Skilled Migration to Australia
Skilled migration is Australia’s points-tested pathway for workers whose occupation is in demand. If you have the right skills, qualifications and experience, you may be able to live and work in Australia — either permanently or through a regional pathway that leads to permanent residence. Our registered migration professionals help you identify the most suitable pathway for your occupation, points score and long-term goals, whether you are already onshore or applying from overseas, including many clients from the Philippines and Türkiye.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
Are you eligible for skilled migration?
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and the specific visa, but skilled migration applicants generally need to:
- Have a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Demonstrate at least Competent English (higher levels can earn additional points).
- Meet the minimum points score, and be competitive enough to be invited.
- Satisfy health and character requirements.
How the points test works
Most skilled visas use a points test. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, claim points for your profile, and — if invited — apply for the visa. The minimum is 65 points to be considered, but reaching 65 does not guarantee an invitation: applicants are ranked, and invitations generally go to higher-scoring candidates first, so competitive scores are often higher and vary by occupation.
Points may be awarded for factors including:
- Age
- English language ability
- Skilled employment experience (in Australia and/or overseas)
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study, specialist qualifications and study in regional Australia
- Credentialled community language and a Professional Year
- Partner skills (or being a single applicant)
- State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship (190 and 491)
Your three main skilled visa options
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
A points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers who do not need an employer, state or family sponsor. It offers permanent residence on grant and freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. Because no sponsorship is involved, it is the most competitive pathway.
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. Nomination adds 5 points and can make an invitation achievable for applicants close to the cut-off, in exchange for a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory (generally for the first two years).
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
A points-tested provisional visa (valid five years) for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. It adds 15 points — the largest boost — and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa after three years of regional living and working, subject to meeting the requirements.
Why a skills assessment matters
A positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Different occupations are assessed by different authorities, each with its own evidence requirements, and the assessment generally needs to be valid at the time you are invited. Choosing the correct occupation and preparing the right evidence early helps avoid delays or refusal.
Common reasons skilled applications are refused
Understanding where applications go wrong is often the difference between success and a costly refusal. Frequent risks include:
- Nominating an occupation that does not match your skills, qualifications or ANZSCO duties.
- An unsuccessful or expired skills assessment.
- Claiming points — particularly for employment — that cannot be substantiated with evidence.
- English test results that are expired or below the level claimed at invitation.
- Turning 45 before being invited.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
- Health or character issues that are not addressed early.
- Missing the deadline to lodge after receiving an invitation.
- For 190/491: not meeting state nomination criteria or regional conditions.
A consultation lets us review your profile before you commit time and money, so potential issues are identified early.
Book a 30-minute consultation with a qualified migration agent — AUD $300.
Frequently asked questions
What is skilled migration to Australia?
Skilled migration refers to Australia’s points-tested visa pathways — including the Subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas — for people whose occupation is in demand. Eligibility depends on your occupation, skills assessment, points score, English, and health and character requirements, and varies with your individual circumstances.
How many points do I need for skilled migration?
The minimum is 65 points to be considered, but reaching 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants are ranked and invitations generally go to higher-scoring candidates first, so competitive scores are often higher and vary by occupation and visa.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Most skilled migration pathways require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation before you can be invited or apply. Requirements differ by occupation and the assessment generally needs to be valid at the time of invitation.
What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?
The Subclass 189 is a permanent visa that does not require sponsorship. The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa requiring state or territory nomination, which adds points in exchange for a commitment to live in that state. The Subclass 491 is a five-year provisional regional visa that adds more points and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 after three years, subject to the requirements.
Can you guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. Visa outcomes depend on your individual circumstances and the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment of your application against current requirements. A consultation with a qualified migration agent helps you understand your options and identify potential risks before you apply.