Skilled migration to Australia
Discuss skilled visa options, skills assessments and nomination requirements in the context of your qualifications and experience.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
A points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or family member.
Key requirements
- Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Meet the points threshold
- Meet age requirements at time of invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
Typical process
- 1Skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority
- 2Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- 3Receive invitation to apply
- 4Lodge visa application with supporting documents
- 5Health and character checks
- 6Visa decision
Documents commonly needed
- Passport and identity documents
- Skills assessment outcome
- English language test results
- Employment references and evidence
- Educational qualifications and transcripts
- Police clearance certificates
Meeting a minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. Processing times and requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Key requirements
- Receive state or territory nomination
- Occupation on the relevant occupation list
- Positive skills assessment
- Meet the points threshold (including nomination points)
- Competent English
Typical process
- 1Skills assessment with the relevant authority
- 2Submit EOI via SkillSelect indicating state nomination
- 3Receive and accept state nomination
- 4Receive invitation to apply
- 5Lodge visa application
- 6Visa decision
Documents commonly needed
- Skills assessment outcome
- State nomination approval
- English language test results
- Employment evidence
- Educational qualifications
- Police clearance certificates
Meeting a minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. Processing times and requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
A points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residence through subclass 191.
Key requirements
- Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in regional Australia
- Occupation on the relevant list
- Meet the points threshold
- Competent English
- Live and work in regional Australia during the visa period
Typical process
- 1Skills assessment
- 2Submit EOI via SkillSelect
- 3Receive nomination or family sponsorship
- 4Receive invitation to apply
- 5Lodge visa application
- 6Visa decision
Documents commonly needed
- Skills assessment outcome
- Nomination or sponsorship evidence
- English language test results
- Employment evidence
- Educational qualifications
- Police clearance certificates
Meeting a minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. Processing times and requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs.