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.
- Subclass 189 - Direct entry permanent residency.
- Subclass 190- State sponsored permanent residency.
- 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
We provide highly personalized consultations on skilled migration and devise a migration plan that suits you.
We will evaluate your current immigration status, qualifications and work experience to recommend you the best skilled visa pathway.
If you are not eligible, our lawyers will take the time to walk you through steps you need to take to get your PR.
Skill Assessment Applications
Are you ready to embark on your Skilled Migration journey.
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:
- Lodge an expression of interest with the federal government of Australia.
- If you are eligible for state nomination - we will lodge a registration of interest for those states that requires it.
- 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.
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 permanent visa which allows successful applicants to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
To make an application for this visa you must be invited by the Australian federal
government, have a positive skill assessment in an eligible occupation and be under
the age of 45 years.
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.
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
FAQs
- In addition to an Expression of Interest (EOI) some states may also require you to make a Registration of Interest (ROI)
- A ROI is a process where you register your interest to apply for a skilled visa with the relevant states
- Among the Australian states and territories only some states require a ROI in addition to an EOI
- A skill assessment will tell you whether your qualifications and experience are in line with the standards required to carry out your nominated occupation in Australia.
- Skill Assessment requirements for each occupation differ and are published by the relevant skill assessing bodies.
- It is essential that you have a positive skill assessment in order to apply for skilled migration.
- Generally for all skilled visas you are required to provide identity documents, qualifications and work experience documents.
- All these documents should be arranged in accordance with the Department guidelines.