About this Visa
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Who is this visa for?
A professional development visa allows sponsored foreign nationals who are professionals, managers or government officials to undertake professional development training programs in Australia for periods of up to 18 months (or longer if exceptional circumstances are demonstrated).
An approved Australian sponsoring organisation that has an agreement with an overseas employer operating outside Australia, lodges visa applications on behalf of applicants nominated by the overseas employer.
How much will this visa cost?
The sponsor must pay a non-refundable visa application charge when they lodge a visa application.
See: Sponsored Training Visa Charges
What does this visa let me do?
If granted this visa, sponsored participants can undertake an approved professional development program in Australia.
Visas are granted four weeks before a participant is due to commence a professional development program. Two weeks additional stay in Australia beyond the duration of the program are provided to allow a particpant time to finalise their affairs before departing Australia.
Program changes - November 2005
Legislation and policy relating to the Professional Development visa program were amended on 1 November 2005 to provide more flexible and attractive arrangements for all participating parties.