Skilled migration visa in Australia

Skilled migration is one of the most common pathways to permanent residency in Australia. Skilled migration is open to applicants skilled in an occupation on the skilled occupation list.

Skilled migration is available under the following visa subclasses.

  1. Subclass 189 - Direct entry permanent residency.
  2. Subclass 190- State sponsored permanent residency.
  3. Subclass 491- State sponsored temporary residency leading to permanent residency.

At MJ Legal, we are experts in all things skilled migration. Our lawyers are up to date with the changes in the migration landscape and can guide you towards receiving a successful migration outcome.

We provide a complete package of skilled visa services

Having dealt with skilled visa applications across all states and territories in Australia, we possess extensive experience in the Australian skilled migration program. 

Skilled Migration Consultations

Our skilled migration consultation provides a clear assessment of your eligibility for Australian skilled visas. 

We review your qualifications, work experience, and points score to identify the most suitable visa pathways for you.

During the consultation, we also explain the application process, potential challenges,and if there are any shortcomings we will advice you on how to rectify it.

Skills Assessment Applications

On your journey to embark on your Skilled Migration pathway.

The first step is to obtain a skill assessment on the skilled occupation list.

Based on your education background and work experience we will work with you to obtain a skill assessment. 

Once your application is lodged, we will work with the skilled assessment authority on any questions they may have with your application.

Expression and Registration of Interest

Once we have determined which state nomination program you are eligible for, here is what we will do for you:

  1. Lodge an expression of interest with the federal government of Australia.
  2. If you are eligible for state nomination - we will lodge a registration of interest for those states that requires it.
  3. If you receive a pre-invitation from a state nomination program, we will guide you in making this application.

States have extremely tight timelines when you receive a pre-invitation, talk to us today to ensure you have all the necessary documents before making an expression of interest for skilled migration.

Visa Applications

We can help you calculate your points and cross check all documentation to
ensure that your visa application will be compliant.
Our lawyers will assist you in drafting the application and submit it on your
behalf.
We will act as your liaison with the department of home affairs. We will respond
to any S56 request for further information that the department may raise and guide
you on making a complete application.

Partner logo
Partner logo
Partner logo

Talk to us today to see how you can start your skilled visa application process.

Skilled Visa Types

Australian skilled migration program contains permanent and temporary visas which provide pathways for permanent residency to applicants within and outside Australia. At present Australia welcomes skilled migration applications under the following visa sub-classes. 

Skilled Independent Visa

(SC 189)

This is a permanent visa which requires you to receive an invitation from the Australian Federal Goverment. Unlike the SC 190 and SC 491 this visa doesn't require a state nomination. 

Upon fulfilling the requirements outlined by the federal government, applicants may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. 

Applicants are invited based on their points score, and we will guide you on a strategy to maximise your score and ensure you correctly claim all eligible points under the criteria.

Skilled Nominated Visa

(SC 190)

This is a permanent visa which requires you to receive an invitation from an
Australian state or territory before you can make an application.

In addition to the requirements outlined by the federal government, you must
meet the requirements of the relevant state government.

The requirements for state nomination are constantly changing, it is important
that you stay updated to ensure you make a compliant application.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

(SC 491)

This is a 5-year temporary residency visa which requires you to be nominated by
an Australian state or territory.

States usually publish minimum work experience and residency requirements which should be met to apply for this visa. 

This visa requires you to live and work in a regional area of Australia for a
minimum of 03 years before you can transition to the Subclass 491 permanent
residency visa.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa

(SC 191) 

This visa is the permanent residency pathway for the Subclass 491 visa.

If you have been on Subclass 491 visa for the last 3 years and have made a taxable
income at or above a specific income threshold you will be eligible for this visa.

Skilled Migration Requirements

You should meet the following requirements to apply for skilled migration;  

  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Be skilled in an occupation in the Australian skilled occupation list
  • Have a positive skill assessment for that occupation
  • Have a minimum of 65 points in the points test calculator
  • Meet the English language requirements
  • Receive an invitation to apply for the visa 

While the above is the general department of home affairs criteria for skilled migration visas, every applicant must additionally meet requirements set by specific states in order to receive nominations for the SC 190 and 491 visas. 

Loading image...

Benefits of Skilled Migration

Australia has increased its skilled migration intake for the financial year 2022/23.

Deciding to obtain permanent residency through skilled migration maybe your best decision to date.

  • If you are granted a SC 189 or SC 190 visa you become a permanent resident in Australia
  • Being granted a SC 491 visa provides you a direct pathway to PR via SC 191 visa
  • Allows you to live and work in Australia
  • Makes you eligible for Medicare
  • Allows you to sponsor eligible relatives to Australia
  • Upon becoming a permanent resident, you will be eligible for Australian citizenship

Take the First Step Toward Australian Permanent Residency

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions

Loading accordion content...

Client Reviews

Latest from Google

kavindu amugoda

kavindu amugoda

I’m really grateful to Keith and the whole MJ Legal team for all the help and support throughout the process. Keith was always very helpful, professional and easy to talk to. Whenever I had questions or was stressed about something, he explained everything clearly and always made me feel supported. The whole team was really good with communication and handled everything very professionally. I’m really happy with the outcome and I truly appreciate all the work they did for me. I would definitely recommend MJ Legal to anyone who needs immigration help. Thank you so much Keith and the team for everything. I really appreciate it.

a week ago

Neth Udakara

Neth Udakara

I’m so happy to have received my visa! A big thank you to MJ Legal for their support throughout the process. Special thanks to Amasha for being so helpful, and supportive every step of the way. She and team made the whole process much easier and stress-free. Really appreciate all your help and highly recommend MJ Legal!

a week ago

Janith Dissanayake

Janith Dissanayake

As an applicant, one of the most important things you need from your lawyer or migration agent is communication. You want to know what’s happening, what comes next, and that someone is actually there when you need them. Tamasha, Amasha, Keith, and the whole team at MJ were exceptional at this. From the very beginning to the end of the process, we never felt left in the dark. We always knew where things stood, what was needed from us, and what the next step was. They were honest, transparent, easy to reach, and always willing to explain things properly whenever we had a question. Our case wasn’t particularly complicated, but the way they handled everything still gave us a lot of confidence and peace of mind. We never felt like just another file, and you could tell the team genuinely cared about getting things right. If our case had been more complex, or if I ever had to go through this process again, there genuinely isn’t another firm I would want handling it. We’re incredibly grateful to the whole team at MJ, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone going through the migration process.

2 weeks ago

Kasun Tharaka

Kasun Tharaka

MJ Legal has been behind me throughout my entire journey since 2019, when I first arrived in Australia as an international student. Their professional guidance and support have helped me move forward through every chapter of my Australian journey — especially during the challenging COVID-19 period, my Temporary Graduate Visa (485), my partner’s dependent visa, Employer Sponsored Visa, and finally, my Permanent Residency. A special thank you to Keith and the entire team for their continuous support, professionalism, and guidance throughout the years. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. I highly recommend Keith and the MJ Legal team to anyone looking for reliable and professional migration assistance. Keep it up, team! 👏🇦🇺

2 weeks ago

S

Sarah Johnson

Excellent service from MJ Legal. They handled my visa application professionally and efficiently. Highly recommend their expertise in immigration matters.

2 weeks ago

Google

More reviews

See the latest on Google

Read authentic experiences from our clients.