Skilled Migration
Australia’s skilled migration program plays a crucial role in supporting the nation’s economy by addressing skills shortages across a wide range of industries. Through this program, qualified workers can apply for visas that provide temporary or permanent residency. The most common pathways fall under the points-tested Skilled Independent, State/Territory Nominated, and Regional Skilled categories.
To qualify for skilled migration, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have their occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Meet English language requirements (typically Competent English)
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select
- Receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa for highly skilled workers who do not require employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination. This visa is ideal for individuals with strong skills, qualifications, and work experience in occupations that are in national demand.
Key Features:
- Grants permanent residency from the date of issue
- Allows full work and study rights
- Provides access to Medicare
- Enables eligible applicants to sponsor relatives
- Offers a pathway to Australian citizenship
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Hold a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- Have at least Competent English
- Meet the points test threshold
- Be invited to apply through Skill Select
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa offers permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Each state publishes its own occupation list and nomination criteria, often reflecting local workforce shortages.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency visa
- Mandatory state/territory nomination (adds 5 points)
- Requires commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Full work, study, and Medicare rights
- Pathway to citizenship
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Hold a suitable skills assessment
- Have at least Competent English
- Receive a nomination from a state or territory
- Meet the points test
- Receive an invitation to apply
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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa encourages skilled migrants to settle in regional Australia, supporting regional economic growth.
Key Features:
- A provisional visa valid for 5 years
- Requires either:
- State/territory nomination (adds 15 points), or
- Sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a regional area
- Allows you to live, work, and study in regional Australia
- Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years
You must:
- Be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative
- Have an occupation on a relevant Skilled Occupation List
- Hold a suitable skills assessment
- Have at least Competent English
- Meet points test requirements
- Receive an invitation to apply