Exchange

Introduction

The Exchange visa (Subclass 411) is designed for skilled people who wish to work in Australia on a temporary basis to broaden their experience and skills. The visa is a reciprocal arrangement that allows Australian residents similar opportunities abroad. The aim of the visa is to promote cultural awareness, enhance international relations, and provide valuable experience and knowledge for participants.

There is no charge for this visa if applying from abroad. However, a non-refundable visa charge of AUD $190 is applicable if applying from within the country.

Foreigners who come to Australia under the Exchange visa can live and work in the country for a maximum of two years or for the period of exchange, whatever is earlier. Spouses, dependent children, and other dependent relatives may accompany the visa recipient to Australia for the period of the visa.

The visa holder must notify the department of immigration of any changes in circumstances that may breach the visa conditions, such as termination of employment with the organization in relation to which the visa was granted.

If an Exchange visa holder wishes to extend their stay while in Australia, they will be required to complete a new application and attach appropriate evidence.

Please contact us for more information on how to apply for this visa.

Exchange Visa Classes

There are two classes of Exchange visas: Staff exchange and Government to government.

Staff Exchange

To come to Australia under a staff Exchange visa, the following must apply:

• the position the applicant will be working in must be skilled
• an Australian must have an opportunity for experience in an overseas organization
• the same position as that currently held by the Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, or an equivalent position, must be available to the resident on the completion of the exchange
• the exchange must benefit the applicant and the Australian resident

Work Rights

A staff Exchange visa holder must be employed or engaged in Australia in accordance with the standards for wages and working conditions provided for under relevant Australian legislation and awards.

Government to Government

To come to Australia under a under a government to government agreement Exchange visa, the following must apply:

• the department must be satisfied that the application meets the requirements of the agreement
• the applicant must provide evidence that their stay in Australia under the agreement has been agreed to by the relevant government authorities in Australia and the other country

Work Rights

A government to government Exchange visa holder must be employed in accordance to the requirements of the agreement.

Family members

The following family members are allowed to be included in an Exchange visa application:

• spouses
• dependent children
• other dependent relatives that live with the applicant

Spouse

A spouse is a person to whom the applicant is married or is in a de facto relationship with the applicant.

Dependent child

A dependent child is the applicant or applicant's spouse's natural or adopted child or step-child, who:

• is not married or engaged to be married, or in a de facto relationship
• has not turned 18 or
• if they have turned 18, is a full-time student, or is incapacitated for work

Other dependent relatives

Other relatives may be included in the application if they are wholly or substantially reliant on the applicant for financial support for their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing and they have been reliant on the applicant for that support for a substantial period.

They must also be more reliant on the applicant for support than on any other person or source. A relative may also be considered dependent on the applicant if they are reliant on the applicant for financial support because they have a mental or physical disability which stops them from earning a living to support themselves.

Other relatives dependent of the applicant or their spouse may include, for example, an aged, unmarried relative.

Obligations

Applicants granted an Exchange visa must not do any of the following:

• cease to be employed by the employer in relation to which the visa was granted
• work in a position or occupation inconsistent with the position or occupation in relation to which the visa was granted
• engage in work for another person or self-employment in relation to which the visa was granted

In any other case, applicants granted an Exchange visa must not do the following:

• cease to undertake the activity in relation to which the visa was granted
• engage in an activity inconsistent with the activity in relation to which the visa was granted
• engage in work for another person or self-employment inconsistent with which the visa was granted

Family Member Obligations

A family member:

• can enter Australia with the visa holder, or after
• can leave Australia with the visa holder, or before
• must intend to remain a member of the family unit

Health Insurance and Health Requirements

Private health insurance is available for applicants and is strongly recommended but is not a requirement for granting of the visa.

However, certain health requirements must be met and applicants may be required to undergo a health examination. All costs related to health examinations are the responsibility of the applicant.

Health examinations generally depend on the applicant's circumstances, intended activities in Australia, and the country of origin or residence of the applicant.

Applicants will be required to undergo a health examination if:

• the applicant is likely to enter a hospital or other health care environment
• the applicant is likely to enter a classroom environment, including preschool, crèche, and child care institutions
• the applicant is known or suspected of having a medical condition, regardless of their length of stay
• the applicant is aged 70 years or older
• there are indications that the applicant may not meet certain the health requirement