Skilled migration is a points-based system for highly educated professionals that are vital for the labour market and the growth of the Australian economy. A candidate will need to score at least 65 points to be eligible for consideration in the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase. Points will be based on age, English abilities, qualifications and work experience – This will need to be verified through a skills assessment.
Australia has created a skill selection system by separating the visa categories into 491, 190 and 189.
Skilled work regional visa (subclass 491)
The visa is granted for skill migration to a region outside Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. This visa came out in 2019 with the goal of evening out the talent in regional Australia. The 491 visa offers a temporary visa status for 5 years with the added benefit of Medicare. After living and working in the sponsored region for 3 years, you qualify for a permanent residency visa (subclass 191).
Skilled state-nominated visa (subclass 190)
Australian States and territories compile individual lists with the needs of specific professions and criteria suited to their state economic and labour goals. The 190 visas would be nominated by the state for a permanent visa. This pathway would require an application to the state to consider your profile and skills assessment, in return, they offer you an extra 5 points to enhance your application. Once those 5 points have been received then you are automatically prompted in the skill select system and wait for an invitation to lodge your 190 visas.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
To qualify for the 189 “skilled Independent” visa, your occupation will need to appear on the Medium to Long-Term skilled Strategic list (MLTSSL). These occupations are most in demand and therefore are offered an independent visa without any state or regional restrictions. The 189 is the most popular visa and sometimes requires a higher score than the 491 and 190.
Each visa requires a complete and approved skills assessment. A skills assessment is relevant to your specific profession. This process can take between 18 – 24 months to complete. Enquire for a free assessment with one of our trained consultants and we can guide you through this process.