Skilled Visas

There are several types of skilled visas. The most 2 common visas are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189); and
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

Other than the above skilled (permanent resident) visas, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa may be another option for you to migrate to Australia.​

• Skilled Independent Visa ​(189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491)

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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

If your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list (which is subject to change), you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
​
189 visa is a permanent resident visa which allows the applicant to work, stay and live in Australia. The applicant’s partner and children (under 18 years old or is dependent) may be included in the application.
The applicant may subsequently apply for an Australian Citizenship (if eligible).

The following criterion must be satisfied prior to lodging any Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) applications.

1. Aged under 45;
2. Occupation must be on the relevant eligible skilled occupations;
3. Achieved a score of at least 6 for each component in IELTS*;
4. Scored at least 65 points in the point test**;
5. Meet character requirement; and
6. Meet health requirement. ​​

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​*English competency may be assessed by different tests (not limited to IELTS)
**Certain occupations may require a higher score​

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Overview of application procedures ​

1.

Pass Skill Assessment​

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2.

Achieve at least 65 points and pass the point test​

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3.

Submit an express of interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply​

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4.

Apply for visa

Processing time (approximate)*

Skill Assessment	12 – 18 weeks
Express of Interest (EOI)	2 – 6 months
Visa processing time	9–11 months

*As at July 2018

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190 )

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent resident visa which allows the visa holder to work, stay and live in Australia permanently. ​

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The following criterion must be satisfied prior to lodging any Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 190) applications.

• Aged under 45;
• Occupation must be on the relevant eligible skilled occupations;
• Obtained state nomination to apply for a visa;
• Achieved a score of at least 6 for each component in IELTS*;
• Scored at least 65 points in the point test**;
• Meet the character requirement; and
• Meet health requirement. ​​​

​*English competency may be assessed by different tests (not limited to IELTS)
**An additional 5 points will be automatically added to all successful state nominations​​

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Overview of Application Procedures*

1.

Pass the Skill Assessment​

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2.

Achieve at least 65 points and pass the point test

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3.

Successfully obtain state nomination​

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4.

Submit an express of interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply​

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5.

Apply for visa

*Application procedures may vary for different occupations

Processing time (approximate)*

Skill Assessment	12 – 18 weeks
State Nomination	4 – 6 months
Express of Interest (EOI)	2 – ​6 months
Visa processing time	7 – 8 months

*As at July 2018.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
​(Subclass 491) ​ 

If your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list (which is subject to change), you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
 
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a 5-year provisional visa which requires the visa holder to live and work in designated areas of Australia so as to obtain permanent residency in the future.
 
The following criterion must be satisfied prior to lodging any Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) applications. ​​

1. Aged under 45;
2. Occupation must be on the relevant eligible skilled occupations;
3. Obtained state nomination or sponsored by a relative;
4. Achieved a score of at least 6 for each component in IELTS*;​
5. Scored at least 65 points in the point test**;
6. Meet character requirement; and
7. Meet health requirement. ​​​

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*English competency may be assessed by different tests (not limited to IELTS)
**Certain occupations may require a higher score

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Overview of application procedures**​

1.

​Pass the skill assessment
​

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2.

Obtain state nomination or be sponsored by a relative

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3.

Achieve at least 65 points and pass the point test​

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4.

Submit an express of interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply​

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5.

Apply for visa
​

​*Application procedures may vary for different occupations