Introduction
Thinking about building your career in Australia while living in Dubai? You’re not alone. Thousands of skilled professionals from the UAE dream of making the move to Australia each year. The first step to achieving that dream is applying for an Australia work visa from Dubai. Whether you’re in IT, healthcare, engineering, or hospitality, Australia offers a wide range of visa options to skilled workers. But before you jump into the application, you need to understand the types of work visas, eligibility, costs, and process from Dubai.
Understanding the Basics of Australia Work Visa from Dubai
The Australian government offers several work visa subclasses, and the one you apply for depends on your job profile, experience, and whether you have employer sponsorship. The most popular option is the Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, which allows Dubai-based professionals to work in Australia if an Australian employer sponsors them. Another pathway is the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) for skilled workers who do not need sponsorship.
To apply from Dubai, you’ll need to get your skills assessed by the relevant Australian authority, provide proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS or PTE), and lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect portal. Once invited, you can submit a full visa application.
What Are the Main Requirements for Dubai Applicants?
Applying for an Australia work visa from Dubai involves a strict checklist of documents and criteria. First, you need to have a job listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list keeps changing, so always check the latest version. Then comes the skills assessment, where a recognized authority like ACS (for IT professionals) or Engineers Australia (for engineers) will verify your qualifications and experience.
You must also prove your English language skills, usually with an IELTS score of at least 6 in each band, though higher scores improve your chances. Other key requirements include medical checks, police clearance certificates from Dubai, and proof of sufficient funds. If you’re applying under a points-based visa like Subclass 189 or 190, you need to score at least 65 points on the points test — based on age, education, experience, and language ability.
Key Requirements for Australia Work Visa
Here’s a detailed bullet-style summary of the major requirements:
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Valid Occupation on SOL: Your job must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. For example, software engineers, nurses, and chefs are often in high demand.
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Skills Assessment by Approved Authority: Depending on your field, you must get your qualifications and experience validated by an Australian assessing body like ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, etc.
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English Language Proficiency (IELTS/PTE): A mandatory test. Minimum IELTS score of 6 in each band (reading, writing, speaking, listening), but higher scores increase your points.
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EOI & Points Test (Minimum 65 Points): You must submit an Expression of Interest and score at least 65 points to be considered for a visa invitation.
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Health, Character, and Financial Proofs: Medical exams, police clearance from UAE authorities, and proof you can support yourself financially during the initial period in Australia.
Costs Involved in Applying for an Australia Work Visa from Dubai
Cost is always an important factor when planning international migration. Applying for an Australia work visa from Dubai involves both direct and indirect expenses. The application fee for Subclass 189/190 is around AUD 4,640 (approximately AED 11,000–12,000) for the primary applicant. Adding a spouse or children will increase the cost further. For Subclass 482, the fee may vary depending on the position and duration.
Besides visa fees, you’ll also need to budget for skills assessment costs, which range from AED 800 to AED 2,000 depending on the assessing body. English tests like IELTS or PTE cost around AED 1,200, while medical exams and police clearance can cost another AED 800–1,000. If you’re using a migration agent or consultant in Dubai, they may charge service fees between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Let’s look at a breakdown of the typical costs involved:
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Visa Application Fee (AED 11,000–12,000): The official charge by the Australian immigration department for skilled visa applications.
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Skills Assessment Fee (AED 800–2,000): This varies by profession and the assessing body. It’s a one-time, non-refundable fee.
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English Test Fee (AED 1,200+): IELTS or PTE is mandatory unless you’re from an English-speaking country. Booking in advance helps avoid peak pricing.
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Medical and Police Checks (AED 800–1,000): Required for all applicants to ensure health and character eligibility. UAE police clearance can be done online.
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Agent or Consultancy Charges (AED 3,000–7,000): Optional but helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with visa processes or want higher success chances.
Timeline and Process for Getting an Australia Work Visa
From Dubai, the typical processing time for an Australian work visa depends on the visa subclass. Subclass 189 or 190 may take 6–10 months, while Subclass 482 can be processed in 1–3 months, especially for high-demand occupations. After submitting your Expression of Interest, you’ll wait for an invitation. Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a full visa application.
During this period, make sure all your documents — from educational transcripts to experience letters — are up to date. Many applicants in Dubai also seek professional help to draft a perfect EOI and skill assessment file, reducing delays. You’ll also need to undergo biometric enrollment at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Dubai.
Also Read: How to Get Australia Visit Visa from Dubai 2025
Conclusion
Securing an Australia work visa from Dubai is not just about paperwork — it’s about timing, planning, and meeting every single requirement with accuracy. With the right preparation and realistic budgeting, moving to Australia for work can become more than just a dream. From the skills assessment to final approval, every step requires focus, patience, and often, professional guidance.
Start by checking if your job is on the Skilled Occupation List, then build your file step-by-step. Whether you’re applying independently or through a migration consultant, being aware of the full cost and timeline will keep you better prepared. Australia awaits — and your journey can start right from Dubai.
FAQ About Australia Work Visa From Dubai
Q1: How can I get an Australian work visa from Dubai?
Ans: You can apply online through the Australian immigration website by selecting the right work visa stream and submitting the required documents and fees.
Q2: How many days will it take to get Australia work visa?
Ans: Processing time varies by visa type, but it typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on application completeness and workload.
Q3: Can I apply for a job in Australia from Dubai?
Ans: Yes, you can apply for jobs online through Australian job portals or company websites, and then apply for a relevant work visa once you receive a job offer.
Q4: How much bank balance is required for Australia work visa?
Ans: While there’s no fixed amount, it’s recommended to show AUD 5,000–10,000 to cover initial expenses and prove financial stability.
Q5: How to get an Australian work visa from Dubai?
Ans: Choose the appropriate visa (e.g., Subclass 482 or 186), secure a job offer, and apply online with supporting documents through the DHA portal.
Q6: Can I apply for a job in Australia from Dubai?
Ans: Yes, many employers in Australia hire skilled workers from overseas, and you can apply directly on platforms like SEEK or LinkedIn.
Q7: How do I qualify for an Australian work visa?
Ans: You need skills in demand, a valid job offer or nomination, relevant qualifications, and meet health, character, and English language requirements.
Q8: How much money is required for an Australia work visa?
Ans: Visa fees range from AUD 300 to AUD 4,000, depending on the visa type, excluding costs for medicals, police checks, and other paperwork.