PARTNERS FAQ – Your Complete Guide


This FAQ is designed to answer all your key questions about our programs, the candidate process, and how we work together. We hope it helps you save time, better support your candidates, and ensure smooth process. If you need anything else, just reach out, we're here to help!

What are my responsibilities as an agent?

As our partner, we rely on you to:

• Inform candidates clearly from the beginning about processing times, fees, and refund policies,

• Assist candidates in collecting and checking documents,

• Pre-screen candidates for eligibility before submitting them for pre-assessment (to avoid unnecessary delays for eligible candidates),

• Respect agreed response timelines — while our workload is heavy, please be assured we never forget your requests, and mutual courtesy in communication is essential.

⚠️ Please note: If agents repeatedly submit unqualified candidates without any pre-checks, AI may reserve the right to pause or terminate the partnership.

Why is it important to use the resume and letter of objectives templates?

To make the pre-assessment process as efficient and accurate as possible, it’s essential that candidates complete the resume and letter of objectives templates we provide.

These documents have been designed to capture all the key information we need to:

• Check eligibility for our programs,

• Evaluate internship potential,

• Ensure candidates are suitable for the 407 visa (if applicable).


When candidates submit resumes in their own format, they often leave out crucial details (e.g., exact dates, job responsibilities, level of education, English test scores). This can result in:

• Delays while we request additional information,

• Misunderstandings or incorrect assessments,

• Or even rejections at the pre-assessment stage.

—> To avoid these issues and save time for everyone involved, please always ensure your candidates complete our templates, available via the Partner Portal.

What are the English level requirements?


Our English requirements are based on both visa regulations and industry expectations, which vary by program type:

Minimum English levels:

English Language Tests (must be taken within 12 months before application or on/after the day of application)

• CELPIP General:  Avg. band ≥ 6

• IELTS Academic or General:  Avg. band ≥ 5.5

• LANGUAGECERT Academic:  Overall ≥ 42–43

• MET:  Overall ≥ 42–43

• OET:  Overall ≥ 1200

• PTE Academic: Overall ≥ 42

• TOEFL iBT:  Total ≥ 46

⚠️ Important Note

Tests such as Duolingo are not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs as valid evidence of English proficiency.

It is therefore essential that all candidates sit one of the approved English tests listed above to ensure their eligibility for the visa and the internship program.

❌ Exemptions:

• All primary education + at least 3 years secondary education in English; OR

• At least 5 years secondary education in English; OR

• At least 1 year full-time study in Australia toward a degree, diploma, associate diploma, or higher degree in English.

What are the payment stages for candidates?

There are three payment stages in our process:

  1. Application Fee (Invoice #1)

    • Covers the collection, sorting, and detailed checking of each document to verify eligibility for our program and for the 407 visa.

    • Non-refundable.

  2. 50% of Program Fees (Invoice #2)

    • Issued once the candidate is accepted into our program.

    • Confirms their intention to proceed with internship.

  3. Remaining 50% of Program Fees + Admin Costs (only for 407 applicants) + Insurance (Invoice #3)

    Paid once the Training Agreement is signed and the candidate is ready for visa lodgment (if applicable).


What do the program fees include?

• Review and improvement of resume & letter of objectives

• Candidate coaching, guidance, and mock interviews

• Internship search, matching, and negotiation with host companies

• Organising and scheduling interviews

• Preparation of a Training Plan

• Preparation of a Training Agreement

• Monitoring & support during the internship

• Issuance of a Certificate of Completion

For candidates applying for a 407 visa, what the Administration Fees include?

• Preparation of a complete visa application,

• Lodgment by a qualified professional,

• Follow-up to ensure best chance of visa approval.


Are program requirements the same as visa requirements?

Not always.

While the 407 visa requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA), we sometimes apply stricter conditions to meet:

• Industry expectations

• Host company needs

This helps ensure candidates have a realistic chance of securing an internship and are not just "technically" eligible for the visa, but also genuinely ready for the workplace.

What is the agent commission?

Agents receive 20% of the program fees for each candidate who joins the program.

If a candidate withdraws during the internship search stage, 50% of the program fees will still be due. In that case, the agent will receive 20% of the first 50% only.

