You can certainly get a work visa for 3 months so long as the contract is for at least 30 hours a week and paid at or near the "going rate". Depending on the ANZSCO code for your job, it is likely that as you have more than 5 years relevant work experience, so long as you can prove this, you should be fine. You might be able to apply for a new work visa for a longer period if the contract is extended. There has to be a solid history of contract work and a declaration by the employer that they intend offering a new contract once the current one is expired - then you can try for residence. A permanent job offer would be better though - much more straightforward. Good luck! karen