Oil and Gas Migration Solutions
For specialist advice, speak to Interstaff about visa and sponsorship options for Oil and Gas.
Oil and Gas industry employers face distinct workforce challenges—tight project timelines, specialised skill requirements, and operations in remote or offshore locations.
The sector demands rapid mobilisation of engineers, technicians, and project managers for maintenance, exploration activities and shutdowns.
Workforce shortages, particularly in niche roles, can delay contract execution and impact safety compliance.
Australia’s skilled migration program enables Oil and Gas employers to tap into a global talent pool to maintain operational continuity when local expertise is limited.
Key Visas used in the Oil and Gas Sector
To assist businesses with understanding visas commonly used by the Oil and Gas sector, Interstaff has prepared a comparative analysis based on our industry experience.
400 Specialist Work Visa
Short-Term Work Visa
How it Meets Oil and Gas Needs
Suits urgent project needs such as commissioning, inspections, repairs and shutdowns.
Compliant visa for Offshore Resources Activities Act.
Relatively fast processing.
3 to 6 month visa periods.
Business Visitor Visas
Short-Term Business Travel Visas
How it Meets Oil and Gas Needs
Allows visits for meetings, site inspections, and short-term business tasks.
482 Skills in Demand Visa
Temporary Employer-Sponsored Visa
How it Meets Oil and Gas Needs
Enables access to skilled professionals such as engineers and technicians on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
186 Permanent Visa
Sponsored Permanent Residence
How it Meets Oil and Gas Needs
The 186 Visa Transition stream helps retain existing workers.
The 186 Visa Direct Entry stream provides Permanent Residence without prior sponsorship.
Oil and Gas Labour Insights
Short-term workforce needs are often met using Subclass 400 Visas. This visa offers flexibility for project-based assignments, technical installations, and consultancy where niche expertise is essential.
For longer-term workforce needs, employers frequently rely on regional migration pathways such as the Subclass 494 Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).
The 494 Visa and DAMAs can be utilised for work in remote and regional operations such as processing plants, refineries, pipeline infrastructure, and exploration or drilling sites.
Oil and Gas Migration Specialists
Interstaff understands offshore workforce demands of the Oil and Gas industry, including employing foreign nationals on vessels in Australian waters.
Interstaff mobilises specialised talent for remote Oil and Gas operations, and helps employers navigate regional migration pathways for exploration, drilling, and production sites.
Most businesses in the Oil and Gas sector know what roles they need – what’s harder is keeping the process compliant under pressure.
We advise on eligibility and sponsorship obligations while tracking regulatory changes that affect staffing. Clients can expect advice that reduces uncertainty and keeps workforce plans on track.
Interstaff has delivered immigration solutions to the Oil and Gas sector for over three decades.
STRATEGISE
Assess and Strategise:
Visa Strategy
We help businesses navigate sponsorship and visa options for faster and more confident hiring decisions.
We support businesses by:
- Reviewing hard-to-fill roles and workforce needs
- Assessing sponsorship and visa eligibility
- Developing visa strategies aligned with expected employee start dates and project timelines
- Providing guidance on compliance matters
APPLY
Apply and Comply:
Visa and Sponsorship Management
We provide clarity and consistency throughout the application process, allowing projects to move forward without unnecessary delays.
We support businesses by:
- Advising on key requirements and obligations
- Managing sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications, including complex cases
- Providing clear reporting, allowing oversight of multiple visa holders and obligations
- Keeping you and your employees informed at all stages
GROW
Retain and Grow:
Staying Compliant and Future-Ready
We help businesses align skilled migration with their broader workforce strategy to boost stability, retain global talent, and support long-term growth.
Our support includes:
- Compliance advice during business or employment changes
- Advice on upcoming visa expiries
- Permanent Residence pathway mapping
- Advice on developing audit-ready reports
- Post-visa support for employees and their families
- Ongoing training on immigration policy impacts
Experience and Insights
Explore more about how we work, our industry experience and insights.
400 Visas and Urgent Oil and Gas Repair and Maintenance
Skills in Demand Visa
Subclass 482
Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Subclass 494