General Skilled Migration

All intending migrants interested in the points based skilled migration are required to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. You will then receive an invitation to lodge your visa application. 

To apply for an Australian Visa, you need to find the appropriate type of visa that will be suitable for your qualifications, skills, experience and family composition. Our Migration Agents have the experience to assist you with eligibility requirements. 

• Age – You must be under 45 years of age when you apply.
• English language ability – You must have Competent English (Achieve 6 or higher in IELTS or equivalent).
• Qualifications – You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications. In a small number of occupations, formal training and relevant work experience may be acceptable. Your skills, qualifications and work experience must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation.
• State/Territory Nomination: Depending on the visa subclass you are applying for, a state or territory government nomination might be mandatory. Each state and territory administers its own unique nomination program with specific eligibility criteria.
• Nominated occupation – When you apply, you must nominate an occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• Skill assessment – Have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
• SkillSelect – Applicants will need to go through the SkillSelect system. This involves first making an Expression of Interest, satisfying the points test and receiving an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs. 

If you are not able to satisfy these basic requirements, you should not continue with a general skilled migration application as your application will not meet the legal requirements to be granted, however, there may be other options available, such as an employer sponsored visa. The best way to assess this, is to book a consultation with our experienced Migration Agents. 

Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) – This visa is a permanent visa for people with skills in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not required to be sponsored by a relative or a State/Territory Government.

Skilled Sponsored (Subclass 190) – This is a permanent visa which requires nomination by a State or Territory Government.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 – This visa is a five (5) year provisional visa for people who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent skilled visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have been living and working for three (3) years in a designated regional area in Australia. You must be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or obtain nomination from a participating State or Territory government agency.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Subclass 191 – A permanent visa for Subclass 491 visa holders who have lived for three (3) years in a designated regional area in Australia and who have been living and working for three (3) years in a designated regional area in Australia.

Skilled Regional Sponsored (Subclass 489 – closed to new applications from 16 November 2019) – This visa is a four (4) year provisional visa for people who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent skilled visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have lived for two (2) years, and worked at least 12 months, in a Specified Regional Area of Australia. You must be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or obtain nomination from a participating State or Territory government agency. Covid concessions may apply.

Skilled Regional (Residence) (Subclass 887) – A permanent visa for Subclass 489 visa holders who have lived for at least two (2) years and worked for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area in Australia. Covid concessions may apply.

Skilled Graduate (Subclass 485) – This is a temporary visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia for 18 months (Graduate Work Stream) or up to 4 years (Post-Study Work Stream) to gain skilled work experience or improve their English language skills. This visa has no restrictions on work, study and travel.

Skilled Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476) -This is an 18 month temporary visa for graduates of recognised overseas educational institutions who have skills in demand in Australia. This visa allows recent graduates of selected overseas universities to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in occupations in demand in Australia.