Skilled Migration Pathway to Australia
Permanent residency through your skills and qualifications with Australia's General Skilled Migration program.
Skilled Migration Visa Options
Australia offers several pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency based on their qualifications and experience.
Need Help Choosing a Visa?
Free Visa AssessmentSubclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Permanent residency visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family member.
Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
Permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 491 (Regional Visa)
Provisional visa for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia, with pathway to PR.
Benefits of Skilled Migration
Permanent Residency
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely with access to Medicare and social security benefits.
Family Inclusion
Include eligible family members in your application (partner and dependent children).
Citizenship Pathway
Eligible for Australian citizenship after 4 years (including 1 year as PR).
Freedom to Work
Work for any employer in Australia in any occupation (no restrictions).
Points Test Requirements
Minimum 65 Points
Must score at least 65 points (higher scores increase invitation chances)
Age (25-32 years)
Maximum 30 points for age 25-32 years (points decrease with age)
English Proficiency
Up to 20 points for superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent)
Skilled Employment
Up to 20 points for 8+ years overseas experience in nominated occupation
Qualifications
Up to 20 points for PhD or 15 points for bachelor/master degree
Other Factors
Points for Australian study, regional study, partner skills, professional year, etc.
Application Process
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Submit EOI
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect with your points score and details.
Receive Invitation
If selected, receive an invitation to apply (based on points score and occupation ceilings).
Lodge Visa Application
Submit complete visa application within 60 days of invitation with all required documents.
Processing Times:
- Skills Assessment: 1-3 months
- EOI to Invitation: 1-12 months
- Visa Processing: 6-12 months
- Total Process: 8-24 months
Skilled Occupation Lists
Your occupation must be on one of Australia's skilled occupation lists to qualify for skilled migration.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
For Subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas - occupations in high demand nationally
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
For Subclass 190 and 491 visas only - occupations in demand short-term
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Additional occupations available for regional visas (Subclass 491)
Skills Assessment
Each occupation has a specific assessing authority with unique requirements
Annual Updates
Lists are reviewed annually, with occupations added or removed based on labor market needs
Skilled Migration Assessment
Find out if you qualify for skilled migration. Our experts will assess your eligibility and contact you.
Common Questions
What's the minimum points score?
65 points is the minimum, but higher scores are more competitive.
How long does EOI take?
Invitations are issued monthly, wait times vary by occupation.
Can I include family?
Yes, partner and dependent children can be included.
Visa Comparison
| Feature | 189 | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | PR | PR | Provisional |
| Sponsorship | None | State | State/Relative |
| Points Bonus | - | 5 points | 15 points |
| PR Pathway | Immediate | Immediate | After 3 years |