Skilled Migration Australia

Thinking about migrating to Australia as a skilled worker? Australia’s skilled migration program offers several pathways for qualified professionals, tradespeople, and skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently or on a pathway to permanent residence.

Understanding the eligibility requirements is essential before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) or visa application. This guide explains the key requirements in plain English and helps you understand your options.

What is Skilled Migration?

Australia’s skilled migration program is designed to attract individuals with qualifications, skills, and work experience needed in the Australian labour market.

The main points-tested skilled visas are:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa for invited skilled workers that does not require employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family sponsorship.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

Who is Eligible for Skilled Migration?

To be eligible for most points-tested skilled visas, you will generally need to meet the following requirements.

1. Be Under 45 Years of Age

You must generally be:

• At least 18 years old; and

• Under 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply.

Age also contributes to your points score:

Applicants aged 45 years or older are generally not eligible for points-tested skilled visas.

2. Have an Occupation on the Relevant Skilled Occupation List

Your occupation must generally appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List applicable to your visa subclass and nomination program.

Examples of occupations commonly found on Australia’s skilled occupation lists include:

• Accountants

• Engineers

• Registered Nurses

• Software Engineers

• Electricians

• Teachers

• Construction Managers

• Chefs

• Medical Professionals

• Various Trade Occupations

Occupation lists and nomination criteria are reviewed and updated periodically.

3. Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment

Most skilled visa applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment before they can receive an invitation to apply.

A skills assessment confirms that your:

• Qualifications;

• Employment history; and

• Professional skills

meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

The assessing authority depends on your occupation and may include:

• Engineers Australia (EA)

• Australian Computer Society (ACS)

• Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

A positive skills assessment does not guarantee a visa invitation or approval, but it is usually required.

4. Meet the English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate at least Competent English unless exempt.

Examples of Competent English include:

IELTS

Minimum score of 6.0 in each component.

PTE Academic

Minimum score of 50 in each component.

Equivalent scores from other approved English language tests may also satisfy the requirement.

Higher English scores can improve your points score:

Strong English results can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

5. Score at Least 65 Points

To be eligible for points-tested skilled migration, you must score at least 65 points.

You can try out points test here

Points can be awarded for:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study requirements

• Specialist educational qualifications

• Partner skills

• Credentialled community language qualifications

• State nomination

• Family sponsorship

Important:

Meeting the minimum score of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Due to high demand and invitation ceilings, many occupations require significantly higher point scores.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before applying for a skilled visa, most applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

An EOI is not a visa application.

It allows the Australian Government and state and territory governments to assess your eligibility and invite suitable candidates to apply for a visa.

You can update your EOI if your circumstances change, such as:

• Additional work experience;

• Improved English results;

• New qualifications; or

• Changes to your family circumstances.

Health Requirements

You and your accompanying family members must satisfy Australia’s health requirements.

You may be required to undergo:

• Medical examinations;

• Chest x-rays; and

• Additional specialist assessments where necessary.

The health requirement helps protect public health and ensures that applicants do not impose high costs on Australia’s healthcare system.

Character Requirements

Applicants aged 16 years and over must satisfy Australia’s character requirements.

This generally involves:

• Police clearances from Australia (where applicable);

• Overseas police certificates; and

• Disclosure of criminal history.

The Department of Home Affairs may refuse a visa application if an applicant does not meet the character requirements under the Migration Act 1958.

Other Important Requirements

Australian Government Debts

You and any family members included in your application must not owe money to the Australian Government.

Any outstanding debt must be:

• Repaid in full; or

• Subject to an approved repayment arrangement.

Australian Values Statement

Applicants aged 18 years and over must confirm that they:

• Respect Australian laws;

• Understand Australian values; and

• Agree to uphold Australia’s democratic principles, rights, freedoms, and responsibilities.

Visa Application Charges

Current government Visa Application Charges for the primary applicant are:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

From AUD $4,910

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

From AUD $4,910

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

From AUD $4,910

Additional charges apply for secondary applicants and family members included in the application.

Government fees are subject to periodic indexation and should be confirmed at the time of application.

Benefits of Skilled Migration Visas

Depending on the visa subclass, skilled migration may provide:

• Permanent residence opportunities;

• Full work rights;

• Access to Medicare;

• Education opportunities;

• Ability to sponsor eligible family members;

• A pathway to Australian citizenship; and

• The opportunity to build a future in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to apply?

Generally, no.

Points-tested visas, such as the Subclass 189, 190, and 491, do not usually require a job offer.

However, certain state nomination programs may impose additional requirements.

Can I include my family?

Yes.

Eligible family members may generally be included in your application and may receive the same visa outcome as the primary applicant.

Does scoring 65 points guarantee an invitation?

No.

Sixty-five points is simply the minimum eligibility threshold. Depending on your occupation and demand levels, you may need substantially higher points to receive an invitation.

Need Assistance With Skilled Migration?

Australia’s skilled migration program offers excellent opportunities for skilled professionals and their families. However, choosing the right occupation, maximising your points score, obtaining a positive skills assessment, and preparing accurate documentation are all critical to achieving a successful outcome.

Professional migration advice can help you understand your options, avoid common mistakes, and improve your prospects of achieving your migration goals in Australia.