Skilled Migration to Australia
Skilled migration may provide a pathway to live and work in Australia where your occupation, qualifications, skills assessment and overall points profile support a visa option.
Shada Migration assists clients to understand the skilled visa pathways available to them, including independent, state nominated and regional skilled migration options.
The right pathway depends on your occupation, skills assessment, English ability, points position, state nomination opportunities and current visa circumstances.
Skilled Migration to Australia
Australia’s skilled migration program is designed for people with qualifications, work experience and skills that may match Australia’s labour market needs.
Skilled visa options are not all the same. Some pathways are points-tested, some require nomination by a state or territory, and regional pathways may involve additional location-based conditions.
Main Skilled Visa Pathways
The main skilled visa pathways should be assessed together, because your best option may depend on both your occupation and your ability to obtain nomination or invitation.
Subclass 189 Visa
A permanent skilled visa pathway that does not require state or employer sponsorship.
Subclass 190 Visa
A permanent skilled visa pathway that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Subclass 491 Visa
A regional skilled visa pathway involving state, territory or eligible family sponsorship.
General Requirements
Each skilled visa has its own requirements, but the following issues usually need to be considered before deciding which pathway to pursue.
Occupation and Skills Assessment
Your nominated occupation and the relevant assessing authority can strongly affect your visa options.
Points and Invitation Prospects
Your points position may influence whether an expression of interest is competitive for invitation or nomination.
State or Regional Nomination
Some skilled pathways depend on state, territory or regional nomination opportunities.
English, Health and Character
English language ability, health and character requirements should be reviewed before lodging an application.
How the Skilled Migration Process Works
The skilled migration process usually involves several stages. The sequence can vary depending on the visa subclass and nomination pathway.
Review Occupation
Identify whether your occupation may support a skilled migration pathway.
Check Skills Assessment
Review the likely assessing authority and the evidence required.
Calculate Points
Assess your points position and identify possible weaknesses.
Consider Nomination
Check whether state, territory or regional nomination may be relevant.
Prepare EOI
Prepare an expression of interest or nomination material where appropriate.
Lodge Application
Prepare the visa application after invitation or nomination requirements are met.
Skilled Occupation List
Your occupation is a central part of skilled migration planning. The occupation list, ANZSCO classification and assessing authority requirements should be reviewed before relying on a skilled visa strategy.
Use the Skilled Occupation List gateway to review MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL and CSOL occupation categories.
Useful Resources
Skilled Occupation List
Review MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL and CSOL occupation categories.
Skilled Visa Assessment
Start with an initial assessment of your skilled migration circumstances.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Review employer sponsored pathways if you have an Australian employer or job opportunity.
Migration News & Updates
Read migration updates and related Australian visa articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skilled visa pathway is right for me?
The suitable pathway depends on your occupation, skills assessment, points position, nomination options and current visa circumstances.
Do I need a job offer for skilled migration?
Some skilled visa pathways do not require a job offer, while employer sponsored pathways involve an Australian employer. Your options should be assessed before choosing a strategy.
Why is a skills assessment important?
A skills assessment is often a key part of skilled migration. The evidence required depends on the assessing authority and the nominated occupation.
Is a minimum points score enough for skilled migration?
Meeting a minimum points threshold does not always mean an invitation or nomination is likely. Competitiveness can depend on the occupation and pathway.
Should I consider Subclass 189, 190 or 491?
These pathways should be compared together. State nomination or regional options may be important where independent invitation prospects are limited.
Can my occupation affect my visa options?
Yes. Occupation classification, occupation lists and skills assessment requirements can significantly affect skilled migration eligibility and strategy.
Start Your Skilled Visa Assessment
Get a professional review of your skilled migration options before relying on a particular visa pathway.
