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.

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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. 

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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

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Client Reviews

Latest from Google

Sachin Wijesirivardhana

Sachin Wijesirivardhana

I highly recommend mr. Kieth James , Thamasha and mj legal team for any kind of visa matters. They’re not just migration agents, they’re knowledgeable migration lawyers in the industry. I had a great experience with them working in my visa, and helped me successfully obtain my 482 visa during a very challenging time.

in the last week

Tashya Pasqual

Tashya Pasqual

Keith and his team have been professional and helped me get my visa as soon as possible! A special thank you to Thamasha who handled my case. I highly recommend them.

a month ago

Uvini Sayurika

Uvini Sayurika

I had an excellent experience with MJ Legal throughout my migration process to Australia. From the very beginning, Keith and his team were professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive. They guided me step by step, ensuring that every document and requirement was handled accurately and on time. What really stood out was their attention to detail and their willingness to patiently answer all my questions, which made a complex process feel much more manageable. Their expertise and commitment gave me confidence at every stage. I highly recommend MJ Legal to anyone seeking reliable and efficient migration advice. Their support truly made a difference in achieving a smooth and successful outcome.

a month ago

Deepak Rameshkumar

Deepak Rameshkumar

I’m extremely grateful to Keith and the team at MJ Legal for their support throughout my migration journey. They guided me through every step and made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to their expertise, guidance, and constant support, I was able to successfully obtain my PR. I truly appreciate their professionalism and dedication, I couldn’t have done it without them. Highly recommend MJ Legal to anyone needing help with Australian migration!

a month 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

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