How this visa works
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Visa overview
This visa needs two parties:
- an occupational trainee
- an Australian based nominating organisation to provide the training.
Occupational training is a supervised training program that is:
- workplace-based (no more than 30% classsroom-based)
- designed specifically to increase the trainee's level of practical skill in their present occupation or area of expertise.
The process for establishing an occupational training program is summarised in the table below:
| It is the responsibility of the… | to… |
|---|---|
| occupational trainee |
|
| nominator |
|
Occupational training program
An occupational training program must:
- be closely related to the trainee's current occupation, field of study or area of expertise
- enhance the trainee's current skill level
- be at least 70% in a supervised workplace
- not adversely impact upon occupational opportunities for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Note: The visa cannot be granted unless the nomination has been approved by the department. If you are currently in Australia and your visa is about to expire, contact your nearest departmental office.
See: Contact Us
Nomination validity period
A nomination is valid for 12 months from the date approved by the department.
Visa validity period
This visa may be valid for up to two years to undertake a training program (subject to the length of the approved training program). An additional two months may be added beyond the training end date to allow you and your family members to make arrangements to leave Australia or to apply for another visa.
Note: If the training cannot be completed in the approved visa period, the trainee can apply for a second occupational trainee visa. The trainee and the nominator organisation must meet eligibility requirements again.
Occupational trainee visa definitions
The following terms are used for this visa.
See: Definitions