Secure Your Future in Australia with a Skilled Migration Visa

Australia is a land of opportunity, offering skilled professionals a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Visa program. If you have the qualifications, experience, and skills in demand, you may be eligible for one of the following visas:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)

These visas allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently or on a provisional basis, leading to permanent residency. Learn more about the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process to start your journey today.

What is the Skilled Migration Visa?

The Skilled Migration Visa is designed for professionals with skills that Australia needs. It enables eligible individuals to migrate and contribute to the country’s workforce. These visas are points-tested and require applicants to meet specific criteria, including age, English proficiency, work experience, and occupation eligibility.

Benefits of a Skilled Migration Visa:

• Permanent residency for eligible applicants
• Work and live in Australia with full rights
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsorship options for family members
• Pathways to professional growth and stability

Visa Options Under Skilled Migration

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

This is a permanent visa for skilled workers who do not require a nomination from an Australian state or employer.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• Must receive an invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
• Score at least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test
• Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
• Meet the required English language proficiency level

Application Process:

1. Check if your occupation is on the MLTSSL
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
3. Receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs
4. Lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation
5. Provide required documents, including skills assessment, English test results, and work experience proof
6. Wait for a decision (processing times vary based on application volume)

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

A permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated by a state or territory government
• Occupation must be on the state’s skilled occupation list
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply
• Score at least 65 points on the points test (state nomination adds 5 points)
• Be under 45 years old
• Meet health and character requirements

Additional Benefits:

• Extra 5 points for state nomination
• Faster processing times due to state involvement
• Access to employment opportunities in high-demand sectors

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

A 5-year visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a regional state or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated by a state/territory or have a sponsor in regional Australia
• Must meet the occupation requirements on the Regional Occupation List
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and score 65 points
• Be under 45 years old
• Commit to living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years

Benefits of the 491 Visa:

• Extra 15 points for regional nomination
• Pathway to PR after 3 years through the Subclass 191 visa
• Access to regional incentives, including priority processing and support

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) allows individuals holding a qualifying visa who have lived for at least 3 years in a designated regional area and who have also earned the specified income amount, to reside permanently in Australia. The visa can include eligible members of your family. You do not need a sponsor or be nominated for this visa.

The announced minimum requirements for this visa are set out below:

You must:

• hold a qualifying visa for at least 3 years prior to the visa application as listed below
  
  • subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa; or
  • subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
• have complied with the conditions of the qualifying visa while in Australia (as detailed above), including any family members holding the same qualifying visa as a dependent
• have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years on a qualifying visa (as detailed above)
• have earned an Australian taxable income of at least the income threshold specified, for at least three years while holding your qualifying visa
• have functional English or pay the second visa application charge
• meet relevant health and character criteria, including any family members holding the same qualifying visa as a dependent

NOTES:

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) has no minimum income threshold. However, applicants must demonstrate a stable income over three years by providing notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for at least three of the five years they held their eligible 491 or 494 visa.

How We Can Help You

Navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex, but our team can guide you through the entire process. Our services include:

• Eligibility Assessment
• EOI Submission & Strategy Planning
• State Nomination Applications
• Document Preparation & Visa Lodgement
• Post-Visa Settlement Support