General Skilled Migration
The General Skilled Migration program actively seeks professionals with skills in high demand, to live and work permanently in Australia.
There are a number of skilled migration options, some of which are points-tested and require you to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Skillselect system:
Skilled Independent 189 Visa (points stream, not to be confused with the NZ stream)
Points Test and Points Calculator
If you are looking to apply for a visa under the General Skilled Migration program, you will need to:
Nominate an occupation from relevant list. In some instances, occupations may be on more than one list creating opportunities for you to consider more than one visa type
Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
Meet the English language requirements
Meet the pass mark of 65 points
Receive an invitation via the Skillselect system
Be under 45 years at the time of invitation
The pass mark to reach is 65 points although applicants generally need a higher score to increase their chance of receiving an invitation.
Learn your points score potential for General Skilled Migration. Click on our points score calculator to tally your current score and then contact us to discuss how we an help improve this and your chances of receiving an invitation.
189 Visa - Points Tested
The Skilled Independent 189 visa does not require sponsorship by a family member, employer, designated region nor state or territory. Applicants may be able apply on the basis of their skillset
Skilled Work Regional Provisional 491 Visa
This Skilled Work Regional Provisional 491 Visa is points-tested, temporary visa that provides for skilled workers to live and work in a certain regional area of Australia for up to five years. It came into effect on 16 November 2022, replacing the subclass 489 visa.
Sponsorship is required either by a State or Territory Government, or by an Australian relative living in a designated area and receive an invitation through the EOI system, before submitting their visa application.
Whilst there are no guarantees of receiving an invitation, successful EOIs are issued on the basis the applicant meets the age requirement, points requirement and has a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation.
The 491 visa can provide a pathway to permanent residence providing the visa holder has been living and working in a certain regional area for at least three years, has been compliant with the conditions of their 491 visa during that time and all other relevant criteria is met.
Skilled Nominated 190 Visa
The Skilled Nomination 190 Visa a points-tested visa that provides permanent residence. It will require nomination by an Australian State or Territory Government. With changes made to the way points are broken down, it would be an idea to test yourself and see your points score potential.
Graduate 485 Visa
The Graduate Temporary 485 Visa is a temporary visa, that is for international students. It is not points-tested and if approved, it will provide the visa holder with full work rights for up to 2 years (depending on the stream the application is lodged in: Graduate Work or Post Study streams).
To qualify, the student needs to meet the Australian study requirements and be in a position to lodge the application onshore, within 6 months of their course ending and student visa expiring.
The 485 visa is a great opportunity for students to gain local work experience relevant to their field of study and build stepping stones to either another visa within the GSM program, or TSS 482 visa.
189 Visa - NZ Stream
The Skilled Independent 189 visa (NZ stream) does not require a points test as it is for New Zealand Special Category 444 visa holders who commenced living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016 and have been living here for at least 5 years, earning the taxable income requirements.
** 10 December 2022: The Department will not be taking further applications in this stream until further notice. All 189 (NZ stream) visa applications lodged prior to 10 December 2022, will continue to be processed.
Skilled Regional Provisional 489
This visa was closed and replaced by the Skilled Work Regional Provisional Subclass 491 Visa on 16 November 2019. Very limited options may be available to apply for this visa.
Skilled Regional Subclass 887
This a a permanent residence visa for eligible Skilled Regional Provisional 489, Skilled Regional Sponsored 475 and 487, Skilled Designated Area Sponsored 496 and Skilled Independent Regional 495 visa holders. Although the 489 visa no longer exists, the Skilled Regional 887 is still available beyond 16 November 2019.
To qualify for the 887 visa, applicants must have lived in a certain regional area for at least two years and worked full-time there for at least twelve months.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Subclass 191 Visa
From 16 November 2022, this 191 visa will provide permanent residence to eligible Skilled Work Regional (provisional) 491 Visa and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) 494 visa holders only.
To qualify, 494 and 491 visa holders must have lived and worked in the regional area for at least 3 years and remained compliant with the conditions of their respective visas.
Global Talent 858 Visa
The Global Talent 858 visa is the Australian government’s incentive to offer Australian permanent residence to those who are the “best and brightest”, in one of two pathways:
Distinguished Talent pathway, and the
Global Talent Visa Program pathway
The process requires the applicant to demonstrate their outstanding achievements, be supported by an Australian permanent resident or citizen who is also recognised in a similar field, lodge a nomination application and a visa application.
The Distinguished Talent pathway is for those who are internationally recognised in an area of profession, research and academia, sports or the arts.
The Global Talent Visa program pathway is a priority for the government and is aimed at those recognised in one of the ten targeted sectors including Resources, AgTech, Energy, Defence, advanced Manufacturing Space, Circular Economy, Digitech, Health Industries, FinTech, Infrastructure and Tourism, Education. Applicants must demonstrate they can earn above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), nomination application and visa application.
Permanent Residence Duration and Travel Facility
There is no expiration date on permanent residence visas. However, the travel facility is valid for 5 years from the date approval which means visa holders wishing to depart and re-enter would need to consider whether they are eligible for the Resident Return Visa (RRV), or Australian citizenship.
Australian Citizenship
Australian citizenship is a great opportunity for migrants who have immersed themselves into their local communities by giving them voting rights, the ability to work for Australian Defence Force, works rights with government agencies and access to welfare schemes when required.
Australian permanent residents may qualify for Australian citizenship if they have lived:
in Australia as an Australian permanent resident for at least 12 months prior to lodgement with no more than 3 months spent outside the country, and
lawfully in Australia for at least 4 years including any time spent on a temporary visa with no more than 12 months spent outside the country
Contact us to discuss your needs and these possible options.