Skilled migration is primarily based on the applicant’s background, which includes factors such as age, education, field of study, work experience, English proficiency, and other conditions. These factors are assessed and measured using a points-based system. Applicants for these visas can be international students who have graduated in Australia or professionals without prior Australian study or work experience.
Currently, the minimum required points for independent skilled migration is 65, but for some occupations with limited quotas, the actual required points might be 80 or more. For specific information, please contact AOU Consulting.
Subclass 189 Visa
This is Independent Skilled Migration pathway. It allows applicants to apply for permanent residency solely based on their own circumstances, without requiring any personal or organizational sponsorship. Some key requirements for this type of visa include:
- Applicants must be under 45 years of age.
- Achieve a minimum score of 6 in each component of the IELTS, or via other equivalent testing system.
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant occupation list and obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Applicants for this visa are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) beforehand. Once they receive an invitation, they can formally lodge visa application. This process allows the DHA to select applicants who possess the skills and attributes that align with the country’s economic needs and priorities.
Subclass 190 Visa
The State Nomination Visa (Subclass 190) is similar to the Subclass 189 visa, with the difference that applicants can gain additional points by applying for state government’s nomination. Each state or territory establishes its own State Nomination List and associated requirements based on their individual circumstances. Applicants who meet the requirements can apply for state nomination.
In practice, compared to the Subclass 189 visa, applicants for the Subclass 190 visa need to apply for state nomination in addition to submitting an EOI. Only after receiving the state nomination can they proceed to lodge the formal visa application. This pathway allows states and territories to select applicants whose skills and attributes align with their specific regional needs and priorities.
Subclass 489 Visa
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa is a four-year temporary visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency (subclass 887), after living in a designated regional area for two years. This visa category encourages skilled workers to settle in regional areas and contribute to their growth and development. Similar to the Subclass 189 and 190 visas, this visas is assessed using a points-based system. Applicants who receive sponsorship from a regional state government or a relative can earn additional migration points. The DHA specifies the eligible regional areas and the location of the sponsoring relative for this visa category . For specific information, please contact us for verification.
Subclass 491 Visa
Introduced in late 2019, this visa category has a validity period of 5 years and the option to transition to the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa afterward (after holding 491 visa for 3 years). The Australian government aims to use this visa to lower the threshold for skilled migration while encouraging skilled individuals to move to regions beyond major cities.
This visa operates through a points-based system and Expression of Interest (EOI), and it requires state or territory nomination or family relative sponsorship. The entry requirements for this visa are expected to be lower than those for the Subclass 189 and 190 visas, making it a potentially popular pathway. The introduction of this visa demonstrates Australia’s efforts to balance skill distribution across the country and address regional skill shortages.
Subclass 485 Visa
The Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa (Subclass 485) is designed for international students who have completed their studies in Australia. It allows them to work and live in Australia after graduation while also preparing for potential migration opportunities. Unlike the visas discussed above, the Subclass 485 visa doesn’t operate on a points-based system.
To apply for this visa, international students will need to obtain a diploma or a degree qualification, as a result of at least two years’ study in Australia. Applicants also need to demonstrate their English proficiency level (IELTS 6). Applicants who meet such requirements will be granted 485 Visa for up to 5 years.