Australia is preparing to introduce a new six-month short-term work visa by the end of 2025, as the nation continues to face critical workforce shortages across agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and aged care. This proposed visa aims to offer a fast, flexible and simplified pathway for foreign workers, students, and temporary migrants while helping Australian employers fill urgent staffing gaps.
This short-term visa would mark one of the most significant reforms in Australia’s temporary migration framework—designed to be quicker, easier, and far more accessible than long-term skilled visa programs.
Why Australia Plans to Introduce a Short-Term Work Visa
In 2025, labour shortages in Australia have intensified, particularly during seasonal and high-demand periods. Industries dependent on casual, seasonal, and short-term workers have repeatedly requested a streamlined visa model to reduce lengthy paperwork and delays.
Australia needs this visa because:
- Agriculture and regional work suffer major workforce shortages
- Construction and infrastructure projects lack timely labour
- Hospitality and tourism industries face peak-season vacancies
- Aged care and support services are struggling to recruit staff
The proposed six-month visa mirrors efficient models already used in Canada and New Zealand, where temporary job roles are filled quickly without the complexities of long-stay visas.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for the 6-Month Australian Work Visa
While official guidelines are still under review, early reports suggest that applicants will likely need to meet the following criteria:
✔ A valid job offer from an approved Australian employer
This ensures positions are filled genuinely and responsibly.
✔ Basic health and character requirements
✔ Age eligibility (likely 18 to 45 years)
✔ Priority to countries with labour mobility agreements
Such as Pacific Island nations, India, UK, Southeast Asia, and partner countries.
The government may also allow:
- International students already in Australia
- Temporary visa holders (like visitor, WHV, bridging visas)
to switch into the 6-month work visa category without leaving the country.
This would make it attractive for backpackers, travellers, and skilled workers seeking short-term Australian work experience.
Duration, Conditions & Work Rights
The proposed visa will likely allow:
⏳ Stay Duration: Up to 6 months
Extensions may be possible under limited circumstances.
🔄 Changing Employers
Workers may be allowed to switch employers within approved industries without breaching visa rules.
🛡 Safeguard for Australian workers
Employers must show that no suitable local worker was available before hiring a foreign candidate.
The aim is to address labour shortages—not replace the domestic workforce.
Benefits for Foreign Workers
The new short-term visa offers major advantages, including:
✔ Gain Australian work experience
Highly valued globally and helpful for future PR pathways.
✔ Earn attractive wages
Australia offers some of the world’s highest minimum wages.
✔ Simple documentation
Much easier than long-term skilled visa programs.
✔ Opportunity to travel while working
Perfect for backpackers, students, and seasonal workers.
✔ Faster visa processing
Ensures industries can hire workers quickly when shortages peak.
For many applicants, this could become the easiest entry point to Australian labour markets in years.
Economic Impact: Why This Visa Matters for Australia
Forecasts indicate Australia will continue to face skill and labour shortages through mid-2026. The six-month visa aims to:
- Boost economic productivity
- Reduce seasonal workforce shortages
- Support regional employers
- Strengthen tourism and hospitality sectors
- Improve agricultural output, especially during harvest seasons
The government intends to balance economic needs with labour protections, ensuring fair working conditions and responsible hiring practices.
When Will the Visa Launch?
The proposal is expected to progress further by mid-2025, with possible pilot testing in late 2025.
If approved, it may become one of the most influential migration reforms of 2025, opening the door for global workers while supporting Australia’s labour market stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new Australian 6-month work visa?
A proposed temporary visa allowing foreign workers to stay and work in Australia for up to six months to fill workforce shortages.
2. When will the visa be introduced?
The government aims to finalise and potentially launch the visa before the end of 2025.
3. Who can apply for the visa?
Applicants with a job offer from an approved employer who meet health, character, and eligibility requirements.
4. Can workers change employers under this visa?
Yes, within approved industries and provided it does not displace local workers.
5. Which industries will benefit most?
Agriculture, construction, hospitality, tourism, and aged care sectors