Skilled Migration
Overview
Australia offers a highly structured skilled migration program designed for qualified professionals whose occupations align with national and regional workforce needs. Based on a points-tested system, this pathway enables eligible individuals to obtain permanent residency through independent application, state nomination, or regional sponsorship.
There are three main visa subclasses within this pathway:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – for individuals who meet all eligibility criteria without the need for state or family sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – for applicants nominated by a state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – for skilled professionals intending to live and work in designated regional areas, either through state nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
General Eligibility Criteria
To apply under any of these subclasses, applicants must generally:
- Nominate an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or a specific state list)
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Meet the minimum points threshold of 65 under the Department of Home Affairs’ points test
- Provide proof of Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each component or equivalent)
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for their nominated occupation
- Meet health and character requirements
Skills Assessment and Occupation Lists
A skills assessment is a mandatory step to confirm that your educational background and work experience align with the standards required for the nominated occupation in Australia. Each occupation is defined by a specific ANZSCO code and is assessed by a designated authority. There are over 30 assessing bodies (e.g. Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, ACS, VETASSESS), each with its own documentation and assessment criteria.
Skilled migration applicants must also be mindful of the differences between occupation lists:
- MLTSSL: For subclass 189 and 491 (family-sponsored)
- STSOL: For subclass 190 only
- ROL (Regional Occupation List): For subclass 491 (state-sponsored)
This visa stream offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals whose qualifications and experience align with Australia’s labour needs — without requiring employer sponsorship. For individuals willing to live in regional areas or meet specific state requirements, state or family-sponsored pathways can offer additional flexibility and a competitive edge.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your migration options or ready to begin your application, our experienced advisors at MyCareerPrep are here to help. From assessing your eligibility to managing documentation and navigating each step of the skilled migration process, we provide strategic, compliant, and personalised guidance tailored to your goals.
Services
Visa subclasses
Expression of Interest (EOI) and Points Test
To apply for a skilled visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect platform. EOIs are assessed through a points-based system, and selection is competitive.
Key Information
A minimum of 65 points is required to lodge an EOI. However, this is only the baseline—higher scores significantly increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).
Test Factor | Criteria | Points |
Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
English language proficiency | Competent English (e.g. IELTS 6) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8+) | 20 |
Overseas skilled employment | < 3 years | 0 |
(within 10 years, nominated field) | 3–5 years | 5 |
| 5–8 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 |
Australian skilled employment | < 1 year | 0 |
(within 10 years, nominated field) | 1–3 years | 5 |
| 3–5 years | 10 |
| 5–8 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 |
Educational qualifications | Doctorate (Australian or recognised overseas) | 20 |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (Australian or recognised) | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification (Australian) | 10 |
| AQF-recognised qualification assessed by authority | 10 |
Specialist education (STEM) | Research Master’s or Doctorate from Australia (≥ 2 years) | 10 |
Australian study requirement | Australian degree, diploma or trade (≥ 1 year) | 5 |
Professional Year program (CPA, ACS, Engineers Australia) | Completed in last 4 years | 5 |
Credentialled community language (NAATI-certified) | Recognised interpreter level | 5 |
Study in regional Australia | Australian qualification earned while living in regional area | 5 |
Partner skills | Partner under 45, IELTS 6+, positive skill assessment | 10 |
Other partner circumstances | Single applicant OR partner is Australian citizen/PR | 10 |
State nomination (Subclass 190) | Government nomination | 5 |
Regional nomination (Subclass 491) | State/relative nomination to regional area | 15 |
- EOI Validity: EOIs remain active in the SkillSelect pool for up to two years. Candidates may be invited at any time during this period if they meet the requirements of a specific invitation round.
- Invitation Rounds: The Department of Home Affairs conducts regular invitation rounds, generally once per month. If invited, applicants must lodge a complete visa application within 60 calendar days. Invitations that are not used within this period will expire.
- Ranking and Selection: EOIs are ranked based on total points. Where multiple EOIs have the same score, invitations are issued according to the date of EOI submission. A score of 65 does not guarantee an invitation—higher scores and earlier submission dates improve the likelihood of selection.
- Updating an EOI: After submission, applicants may update most points-tested factors, including qualifications, English test results, and work experience. However, the nominated occupation cannot be changed.
- No Geographic or Time Limitations: EOIs can be submitted at any time and from any location. There is no fee to lodge an EOI, and no employer sponsorship is required at this stage.
Not sure how your profile scores on the points test?
Book a consultation with our licensed advisors at MyCareerPrep to receive a personalised assessment and expert guidance through your skilled migration journey.