Skilled Migration Australia

The Australian Government has been taking in migrants every year to fill gaps in its skilled manpower. Australia, a big country by size, still has many vacant lands, and its economy may not be sustainable without immigrants. Therefore, the Australian Government runs EOI draws monthly or quarterly in order to invite the best candidates to live in Australia permanently.

In this page, we will dive deep into the Australia Skilled Migration Program, including requirements, costs, steps, and pros and cons.

Benefits of skilled migration to Australia

1. Permanent residency and citizenship: Australia offers direct permanent residency to skilled individuals, allowing them to live indefinitely and eventually obtain Australian citizenship for themselves and their eligible family members.
2. Livable country: Australia is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable countries.
3. Safety and security for children: Australia is considered a safe and secure country for children to grow up in
4. Free world-class education: Your children can avail world-class education at the best schools
5. Free world-class medical: Australian citizens can access world-class healthcare through one of the most advanced medical systems in the world.
6. High paid jobs: Australia skilled migration programs welcome talented professionals by offering competitive employment opportunities.

Skilled migration visa categories:

Australia offers three distinct pathways under its skilled migration framework:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

These visas are designed to attract experienced professionals to support Australia’s economic growth and labour demands.

189 190 and 491 visa difference

Many applicants often get confused about the Australia skilled visa subclasses. The table below will help you understand the differences among visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491.

Facts	Subclass 189	Subclass 190	Subclass 491
Permanent Residency?	Yes	Yes	No
Can Live Anywhere?	Yes	No	No
Nomination Required?	No	Yes	Yes
Visa Duration?	Indefinite	Indefinite	5 Years and apply for PR after 3 years
Free education for kids?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Subclass 189: The Skilled Independent

If you are planning to migrate to Australia and find yourself highly eligible, and your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 189 visa and receive an invitation for direct permanent residency (PR). Subclass The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested migration system where you must score at least 65 points to be eligible.. Australia skilled migration, under the Visa subclass 189 is currently highly competitive, and the Department of Home Affairs controls the invitation process for all occupations in this category.

Requirements for subclass 189

• Age: Your age must be between 25 and 45
• Qualification: You must have a bachelor’s degree
• Work Experience: You must have at least 3 years’ work experience
• English Score: IELTS 6 in each band or higher, or equivalent in PTE or TOEFL
• Occupation: Your occupation must be available on the skilled occupation list
• EOI Invitation: You must get an invitation to lodge a visa

Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia with support from an Australian state or territory. If your occupation is in demand in a particular state and you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If a state nominates you, you may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. This visa allows you to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia, but you must stay in the nominating state for a certain period. Once you migrate to Australia, you can sponsor your spouse through Australia spouse visa.

Requirements for Subclass 190

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Qualification: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is required
• Work Experience: At least 2–3 years of relevant work experience
• English Language: Minimum IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent score in PTE or TOEFL
• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the state’s skilled occupation list
• State Nomination: You must receive nomination from an Australian state or territory
• EOI Invitation: You must receive an invitation to apply for the visa

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Subclass 491: Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is designed for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Australia. This visa is temporary, but it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific conditions. To apply, you must be nominated by a regional state or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area. This visa helps Australia support growth in regional locations.

Requirements for Subclass 491

• Age: You must be below 45 years of age
• Qualification: A recognized diploma or bachelor’s degree
• Work Experience: At least 1–3 years of skilled work experience
• English Language: IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent in PTE or TOEFL
• Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Nomination or Sponsorship: You must receive state nomination or family sponsorship
• EOI Invitation: An invitation is required before applying for the visa
• Regional Commitment: You must live and work in a designated regional area

Skilled Occupation List

If you are planning to migrate to Australia through skilled migration, it is crucial that your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List. This official list highlights the professions currently in demand across the country and ensures that applicants possess skills that meet Australia’s workforce needs. Each listed occupation has a corresponding ANZSCO code and an assessing authority responsible for verifying your qualifications and work experience. Reviewing the list before applying is essential, as it determines eligibility for visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. Only candidates with occupations on the list have a higher chance of a successful migration outcome.

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What Are the Steps?

• Step 1: Eligibility Assessment: Confirm that you meet all visa criteria and fulfil all requirements for Australia’s skilled migration program.
• Step 2: Get Positive Skills Assessment: Get a positive skills assessment outcome from an assessing authority in Australia.
• Step 3: Submit Your EOI: Submit an Expression of Interest.
• Step 4: Apply for State Nomination: If you wish to apply for 190 and 491, you must apply for state nominations.
• Step 5: Lodge Visa Application: Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the EOI invitation.

Total Costs

1. Skills Assessment Fees: Each authority has its own fee structure. For example, VETASSESS charges AUD 1,096, and ACS and Engineers Australia have their own fee structures.
2. State Nomination Fees: States have different fee structures. They will charge you once they grant your state nomination. Their fees are approximately AUD 500 to AUD 1,000
3. Visa Fees: Main Applicant: ~AUD 4,910, Spouse: ~AUD 2,385 – 2,455, Dependent Child (under 18): ~AUD 1,195 – 1,225. Check updated visa fees.
   

What are the challenges

There are several challenging factors in the process. First, you must understand that you are one of many applicants, and the entire system is invitation-based. If you do not receive an Expression of Interest (EOI) invitation or a state nomination, your application will not progress. Only after receiving an EOI invitation or state nomination can you realistically expect a successful migration outcome.

Another important factor that can lead to rejection or long delays is an incomplete application. Australia’s skilled migration process involves multiple steps, and if any stage is handled incorrectly, you may receive no outcome at all or remain waiting for years without clear reasons.

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TRV Global works with top MARN-registered agents and experienced immigration lawyers in Australia, who can represent you and submit your applications on your behalf. Get a free eligibility assessment and take steps to settle in Australia.