare levy in your end of financial year income tax return. Your lack of entitlement to Medicare benefits must be certified by the Minister for Health.

If you are from a country with reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, Medicare assistance is available for immediately necessary treatment. Nationals from reciprocal countries are therefore not exempt from the Medicare levy.
See: Medicare > Medicare Forms > Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Form

Health requirements

You must meet health requirements and may need to undergo a health examination.
See: Health Requirements

Character requirements

You must be of good character to enter Australia.
See: Character and Penal Clearance Requirements

Supporting documentation

As evidence that you have a background as a religious worker, you must provide:

• your curriculum vitae
• evidence of religious training
• certified copy of your qualifications.

Australian Values Statement

If you are aged 18 years or over, you must declare that you will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. For this visa, the values statement is included in the general declaration section of the application form. When you sign the application form it means you will also be signing the values statement. You will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if you wish.

You are also encouraged to gain an understanding of Australia, its people and their way of life, before applying for this visa.
See: Australian Values - Overview

 

Before lodging an application, please read all related eligibility requirements.
See: Other eligibility