If you want an honest, safe job in a factory in Australia, this guide shows the easiest way, the rules you must meet, and where to get real help — in plain words.
Short summary (in one line)
Australia now uses the “Skills in Demand” rules for employer-sponsored work visas. Wages and checks are higher to protect workers. Some regions (like the Northern Territory) have special programs to help employers hire overseas workers. If you are treated badly at work, there are new protections that help you stay in Australia while you make a complaint. 0
Who this article is for
People who are thinking of going to Australia to work in factories (assembly, packing, machine work, food processing, etc.). This is for people from any country who need clear steps and safe places to get help.
Big things to know —
- Different visa name: The old “TSS” visa changed into the Skills in Demand visa. Your employer usually must sponsor you.
- Pay rule: Employers must offer a minimum yearly pay (to stop under-paying). In 2025 that minimum was raised — employers often need to pay at least about AUD 76,515 for many sponsored jobs. This means lower-paid factory roles may be harder to sponsor unless a special program applies.
- Special region programs (e.g. NT DAMA): If the job is in a region with a labour shortage, employers can use a local agreement (DAMA) that gives more flexible rules. Northern Territory has a new DAMA (NT DAMA III) for 2025–2030.
- Help if you’re exploited: If your employer cheats or exploits you, there is a temporary visa (Workplace Justice Visa pilot) and other protections so you can make a claim without losing your right to stay short term. Report problems to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Requirements & qualifications (what you usually need)
Note: exact rules depend on the job, the employer, and whether your job is on a special list (like DAMA). Always check the official pages.
- Job offer from a real Australian employer who is willing to sponsor you.
- Enough pay — the employer usually must meet the minimum income rules (e.g., TSMIT / CSIT).
- Skills or experience: For many factory roles, employers want at least some work experience or vocational certificates (e.g., Certificate III in a relevant trade, or hands-on experience).
- Age & health checks: You may need a health check and criminal background check (police check) depending on the visa.
- English: Some roles require basic English. If the job is under a DAMA, there may be English concessions for some positions.
- Proof your employer tried to hire locally: Employers often must show they looked for Australian workers first (advertising the job, interviews, etc.).
Legit agencies and help — who to trust
Use only official or registered helpers. Here are safe places:
- Department of Home Affairs (official visa rules): the main government site for visas and lists of occupations (search “Skills in Demand”).
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA / MARA): check the register to find a registered migration agent. Only use agents listed here.
- Fair Work Ombudsman: for workplace rights, how to report wage theft or exploitation, and how to get help.
- Local state/territory DAMA offices: if a job is in a DAMA region (like NT DAMA), the local DAMA office helps employers and workers.
- Reputable community groups & unions: migrant worker support organisations and unions can help you if you are paid badly or treated unfairly (search “migrant worker support Australia” or contact Fair Work).
Easy way — step by step
- Find a real job offer from an Australian factory. Ask the employer for a written job offer.
- Check the employer: ask if they will sponsor you and if they are using a registered migration agent. If they name an agent, check that agent on the OMARA register.
- Ask about pay: make sure the yearly pay meets the minimum for sponsored visas (many need around AUD 76,515 in 2025). If pay is too low, the employer may not be able to sponsor.
- Gather papers: passport, work history, any certificates, and a clear job offer letter. Get police and health checks if asked.
- Apply for the visa: the employer or their registered agent lodges the nomination and your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Use a MARA-registered agent if you pay for help.
- Travel & start work: if visa is approved, travel to Australia, keep all documents, and keep copies of payslips and contracts.
What to do if your employer treats you badly
You have rights. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or a migrant worker help group. There is a pilot visa (Workplace Justice Visa) to allow some exploited workers to stay and take legal action. Keep payslips, photos, messages, and any proof.
Quick tips to stay safe
- Never pay large fees to an agent before checking they are registered on OMARA.
- Keep copies of every document and every payslip.
- If you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your country’s local Australian embassy for advice.
- Don’t sign a document you cannot read — ask someone you trust or a registered agent to explain it.
Where to find official help (short list)
- Department of Home Affairs — visa rules and lists (search “Skills in Demand visa”).
- OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority) — check agents.
- Fair Work Ombudsman — report wage theft and get help.
- Northern Territory DAMA page — if your job is in NT and uses DAMA.
- Workplace Justice Visa info — read the pilot rules and eligibility.
If you want, I can make a short flyer or Facebook post version of this guide, or write the same article in Tagalog, Bahasa, or plain Filipino language for your readers.
This article is based on official Australian government pages and recent public updates about visas, income thresholds, DAMA programs, and worker protections. For exact rules for your job, always check the Department of Home Affairs and ask a MARA-registered migration agent.
