Working Holiday Visa for Italian Citizens: All You Need to Know

Introduction

Are you an Italian contemplating obtaining an Australian work permit? Then don’t look further than this complete guide to Australian work visas and permits for Italians. We have covered everything from ways to work in Australia to what kinds of visas are available for your comfort and hassle-free stay in the country.

Italian citizens who want to study or work in Australia must obtain a study or work visa and cannot travel on an eVisitor visa. Moreover, if you want to experience Australia on a budget, Italians under 31 can only apply for an Australian working holiday visa subclass and family visas.

Otherwise, Italian citizens and nationals of other accepted European countries must apply for an Australian eVisitor visa or an Australian working holiday visa before traveling to Australia. The eVisitor first working holiday visa can be used for holidays, family visits, business meetings, and conferences.

On the other hand, Italian citizens between 18 and 30 can apply for an Australia working holiday visa, allowing them to stay for up to six months to 12 months.

Families with children should apply for an Australian eVisitor visa separately to travel together. However, only children travelling from Italy on their parents’ passports are free from the requirement to apply for an Australian eVisitor visa. In certain circumstances, children from other countries may also enter the country on their parents’ eVisitor visas.

Agreement on Australia Working Holiday Visa for Italian Citizens

Italian citizens who wish to work in Australia can obtain a work permit, also known as a visa, through various pathways, including a working holiday visa, temporary Australian work visa, business visa and approved Australian employer-sponsored visa. Australia and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding about the working holiday program. 

Both the Australian embassy in Rome and the Italian embassy in Australia prepared information advising Australian citizens and Italian citizens on the requirements in the Agreement and the procedures involved in administering the program in both countries. The greatest benefit of visits under this working holiday program is that it comes with a holiday where work is incidental to the holiday.

What is the eligibility for working holiday visas for an Italian citizen in Australia?

• Age limit of between 18 and 30 as at the time of the application;
• Holder of a valid Italian Passport;
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay, including having access to approximately AUD 5,000 to cover initial expenses and return ticket; and
• Be healthy (undergo a medical examination or health checks) a
• Be of good character (possess police clearance certificate)

What Documents do you need to Apply?

• Valid Passport
• Copy of health insurance cover;
• Return ticket or proof of fund to purchase one; and
• Character certificate.

Application Process

Comply with the eligibility criteria: You must first determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Working Holiday Visa, such as the age limit, financial requirements and holder of a valid passport.

Gather documents: You must gather all the necessary documents to support your application, which includes a valid Italian passport, completed application form, proof of sufficient funds, return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one and a copy of health insurance.

Make an online application by creating an ImmiAccount and uploading the necessary documents, such as the online form and making payment of an application fee. All these can be done through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Wait for processing: The processing times can vary depending on the number of applications received and different applicant’s circumstances. You can check the status of your application online through your ImmiAccount.

Once the Working Holiday Visa application is processed, you will receive a decision on your application. If granted, a confirmation letter will be sent with your visa grant number and your visa conditions.

Ways to Get Australia Work Permit

For relocating for travel or work in Australia with an Italian passport, you must first receive official authorization through a visa. Numerous methods are available to immigrants who need or want to enter Australia, either for work or to stay.

Over 80,000 people are placed annually, with skilled migrants taking up half the available positions. Around 32,000 are the family members of migrants.

Students also go to Australia to further their education and then get temporary work visas. Depending on your needs or purpose, you can apply for Australian work visas in one of eight distinct categories.

Visa to Get Australian Work Permit for Italians

Australian work permits are granted under particular conditions for two possibilities.

Temporary Residence with Australia Work Permit

This visa allows candidates to stay and work as permanent resident in Australia with an Italian passport for up to four years. The primary prerequisite for a permanent visa is employer sponsorship. You can apply for this visa once the employer organizes it from Australia and the sponsorship is accepted.

Australia ETA for the citizens of Italy

Italian citizens can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia for business or tourism purposes. This visa is electronically linked to the passport and allows an Italian to stay in Australia for up to 90 days per visit.

