Skilled Worker Visa

Australia is a sought-after destination for skilled workers from around the globe, thanks to its robust economy, high quality of life, and diverse culture. The Skilled Worker Visa, part of Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, is designed to attract highly qualified individuals to fill labor shortages across various industries. This visa allows individuals with specialized skills to live and work in Australia either temporarily or permanently.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet several key criteria:

Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

Skills Assessment: You must have your skills assessed by a relevant authority to prove that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.

Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors such as age, English language ability, work experience, and education.

English Proficiency: You must demonstrate a competent level of English, typically through a recognized language test.

Types of Skilled Worker Visas

The most common types are Regional and Non-Regional Skilled Worker Visas, which cater to different areas and employment opportunities in the country.

Regional Skilled Worker Visas

Regional visas are designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. These regions often experience skill shortages and need qualified workers to support local economies.

Non-Regional Skilled Worker Visas

Non-regional visas are for skilled workers who are not restricted to working in regional areas. These visas generally offer more flexibility regarding where you can live and work within Australia.

Types of Non-Regional Skilled Worker Visas

  • Overview: The Subclass 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor a skilled worker from overseas to fill a position that cannot be filled by an Australian worker for up to 4 years.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The position must be on the relevant occupation list.

    The applicant must have the required skills and qualifications for the role.

    The sponsoring employer must be approved and meet specific requirements.

    Stream Options:

    Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.

    Specialist Skills Stream: For occupations on the ANZSCO listed occupation, excluding occupations listed in Major Groups 3, 7 or 8.

    Labour agreement stream: For skilled workers nominated by employers with a Labour Agreement to live and work in Australia temporarily.

    Subsequent entrant: For family members of subclass 457 or 482 visa holders to apply separately for their SID visa and join the primary visa holder in Australia.

  • Overview: The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by their employer. It allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

    The occupation must be on the relevant occupation list.

    The applicant must have the necessary skills and qualifications.

    Visa Streams:

    Direct Entry Stream: For those with qualifications and experience in their nominated occupation.

    Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For those who hold a Subclass 482 visa and have worked for their employer for at least three years.

  • Overview: The Subclass 189 visa is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It allows skilled professionals to live and work anywhere in Australia.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the points requirement based on factors like age, work experience, education, and English language proficiency.

    This visa does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or territory, making it an independent pathway to permanent residency.

  • Overview: The Subclass 190 visa is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It allows skilled professionals to live and work in the nominating state or territory.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, meet the points requirement, and be nominated by a state or territory government.

    Applicants must commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for a minimum period after the visa is granted.

Types of Regional Skilled Worker Visas

  • Overview: The Subclass 489 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 4 years. It is a pathway to permanent residency.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must be invited to apply based on their skills and occupation.

    The applicant must live and work in a designated regional area.

    Streams:

    Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Stream: For those who are nominated by a state or territory government or invited by the Australian Government.

    Family Sponsored Stream: For those sponsored by a family member living in a designated regional area.

  • Overview: The Subclass 491 visa is a points-based provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must be invited to apply based on their skills and occupation.

    The applicant must live and work in a designated regional area.

    Streams:

    Points-tested Stream: For those who meet the points requirement and are invited to apply.

    Family Sponsored Stream: For those who are sponsored by a family member residing in a designated regional area.

  • Overview: The Subclass 494 visa Allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    Occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List; employer sponsorship required.

    Eligible for permanent residency (Subclass 191 visa) after 3 years.

    Must live and work in designated regional areas (excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).

    Streams:

    Employer Sponsored Stream: For applicants sponsored by a regional employer.

    Labour Agreement Stream: For applicants sponsored under a labour agreement.

  • Overview: The Subclass 187 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia permanently. It is intended to address skill shortages in regional areas.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    The applicant must be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area.

    The occupation must be on the relevant regional occupation list.

    The applicant must have the required skills and qualifications.

    Visa Streams:

    Direct Entry Stream: For those with qualifications and experience in their nominated occupation.

Application Process

This guide provides a general overview of the application process and key steps involved. For tailored advice, contact us for a consultation.

  • Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all requirements, including your occupation’s inclusion on the relevant skilled occupation list.

  • If applying for a skilled visa that requires an invitation (such as a Subclass 189 or 190 visa), you must first submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. This process involves:

    • Providing details about your skills, experience, and qualifications.

    • Obtaining a points-based score (you need at least 65 points to qualify).

    • Waiting for an invitation to apply from the Australian Government or a state/territory if applying for a nominated visa.

  • A relevant skills assessing authority must evaluate your qualifications and work experience to ensure they match Australian standards. The assessing body depends on your occupation.

  • If applying for a state-nominated visa (Subclass 190) or a regional visa (Subclass 491), you must secure a nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has its own criteria and priority occupation lists.

  • Submit your visa application online, including all necessary documents such as your skills assessment, English test results, and identity documents.

  • Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and application complexity. You may be asked for additional documents or further information during this time.

    All applicants must also meet health and character requirements, which may involve:

    • Completing a medical examination with an approved panel physician.

    • Providing police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived.

  • Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa grant notice with details on your visa conditions and validity. You can then make arrangements to move to Australia and start working.