SKILLED VISA Program

Skilled visa program is designed to attract skilled workers from all over the world. Some skilled worker visas are for those who are sponsored by their Australian employers and in some cases, the visa applicants must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency. However, some visas can be applied for independently.

You can calculate your point score for a Skilled Visa Subclass 189, Subclass 190 & Subclass 491 by using the following official points calculator. Please book  a consultation with us if you need assistance with getting a skilled visa.

Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): This is a point-tested visa for which you don't need any state or employer sponsorship. The minimum point score for this visa is 65 points but you cannot apply for this visa until you are invited by the Immigration Department. Invitations are issued to a limited number of potential applicants based on their point score. You will be granted points for different qualifications such as your age, level of English skill, work experience, Australian study, spouse qualification etc. 

• Subclass 491: This is a 5-year provisional visa which can be granted to those who are sponsored by an Australian State/Territory government or some eligible relative who lives in a Designated Regional Area (almost all Australia except Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane). After holding this visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent visa Subclass 191. Competent English, Skill Assessment and 3-year work experience are the key requirements. 
• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190): This is a point-tested visa for which you also need to be nominated by an Australian State/Territory government agency. 

Skilled Graduate (Subclass 485): This is for those international students who have successfully completed an Australian qualification while holding a valid Student visa. The Australian qualification must be at least 2-year long and must have completed within the last 6 months when you apply for this visa. The visa period can be between 18 months to 4 years depending on the level of your Australian qualification. 

• Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482): This visa can be granted for a maximum of 4 years at a time. The emloyee usually requires to have at least 2 years of work experience in the nominated skilled occupation. After 3 years, the holder can apply for permanent visa Subclass 186 in the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) in the Direct Entry stream: This is a permanent visa which can be granted to those who are sponsored by their Australian employers and who have at least 3-year work experience and successful skill assessment. Competent English is also required.
• Subclass 494: This is a 5-year provisional visa which can be granted to those who are sponsored by their Australian employers and the nominated position is located in a Designated Regional Area (almost all Australia except Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane). After holding this visa for at least 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent visa Subclass 191. Competent English, Skill Assessment and 3-year work experience are the key requirements.