Application for an ETA is made online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Applicants will need to provide personal and passport information and answer a few questions related to health and character.

The processing time for an ETA is fast, and approval for most visas will be sent within minutes of applying. Once permanent visa is approved, the ETA will be linked to the passport electronically, and applicants won’t need to provide a physical visa. However, an ETA does not allow applicants to work in Australia or stay for more than 90 days per visit.

Other visa categories

Visa for Temporary Entry

This visa provides access to potential migrants who wish to visit Australia for specified purposes that benefit the country via work. Also, this visa prioritizes skilled professional work, social relations, cultural and international relations, and international contacts in the country.

In many situations, the visa requires prior approval to change your employment, location, or time in Australia. Moreover, you can request this authorization in writing from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs’ nearest State, Regional, or Territory office in Australia.

Visa for Indefinite Stay

You can apply for a permanent settlement to live in Australia indefinitely through one of two primary migration categories:

• The Migration Program – This program is for anyone who wants to live permanently in Australia or acquire Australian citizenship.
• The Humanitarian Program – This program helps refugees and those in similar situations.

The migratory scheme takes no account of ethnicity, culture, or gender. Australia prefers migrants who have qualifications and skills that will help the economy and society of the country.

Italy passport holders can apply for a three-month guest visa online for free. Also known as an eVisitor, you can quickly obtain Australia work visas for fewer days’ work after choosing this way.

Investor Visa

Through the Australian Investor Visa, individuals and their families can live in Australia if they agree to make considerable investments within Australia. For Italian citizens, there are many times of Investor Visas available. Some of the most common types include the Investor Stream, Premium Investor Stream, and the Significant Investor Stream. 

To become eligible for the Australian Investor Visa, the prerequisites are that you must be at least 18 years old, you must be able to meet the financial requirements for the visa, you must meet the character and health checks expected from a visa candidate, you must have a good English language proficiency, and you must be able to provide objective evidence about the investments undertaken, or the Australian business ownership, within Australia. 

How much investment is required to be made to obtain an Investor Visa?

The investment required to obtain an Investor Visa depends on the type of visa being applied for. The common requirements are:

• Australian Investor Stream Visa. For this category, an investment of at least AUD 1.5 million is required to be made within the Australian state or territory government bond portfolio. 
• Australian Significant Investor Stream Visa. For this category, an investment of at least AUD 5 million is required to be made. This category also includes investments in Australian government bonds, managed funds, blue chip stocks, and other investments made eligible by the government through the Australian government department. 
• Australian Premium Investor Stream Visa. For this category, an investment of at least AUD 15 million is required to be made, along with ensuring that the premium investment compliances of Australia are complied with. These investments include growth equity fund investments and venture capital investments. 

Australia Work Visas – Types of Australian Visas for Foreign Workers

Work Permit Visa has been further divided into various categories in Australia, depending upon the skills set of the worker nominated occupation, region, etc. Some of the common types of work permits are:

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa. This type of visa allows prospective employer-nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. 

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa. This type of visa allows employer-nominated skilled workers in Australian regional areas to permanently live and work in Australia. It is also possible to apply for this visa if you previously held another valid work visa and worked for the same employer.

Skilled Independent Visa. Workers invited from New Zealand and New Zealand citizens coming to work in Australia can take advantage of this visa to live permanently, considering New Zealand is an eligible country.

Skilled Nominated Visa. This type of visa allows the nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. 

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. This temporary visa enables an employer to sponsor any non-Australian worker for the time being due to the absence of any skilled Australian worker. 

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa. This temporary visa enables workers to live and work in regional Australia. 

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa. This temporary visa enables the workers to do short-term and highly specialized work in Australia. 

Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa. This temporary visa enables workers to work in Australia in certain circumstances, aiming to improve international relationships between the countries. 

Distinguished Talent Visa. These are permanent visas, provided to individuals with an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement in any sport, profession, academic, research, or arts. 

