Australia holds strong appeal among young graduates from Pakistan and for good reason.
The country offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Its renowned education system attracts students from around the world, providing a diverse and enriching learning experience.
Additionally, Australia’s robust economy and stable job market make it an ideal destination for young professionals eager to kickstart their careers.
The 476 visa Australia specifically caters to recent engineering graduates, offering them a unique chance to gain hands-on work experience in their field.
Moreover, Australia’s diverse culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vibrant cities offer an exceptional quality of life.
These factors, combined make Australia a highly beneficial destination for young graduates from Pakistan looking to build a brighter future.
In this post, we will provide everything you need to know about 476 Visa Australia from Pakistan, its requirements, processing times, and cost.
476 Visa Australia
The 476 Visa, also known as the Skilled—Recognized Graduate Visa, is a temporary visa for recent engineering graduates from recognized institutions outside Australia. It allows eligible candidates to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months.
476 Visa Processing Time
Visa processing times can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications and the completeness of your application. It’s important to be prepared for potentially lengthy processing times.
| 75% of applications | 14 Months |
| 90% of applications | 17 Months |
476 Visa Australia Requirements
To be eligible for the 476 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
1- English Proficiency:
Applicants for the 476 Visa need to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
It is typically done by taking an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
The specific language proficiency score required may vary.
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | At least score 6.0 overall.
At least score 5.0 in each of 4 parts. |
| TOEFL IBT | At least score 64 points in total.
Minimum score: Reading: 4 Listening: 4 Writing: 14 Speaking: 14 |
| Pearson Test of English Academy (PTE Academy) | At least score 50 points.
At least score 36 points in each of 4 parts. |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least score B in each of 4 parts. |
| Cambridge English (CAE) | At least score 169 points in total.
At least score 154 points in each of 4 parts. |
2- Qualification Criteria:
One of the fundamental requirements for the 476 Visa is that applicants must have completed a recognized engineering qualification at the bachelor’s level or higher within the past two years.
The qualification must be in a field of engineering specified by the Australian government. It’s essential to verify that your degree aligns with the specified engineering fields to meet their criterion.
3- Recognition of Qualification:
Your engineering qualification must be obtained from an institution that is recognized by the Australian government.
You can easily find a list of recognized institutions and programs on the Department of Home Affairs website.
4- Health Checks:
As part of the visa application process, you and any family members included in your application may be required to undergo medical examinations. It is to ensure that you meet the health requirements for entry into Australia.
5- Character Checks:
You must also meet character requirements. It involves providing police clearance certificates from all the countries you have lived in for a specified period, typically the last ten years. To ensure that you do not have a criminal record that could affect your eligibility for the visa.
476 Visa Australia Application Process
Below are the complete details of the application process for 476 Visa Australia;
1- Expression of Interest (EOI):
The application process for the 476 Visa begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you provide information about your qualifications, skills, and background.
Related Article: How to write an expression of interest.
2- Invitation to Apply:
If you meet the eligibility criteria and there are available places for visa 476, you may receive an invitation to apply. It’s essential to ensure that all the information in your EOI is accurate and up to date to increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
3- Visa Application:
Once you receive an invitation, you can proceed to apply for the 476 Visa online. During this stage, you will be required to provide various documents such as;
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- English language proficiency results
- Valid skills assessment.
4- Work and Study:
One of the key advantages of the 476 Visa is that it allows you to work, study, and travel freely within Australia during its validity period. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical work experience in your field of engineering and further your education.
5- No Extension or Permanent Residency:
It’s important to note that the 476 Visa does not allow for an extension beyond the initial 18-month period, and it does not lead to permanent residency in Australia.
However, while in Australia, you can explore other visa options that may lead to permanent residency if you wish to continue living and working in the country.
Related Article: Immigration in Australia
6- Health Insurance:
It is advisable to have health insurance during your stay in Australia, as you are not eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) under a 476 visa in Australia.
7- Compliance with Visa Conditions:
Ensure you comply with all visa conditions, including departing Australia before your visa expires.
Keep in mind that immigration policies and visa requirements may change over time. Always consult the official Department of Home Affairs website or seek guidance from a qualified migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the 476 Visa for Australia.
476 Visa Costs and Fees
The visa application fee for a 476 Visa Australia is AUD410. However, if you plan to include additional family members in your application, you will incur additional visa charges for each family member you include, making the overall cost higher.
If you have any further questions about 476 Visa Australia or finding a reliable immigration provider, contact Treklaw.
Treklaw is your trusted partner in immigration, who specializes in relieving you of the legal obligations and complexities associated with securing a visa.
Our team of expert attorneys is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients. You can explore the extensive resources and on-demand services we offer to streamline your visa application process.
Specifically, Treklaw is here to assist you in obtaining your 476 Visa for Australia, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey through the immigration process.