Australia Skilled Migration
The Skilled stream within the Migration Program aims to draw in migrants who play a substantial role in the Australian economy and occupy positions that lack available Australian workers. Skilled migrants exhibit notably strong engagement in the workforce, actively contributing to the stimulation of economic expansion, consequently leading to the creation of additional employment opportunities.
We have summarised the most important (and correct) information on the 3 main visa subclasses in the tables below.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Points-tested stream
Suitable for those who are not sponsored by:
- an employer
- a state or territory
- a family member
Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
You can legally work, live and study anywhere in Australia
Visa duration: permanent
Skilled – Nominated (Subclass 190)
- For those who are nominated by a state or territory
- Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Shortterm Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- You can legally work, live and study anywhere in Australia but have an obligation to your sponsoring state
- Visa duration: permanent
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
For those who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area in Australia
Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Shortterm Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL)
You must live, work and study in a specified regional/ designated area in Australia
Visa duration: 5 years provisional. May apply for permanent visa after 3 years of residence and full time work in a specific regional/ designated area
Benefits
- Live and work permanently in Australia
- Pay local education fees for children.
- Medicare benefits
- Access certain social security payments
- Apply for Australian citizenship
- Sponsor family members for permanent residence
Requirements
- Be invited to apply.
Be younger than 45 years of age when you are invited to apply. - Nominate an occupation that matches your skills and qualifications and is on the relevant Skilled occupation list.
- have your skills assessed by the relevant Assessing Authority as suitable for your nominated occupation
- Have at least competent English.
- Meet the health and character requirements.