Business Talent (Permanent) Visa. This visa is mainly used by an individual who aims to develop a new or grow an existing business in Australia. 

Australia’s medical exam for getting the visa

If the visa you applied for in Australia requires you to meet Australian health standards, you can be subjected to a medical examination conducted by Australia. The elements of this examination can vary from medical tests, TB Screening tests, HIV tests, chest x-ray, hepatitis B and C tests, or syphilis tests, depending upon the type of visa. 

There are many state-run organizations conducting these tests; however, in case you want to book the test from outside Australia, you can do so by booking a medical exam with one of the Department’s approved panel of physicians or clinics. An immigration officer is the right person to help you with the details. 

How to apply for permanent residency in Australia?

An Italian Citizen who wishes to apply for permanent residency in Australia must follow certain rules and regulations set out by the Australian government. Irrespective of whether you are an ex-pat living in Italy or a citizen of Italy, you first need to qualify with an eligible occupation. Following this, you need to score the required points within the Australian Expression of Interest (EOI) System. This process is limited to applications for moving to Australia on Skilled Migration. 

One of the first steps would be to obtain an Australian passport. Having an Australian passport can demonstrate your commitment to becoming an Australian citizen and help streamline the entire process for permanent residency. By demonstrating your commitment to the country and meeting the requirements, you may be able to establish a long-term future in Australia.

You can research and determine the best visa category for your situation, such as skilled work visas, migration, a family member, sponsorship, or investment. Then, you can submit your Australian visa application through the Department of Home Affairs website or by submitting different identity documents.

There are some steps involved in applying to become a permanent resident in Australia. These are:

• Identify the occupation currently in demand.
• Have a score of at least 65 points in the Australian Points List
• Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
• Undertake an English Test
• Submit your Expression of Interest
• Receive an Invitation to Apply
• Submit Formal Application
• Complete Police checks
• Complete medical checks
• Receive your permanent residence visa

Permanent Resident Benefits

Once you receive permanent residency in Australia, you can remain in the country indefinitely; work and study in Australia; enroll in the country’s national health scheme; apply for bank loans to buy property; sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence; apply for citizenship; work in New Zealand; and travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits.

Australia Work Visas Costs

Usually, an Australia work visa may be obtained at the cost of 440 AUD. However, there are certain exceptions to this since not all work visas can be obtained through this:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. The costs vary from 1,265 AUD (925 USD) for the short-term stream or 2,645 AUD (1,925 USD) for the medium-term stream.
2. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa. This is usually an extended stay pathway, costing 360 AUD (265 USD).
3. Temporary Work Visa. Except for some circumstances, the general cost for this visa is 310 AUD (225 USD).
4. Distinguished Talent Visa. The cost of obtaining this visa is 4,110 AUD (3,000 USD).

Conclusion

You can get an Australian work permit by applying for an Australian Work visa (please note applying doesn’t guarantee you an Australian work permit) and if you have the talent, skills and ability to improve Australia’s workforce and economy.

You must familiarize yourself with Employment & Labor Law In Australia if you intend to migrate to Australia for work and get an Australian work permit. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Australia easy to get a work visa?

To become qualified for the Australian employment visas, it is important for the applicant to score a minimum of 65 points. Each time a condition is met, the reward is granted to the candidate in the form of points. The points-based migration policy of Australia is similar to Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.

How much money is required for a work permit in Australia?

The above mentioned working visas are priced at 440 AUD (2,485 USD) except for the following: Temporary Skill shortage (Temporal skill shortage Visas) – 1265 AUD (925 USD) for short-term stream or 260 USD. Skilled Regional (Provisionally issued) Visa (longer stay) 360 USD (265 USD); for Temporary work visas 310 AUD (225 USD); and for Distinguished Talent Visas 4,110 AUD (3,000 USD).

What visa allows you to work in Australia?

The most common type of visa is the temporary visa which allows skilled workers in Australia for a period of four years if supported by an approved employer. It must be a requirement that your work experience has relevance to your job in Australia.

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