The Skilled Visa stream is designed to match highly skilled workers in key occupations with specific skill shortages in Australia. Sometimes these can be in demand throughout the country, but the Australian government is increasingly seeking to place skilled migrants in specific areas of Australia so local economies can benefit, and visa holders are positioned where jobs can be found.
The visa you apply for could have significant consequences on where you’re able to live and work, and the nature of your residency. We strongly recommend you complete our visa eligibility assessment form so that we can advise what’s available to you and guide you through to the right choice.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
PROVIDES:Â Permanent Residency
To be eligible to apply for this visa, you need to be qualified and experienced in an occupation which is in high demand, and on the ‘Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List’ (MLTSSL). You need to undergo a range of tests including a skills assessment and have a required number of points. The minimum points required is 65, but a much higher number is currently necessary to secure this visa without a lengthy delay. For some professions, you must meet the requirements for Registration in Australia. Once you secure a Skilled Independent Visa, you can remain in Australia permanently, and seek your own employment.
Do you qualify for a 189?
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)​
PROVIDES:Â Permanent Residency
For this class of visa, you would have a skill or occupation in demand, and you would be sponsored by a State or Territory Government. The Points Test and other mandatory requirements still apply, but additional points are granted for State sponsorship.  Each year, the States publish a State Migration Plan, which indicates the Skilled Occupations that are in demand in that State. Individuals may apply for Sponsorship from that State government. This means that if they are successful in securing a visa, they must undertake to work in that State for a prescribed period of time.
Is the 190 visa for you?
Skilled Recognised Graduate (Subclass 476)
PROVIDES:Â Provisional Residency
If you’re 30 years old or younger, and you’ve completed an engineering degree or higher education qualification from a ‘specified institution’ within the last two years, you could qualify for the subclass 476. The visa would provide work and residency rights for 18 months and cannot be extended, although it could provide an opportunity to apply for another visa whilst in Australia. It’s a great way for recent engineering graduates to spend time in Australia and discover if it’s the right place for them. A number of specified institutions are recognised from around the world.
For engineering graduates
Skilled Regional Sponsored (Subclass 491)​
PROVIDES:Â Provisional Residency
While Australian cities have a high demand for labour, shortages are often even more acute in regional and country areas. If you are prepared to work outside the major population centres, a Regional Sponsored Visa may be for you. You would be sponsored by a State or Territory government, or an eligible Australian relative who is permanently living in a “designated area”, and this kind of sponsorship provides 15 additional points. The 491 is a provisional visa with a 5 year duration, but can provide a pathway to permanent residency. Conditions typically attached to this visa subclass include a restriction on where you can live and work, so commitment to regional Australia is essential.
Consider Regional!
Skilled - Regional (Subclass 887)​
PROVIDES:Â Permanent Residency
This visa is only available to holders of an eligible, previous visa. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for holders of the following visa subclasses: 491, 495, 496, 475 or 487, or Bridging visas A or B (after having made an application for a subclass 491, 495 or 487 visa). The previous visa must have been held for at least 2 years and all conditions must have been met, including work and residency requirements in the area specified on that visa. This can be the bridge to permanent residency for many provisional visa holders.
