Australia Work Permit For Pakistani

If you are planning to start a new life abroad, getting an Australia Work Permit for Pakistani can be one of the best decisions you make. For thousands of Pakistanis, Australia has become a top destination because of its high salaries, better lifestyle, and welcoming immigration policies.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the work permit for Australia in Islamabad, including the cost, processing time requirements, and step-by-step application process.

Why Do Pakistanis Choose Australia for Immigration?

Many people wonder why so many are applying for Australian immigration from Pakistan, and especially from cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The answer is simple.

Strong job market – Skilled workers are in demand.
Multicultural society – Pakistanis find communities and support easily.
Education opportunities – Families benefit from world-class education.
Path to permanent residency – A work permit often leads to long-term settlement.

For instance, an engineer from Rawalpindi first applied for an Australian work permit visa in Islamabad back in 2018. At first, he struggled with the paperwork, IELTS, and agent fees. But after preparing step by step, he received his visa approval. Today, he works in Melbourne and says the move completely transformed his career. Learn more about the cost of immigrating to Australia from Pakistan.

Types of Australian Work Permits for Pakistanis

Before applying, you need to know the types of Australian work visas available. Each visa category has different eligibility requirements, costs, and benefits.

1. Employer-Sponsored Work Visas

If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, this route may be best.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482)
Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)

These require employer sponsorship and proof that your occupation is in demand.

2. Skilled Migration Visas

If you don’t have an employer sponsor, you can apply through Australia’s immigration point system.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

These visas are popular because they can directly lead to permanent residency.

3. Temporary and Training Visas

Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) – For short-term projects.
Training Visa (Subclass 407) – For skill development or licensing.

4. Youth and Holiday Visas

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

These are limited to younger applicants 18-30, and 35 allows both work and travel.

5. Business Immigration to Australia

If you are an entrepreneur or investor, the business innovation and investment visa subclass 888 allows you to start or expand a business in Australia. Many Pakistanis with strong financial backgrounds prefer this pathway.

Work Permit for Australia in Islamabad – How to Apply

Applying for a work visa for Australia from Pakistan involves several steps. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Confirm your occupation is listed in the Australian Skilled Occupation List. Your age, English skills, and work experience matter.

Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Category

Decide whether to go through skilled migration, employer-sponsored, or business immigration to Australia.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather your passport, education degrees, work experience letters, police clearance, and health exam reports.

Step 4: Take the IELTS or PTE Test

Most applicants must prove English skills. The IELTS fee in Pakistan is around 49,000 to 52,000 PKR.

Step 5: Skills Assessment

Many visas require a professional body to check your qualifications. Cost 1,000 to 1,500 AUD.

Step 6: Submit Application Online

Most Pakistanis use the Australian work visa application online system through the Australian government’s Home Affairs website.

Step 7: Biometrics Appointment in Islamabad

After applying, you will be asked to attend a biometrics collection center in Islamabad or another city.

Step 8: Pay Visa Fees

The Australian work visa fee from Islamabad depends on the category. For example

Subclass 189 or 190: ~4,640 AUD
Subclass 482: ~2,690 AUD

Always check the base application fee and additional fees for family members.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

The Islamabad work visa processing time in Australia can range from 3 months to a year, depending on the visa type.

Step 10: Travel to Australia

After approval, book your ticket for about 150,000 to 200,000 PKR one way and arrange accommodation.

Australia Work Visa Requirements for Pakistani Applicants

When applying for an Australian work visa from Pakistan, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Valid passport
Proof of job offer (for employer-sponsored visas)
English language test results
Skills assessment (for skilled visas)
Medical and character certificates
Sufficient bank balance (minimum ~5,000 AUD per applicant)
Biometric data submitted at the collection center

How Much Does an Australian Work Permit Cost from Islamabad?

The Australian work visa price in Islamabad varies. Below is a cost summary.

Visa Application Fees: 50 to 4,640 AUD depending on category
IELTS Exam: 49,000–52,000 PKR
Medical Exams: ~400 AUD per adult
Police Clearance: Variable in Pakistan
Agent Fees (optional): 7,000–8,000 AUD
Settlement Funds: At least 5,000 AUD per person

So the permit work visa cost in Australia from Pakistan ranges between 6,000 and 15,000 AUD in total.

What Are the Advantages of Working in Australia?

Working in Australia provides numerous benefits for Pakistani citizens.

High salaries compared to Pakistan.
Better healthcare and education systems.
Safer environment with low crime rates.
Opportunity for permanent residency through pathways like subclass 189 or 190.
Equal rights for overseas workers under Australian law.

Australia Work Permit Processing Time

The Australian work permit processing time depends on the visa. For example.

Subclass 482: 6–9 months
Subclass 186: 8–12 months
Subclass 189/190: 12–18 months

Remember, individual circumstances, background checks, and demand for your occupation can speed up or delay the process.

How She Achieved Her Dream Job

A nurse from Islamabad applied for the skilled independent visa subclass 189. She saved for her IELTS, gathered her documents, and applied online without using a migration agent. After 14 months, her visa was approved, and today she works at a hospital in Sydney. She says the key was planning early and staying consistent.

Final Thoughts:

Securing an Australian work permit for Pakistani applicants may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, preparation, and documents, it is absolutely possible. Australia offers not just jobs, but a chance for you and your family to enjoy a better future.

If you are serious about your move, start your Australian work visa application. Contact today, prepare your documents, take the IELTS, and follow the step-by-step process. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will be working and living in Australia.

FAQ’s:

You can apply online for an Australian work visa through the Department of Home Affairs portal or via the Australian High Commission in Islamabad. Choose the right visa category, like subclass 482 or 186, meet eligibility criteria, and submit your application with supporting documents, fees, and biometrics.

You will need a valid passport, relevant occupational skills, sponsorship or nomination from an approved employer or state, health and character clearances, proof of English proficiency, and eligibility under skilled migrant streams like independent 189 or skilled nominated 190 visa.

It’s competitive and not easy because most employers prefer candidates who already hold valid work rights. However, applicants with in-demand skills, sponsorship, and strong English scores have a higher chance of approval.

Australian work visa fees from Pakistan vary from AUD 650 for working holiday visas to AUD 4,115 for employer nomination scheme visas. Extra costs include health checks, skills assessments, English test IELTS, PTE, and service fee at IOM medical centers.

There’s no fixed requirement to show AUD 5,000 when applying for a visa, but immigration officers at the airport may ask for proof of funds to ensure you can support yourself during your initial stay.

For most visas, the recommended balance is between AUD 5,000 and AUD 8,200, depending on the visa type and duration. This shows you can cover living costs in Australia, especially for tourists, students, or work visas.