That’s why we encourage you to refer motivated and well-prepared candidates, it benefits everyone!

Once the candidate signs the Training Agreement, agents can send their invoice to: accounts@internships.com.au

💡 Want to add your own commission on top of our fees? No problem! Just let our accounts team know whether you want us to invoice the candidate directly or send everything through you.

What is our refund policy?

We invite you to read our full Terms & Conditions, but here are the key points:

• Application fees are non-refundable under any circumstance.

• Program fees are non-refundable once paid.

• If a candidate withdraws after negotiation has started, they won’t be asked to pay the remaining 50% of the program fees, admin, or insurance costs.

What if the visa is refused?

Unfortunately, as visa decisions are made by the Department Of Home Affairs and outside of our control, we cannot refund fees. Our services (negotiation, preparation, support, etc.) will already have been provided in full. These fees cover a detailed process that involves several team members dedicating significant time and effort. From a business perspective, it’s simply not feasible to alter these fees without affecting the program.

We’ve been successfully operating under this model for nearly 30 years. While we understand this policy may feel strict, candidates must be informed from the very beginning, and we do our best to minimise any risk through a thorough pre-selection process. This ensures that only candidates who are genuinely suitable are submitted and helps reduce the likelihood of visa refusals.

Visa refusals are not in anyone’s interest, they could affect our credibility with the Department of Home Affairs. By carefully assessing candidates upfront, we provide reassurance to your candidates that the process is fair, reliable, and well-managed.

Please remember: this policy is not negotiable, so it’s important to communicate it clearly to your candidates. Our goal is always to support you and candidates as much as possible while maintaining a smooth and effective process.

Are visa refusals common?

No, quite the opposite!

We have a visa success rate well above the national average, thanks to our:

• Strict candidate selection,

• Detailed pre-assessments,

• Careful preparation of each application by a registered migration expert.

⚠️ We do note that some nationalities (Indian, Nepali) receive greater scrutiny from the Department Of Home Affairs, so we apply extra care when assessing those profiles.

Refusal rates vary from year to year, but overall our track record is very strong and reliable.

How long does the internship process take?

It depends on many factors, especially how quickly the candidate and agent can provide documents and respond.

Here's a rough timeline:

  1. Document submission & assessment: 1–3 weeks (depending on responsiveness)

  2. Letter of Acceptance issued: Immediately issued after the assessment for eligible candidates

  3. Internship search: 6–12 weeks on average

  4. Training Agreement signed - Depends on the candidate’s responsivness

  5. 407 visa lodgement (if applicable) - 1 week

  6. Visa processing: At the moment, approx. 10 months. Processing times can change, so we recommend checking the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website regularly.

Where can I find program info, prices, and T&Cs?

All up-to-date information is available:

• On our official website: www.internships.com.au

• Or via your Partner Portal (log in with your partner ID)

What visas can candidates use?

We are an Approved Sponsor by the Department Of Home Affairs (DOHA) for the 407 Training Visa.

For eligible candidates, we:

• Act as sponsor,

• Prepare and lodge the visa application,

• Offer full administrative support through our partner migration professionals.

Internships can be undertaken on several visa types, including:

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) - internship duration limited to 6 months (except in Hospitality)

Student Visa (subclass 500) - during study breaks or after graduation

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

Or any visa with full work permissions

⚠️ For candidates on other visas than the 407 visa, we cannot provide visa advice or assistance. They should consult a registered migration agent or the DOHA website.

 

Can candidates do an internship for academic credits?

Yes, candidates can complete their internship as part of their academic studies and earn credit from their university. If a candidate wishes to pursue this option, please ensure you collect and provide the required documentation from their institution. Our team will liaise directly with the university to make sure all academic paperwork is completed and meets the necessary standards.

⚠️ Important note for candidates applying under the 407 Training Visa:
Due to recent extensions in visa processing times, the candidate’s higher-education institution should provide a letter acknowledging that any potential delay in visa approval has been considered. The letter should confirm that a later start to the internship will not impact the candidate’s academic progress or requirements. This ensures all parties are aware of the situation and that Australian Internships is not responsible for any visa delays.

