Skilled Visa
Simplifying Your Migration Journey with Expert Legal Solutions
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It is a points-tested visa that allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is also a points-tested visa that allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. It allows you to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.
Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 887)
The Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 887) is for people who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia on a previous, eligible visa. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is for people who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas in Australia on a previous, eligible visa. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is designed to attract highly skilled professionals from around the world to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa targets individuals who have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field.
Why Migrate to Australia in 2024-25?
Australia remains one of the most desirable destinations for skilled workers and families, offering an excellent quality of life, robust job opportunities, and a stable economic environment. The Australian Government has set a target to welcome 185,000 new permanent migrants in the financial year 2024-25, focusing on attracting skilled professionals to fill critical labour shortages.
- Skilled Migration Focus: Out of the total immigration target, 132,200 places are allocated for skilled migration. This ensures that industries facing workforce shortages—such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education—get the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.
- Job Opportunities: With 400,000 job openings, Australia provides ample opportunities for skilled workers to build their careers. The demand for workers is particularly high in regional areas, which offer additional incentives for migrants.
- High Quality of Life: Known for its clean environment, excellent healthcare system, top-tier education, and diverse, multicultural society, Australia offers one of the best standards of living in the world. From bustling cities to serene beaches, Australia’s geography and culture make it an ideal place to call home.
- Career Growth and Security: Australia’s strong economy means that skilled migrants can expect long-term job security. With low unemployment rates and a need for professionals in key sectors, skilled migrants often find employment quickly after arriving in Australia.
- Equal Rights for Permanent Residents: Permanent residents in Australia enjoy nearly the same rights as Australian citizens. They have access to Medicare, the national healthcare system, and their children are eligible for free public education. Permanent residents can also sponsor family members to join them in Australia.
- Pathway to Australian Citizenship: After holding permanent residency for a specific period, migrants can apply for Australian citizenship, unlocking even more benefits such as the right to vote and the ability to obtain an Australian passport.
Benefits of Moving to Australia
Visa Option
Australia offers several visa options tailored to different circumstances:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa is ideal for skilled workers who do not require sponsorship from an employer or a state/territory government. For the year 2024-25, 16,900 places have been allocated for this visa, making it a popular choice for independent professionals.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): If you are nominated by an Australian state or territory, you may qualify for this visa, which has 33,000 places allocated. This option suits those with skills in demand in specific regions of Australia.
- Regional Work Visa (Subclass 491): Australia continues to encourage migration to regional areas. With 33,000 places, this visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional parts of the country, where there is often a greater demand for talent.
- Family and Partner Visas: Australia also prioritizes family reunification, with 52,500 places available for family and partner visas. This allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to join them in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Immigration
To migrate to Australia under the skilled migration stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which includes professions that are in high demand across the country.
- Points Test: Australia uses a points-based system to assess visa eligibility. You need a minimum of 65 points to qualify, though higher points improve your chances of receiving an invitation. Points are awarded based on factors such as:
- Age: Applicants aged 25-32 receive the highest points.
- English Proficiency: A high level of English language ability is essential, typically demonstrated by tests such as IELTS or PTE.
- Work Experience: Points are awarded for both Australian and overseas work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Educational Qualifications: Higher degrees such as a bachelor’s or doctorate can add significant points.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment is required to verify that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.
- English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is critical, and you will need to pass an English test with a minimum score as part of your application.
- Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements to ensure they contribute positively to society.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
One of the greatest benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Australia is the pathway to Australian citizenship. After living in Australia as a permanent resident for the required period (typically four years), you can apply for citizenship, granting you full rights, including the ability to vote and obtain an Australian passport.
Why Choose Santosh Reddy Lawyers?
At Santosh Reddy Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing personalized immigration services to help you navigate the Australian immigration system. Whether you’re applying for skilled migration, a family visa, or permanent residency, our expert team will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your application is handled efficiently and with the highest level of care.
Let us help you achieve your Australian dream!
FAQs
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.
The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.
The Subclass 491 visa is valid for 5 years.
Yes, after 3 years of living and working in a regional area, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191.
Subclass 189 is for independent applicants, while Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination.
No, it is a provisional visa that can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
The minimum points requirement for all three visas (189, 190, and 491) is 65 points.
Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas
The maximum age limit is 45 at the time of invitation to apply.
No, you must be under 45 years old when you are invited to apply.
You can increase your points by improving your English score, gaining more work experience, obtaining higher education qualifications, or applying for state/territory nomination (for Subclass 190 and 491).
Yes, you can claim points for relevant work experience in your nominated occupation outside of Australia.
Yes, you can claim additional points if your partner has competent English and skills that are relevant to your visa application
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
Yes, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required for all applicants.
A skills assessment is typically valid for 3 years, but this can vary depending on the assessing authority.
SkillSelect is an online system used to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration visas.
An EOI is a declaration of your interest in applying for a skilled visa. It is submitted through SkillSelect.
Invitations are issued through the SkillSelect system based on your points score and occupation demand
After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to submit your visa application.
Invitations are issued periodically, usually once a month, but this can vary.
Factors include your points score, occupation, and state/territory nomination (for Subclass 190 and 491).
Yes, an EOI is valid for two years from the date of submission.
Yes, you can update your EOI at any time before receiving an invitation.
If no invitation is received within two years, you may submit a new EOI or try to improve your points score.
Yes, you can submit multiple EOIs for different visas, but you can only apply for one visa after receiving an invitation.
State or territory nomination is when an Australian state or territory nominates you for a visa based on their specific skill needs.
You must apply through the relevant state or territory’s migration program, and they will assess your eligibility
State nomination increases your points and eligibility but does not guarantee visa approval
Yes, for Subclass 190 and 491, you are expected to live and work in the state or region that nominated you.
You must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years to be eligible for permanent residency.
Changing states is generally not allowed unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Yes, you can include eligible family members in both Subclass 190 and 491 visas.
Some states require a job offer, but others do not. Check the specific requirements for each state
Yes, you can apply for both, but you can only accept one nomination.
Yes, Subclass 189 is a permanent visa with full rights to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Yes, you can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency and other eligibility criteria.
Yes, once you are granted a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa, you can apply for Medicare.
Yes, all three visas allow you to travel in and out of Australia freely during their validity period.
If you do not comply with the conditions (such as living in a regional area), you may lose eligibility for permanent residency.
No, the Subclass 491 visa cannot be extended, but you can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.
Yes, as a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members for visas.
If your visa application is refused, you can appeal the decision or apply for another visa if eligible.
Yes, Subclass 189 and 190 visa holders can change employers freely. Subclass 491 holders may need to remain in regional areas but can switch jobs.