Australia Immigration

Why Choose Australia for Skilled Migration?

Australia, often affectionately known as the "Lucky Country", stands out globally for its vibrant economy, political stability, and exceptional quality of life. It's the world's largest island and smallest continent, known for its stunning landscapes and unique blend of city life and natural beauty. For skilled professionals and their families, Australia offers one of the world's most demand-driven and applicant-friendly immigration systems, approving a high volume of visas annually across a vast array of occupations to address economic growth and low population density.

1. Permanent Skilled Migration Visas (The 65-Point Gateway)

Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program assesses applicants through a points-based system, with a minimum score of 65 points required for an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for permanent skilled migration, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

Requirement Detail
Age Must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
Education Possess a completed qualification (ITI, Diploma, Bachelor, or Master's degree) recognized by the relevant skills assessing authority.
Occupation Your skilled occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) or STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List).
English Language Demonstrate Competent English (e.g., minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
Points Score Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the DHA points test.

 

Major Permanent Skilled Subclasses

 

Visa Subclass Name Key Feature Pathway to PR
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa No sponsorship required. For highly skilled workers whose occupation is on the MLTSSL. Permanent Residence (PR) granted from day one.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa Requires State or Territory Nomination. Nomination adds 5 extra points to the EOI score. Requires a commitment to live in the nominating State/Territory for the first two years. Permanent Residence (PR) granted from day one.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa A 5-year temporary visa that requires State/Territory nomination or family sponsorship in a designated regional area. Adds 15 points to the EOI score. Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years.

 

2. Post-Study Work Visas: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

For international students, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is the primary pathway to extend your stay in Australia after graduation. This visa grants temporary work rights, allowing you to gain local experience, which significantly enhances your eligibility for the permanent skilled visas above.

The Subclass 485 is split into two main streams, depending on the type of qualification you completed:

A. Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Former Post-Study Work Stream)

  • Eligibility: Must hold an eligible qualification at the Bachelor's level or higher (Bachelor, Master's, or Doctoral degree).

  • Occupation Link: Not tied to a specific occupation list. Your field of study does not need to be on the MLTSSL/STSOL.

  • Duration: The visa duration is granted based on the level of qualification:

    • Bachelor's/Master's (Coursework): Typically up to 2 years.

    • Master's (Research): Typically up to 3 years.

    • Doctoral Degree (PhD): Typically up to 4 years.

    • Note: Extended rights may be available for graduates of specific institutions or fields, and for those who studied in regional areas.

 

B. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (Former Graduate Work Stream)

  • Eligibility: For graduates of an eligible Australian trade qualification or diploma.

  • Occupation Link: Must be closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL. You must also provide a positive Skills Assessment from a relevant assessing authority.

  • Duration: Generally up to 18 months.

 

C. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Regional Extension)

  • Eligibility: Must be a holder of a first Subclass 485 visa (Post-Higher Education Work stream) and have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years.

  • Purpose: This visa grants a temporary extension to work rights for those who commit to building a life in regional Australia.

  • Duration: An additional 1 or 2 years of post-study work rights, depending on the regional location of your study and residence.

 

3. The Permanent Regional Pathway (Subclass 191)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is the definitive pathway for highly skilled migrants committed to regional Australia. This visa leads directly to permanent residency via the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

 

Subclass 491: 5-Year Provisional Visa

  • Benefit: Adds 15 points to your EOI score, making an ITA highly likely.

  • Condition: Visa holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.

Subclass 191: Permanent Residence After 3 Years

After holding the Subclass 491 for at least three years, you become eligible to apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa if you meet the following key requirements:

  1. Have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years.

  2. Have met a minimum taxable income requirement for at least three years.

This structured progression from student to temporary graduate to permanent skilled migrant in a regional area makes Australia an attractive long-term destination for international professionals.