We encourage agents to guide candidates through this process and communicate clearly with both the institution and our team to ensure a smooth experience.

Can an onshore candidate apply for the 407 visa?

Yes, candidates already in Australia on another visa (e.g. WHV, Student Visa) can apply for the 407 visa. However, it must not be seen as a simple way to extend their stay. A Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) must be demonstrated to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). For example, a candidate with an excellent profile but who has been in Australia for six years moving from one temporary student visa to another may be considered “at risk.”

If my candidate has a lot of professional experience abroad, will they automatically be accepted for a 407 internship?

Not necessarily. If a candidate is too experienced and we cannot demonstrate a clear progression of skills or learning outcomes, the Department of Home Affairs may not see value in granting the visa. Similarly, if they have extensive international experience already, it can be difficult to justify the “training” component. In such cases, opportunities are usually prioritised for candidates who can genuinely benefit from a professional development experience in Australia.

Why is it important that candidates remain employed during the 407 application process?

At the pre-assessment stage, candidates must demonstrate at least 6 months of work experience in their field. This ensures they are already familiar with the industry they are applying for and reassures host companies that the candidate has a solid foundation.

It is also crucial that candidates remain in employment throughout the process until visa submission. Why? Because the Department Of Home Affairs requires evidence of at least 12 months of full-time study or work experience in the past 24 months. Since internship matching and visa preparation can take several months, a candidate who meets this requirement at pre-assessment may no longer meet it later if they stop working.

Remaining employed not only keeps their application compliant with visa requirements but also shows host organisations that the candidate is staying active, gaining more skills, and continuing to invest in their professional growth while waiting.

When is the price list updated?

Our price list is updated every End of Financial Year (EOFY) in Australia, which is in July.

How many interviews can a candidate have?

Candidates have a maximum of three interview opportunities. The host company makes the final selection, not the candidate. If a candidate is unsuccessful in their first interview, we will arrange a second. If they fail again, a third and final opportunity will be provided. Beyond that, we cannot offer additional interviews.

Rest assured, however, that every candidate is well-prepared beforehand by their Internship Program Supervisor (IPS) with coaching, mock interviews, and personalised advice.

Is insurance mandatory?

Yes, all candidates are required to have Personal Liability Insurance for the full duration of their internship. This ensures coverage while they are at work. Many standard Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) policies do not include this type of protection, so it’s important to have the correct insurance in place.

To make the process simple and reliable, all candidates go through our long-term trusted insurance partner, who has supported our interns for many years. Using this partner ensures candidates are fully covered and that the process is smooth and stress-free.

Insurance costs:

• Candidates on their own visa: $10/week (liability insurance only - this is compulsory)

• Candidates under our 407 Training Visa sponsorship: $20/week (includes liability insurance + travel and health coverage)

We also include 5 extra weeks of coverage before and after the internship, so candidates are insured while settling in before their internship or preparing to return home afterwards.

Can a candidate renew their internship with AI?

Yes, renewal is possible, but it is assessed very rigorously on a case-by-case basis. It is entirely at our discretion to approve a second internship, and we must be able to justify the need, demonstrating clear learning progression or increased responsibilities.

While renewal can be considered, it is never guaranteed. For this reason, we generally do not recommend relying on a one-year internship renewal. Instead, for programs that offer a two-year option, we advise candidates to apply directly for the full two years, which is usually the safer and more effective path for career and visa planning.

Is agent commission paid on internship renewals?

Yes, but only if the candidate applies for the renewal through your agency. Commission remains 20% of the program fees. Please note that candidates are free to apply directly for a renewal if they wish, as we do not actively encourage or discourage them in this matter.

Can candidates bring family members to Australia on the 407 visa?

Yes, it is technically possible to apply with dependents, but it can increase the risk of refusal, as the Department Of Home Affairs may perceive this as an intention to migrate permanently. Each case will be assessed individually. Please make sure to indicate clearly at the time of pre-assessment if the candidate intends to bring dependants so we can evaluate the full situation from the start.

 

If you have any other questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out. We value your partnership and are here to support you every step of the way!