Skilled Migration
Points-tested visas for skilled workers who want to build a permanent future in Australia - independently, with state nomination, or in a regional area. We help you understand which pathway fits and how to put your best application forward.
Skilled migration is one of the most popular ways to move to Australia permanently. If you have qualifications and work experience in an occupation Australia needs, you may be able to apply without an employer sponsoring you.
These visas use a points test, so small details - your age, English level, experience and qualifications - can make a real difference. We help you see where you stand, how to strengthen your profile, and which of the skilled visas gives you the best chance.
Professional Year and the points test:An eligible Professional Year may be relevant to the skilled migration points test. Requirements must be checked carefully at the time of invitation.Learn about Professional Year
Key facts
- Visa type
- Permanent (189/190) · Provisional (491)
- Points-tested
- Yes - via SkillSelect
- Employer sponsor
- Not required
- Typical age limit
- Under 45 at invitation
- English
- Competent English or higher
- Skills assessment
- Required for your occupation
Your visa options
There is usually more than one way forward. Here are the main pathways within skilled migration.
Is this pathway right for you?
This may suit you if:
- You work in an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- You are generally under 45 years of age
- You have a positive skills assessment (or can obtain one)
- You have competent English or better (e.g. IELTS 6 in each band, or equivalent)
- You want permanent residency without needing an employer to sponsor you
- You are open to state nomination or a regional pathway to boost your points
Why it's worth it
Permanent residency
Subclasses 189 and 190 are permanent from grant - live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
Bring your family
You can usually include your partner and dependent children in the same application.
No employer needed
Unlike sponsored visas, skilled migration is based on your own skills - you're not tied to one employer.
Pathway to citizenship
Permanent residents who meet the requirements can later apply for Australian citizenship.
Access to Medicare
Permanent residents can access Australia's public healthcare system and many public benefits.
Regional options
The 491 opens up more occupations and extra points if you're happy to settle in regional Australia.
This may not be the right fit if…
- You're over the general age limit for most points-tested visas (typically under 45)
- Your occupation isn't on the relevant skilled occupation list
- You don't yet have a suitable skills assessment or enough points to be competitive
These are general pointers, not a determination about your case - book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.
General requirements
Every case is different, but you'll generally need to:
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Demonstrate at least competent English
- Meet the points test pass mark (currently a minimum of 65 points to be invited - competitive scores are often higher)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation
- Meet health and character requirements
What can earn you points
Skilled visas use a points test. These factors can all add to your score:
Our step-by-step process
We keep things clear and calm, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
Free eligibility review
We look at your occupation, age, English and experience and give you an honest points estimate and the pathways worth pursuing.
Skills assessment
We guide you through applying to the correct assessing authority for your occupation and preparing strong evidence.
English & points strategy
We help you plan how to reach a competitive score - including English tests, state nomination or regional options.
Submit your EOI
We prepare and lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, and where relevant, apply for state nomination.
Invitation & application
Once invited, we prepare a thorough, well-evidenced visa application and lodge it within the required timeframe.
Decision & support
We respond to any requests from the Department and support you through to the decision.
Documents you'll typically need
A general guide - we'll give you a tailored checklist for your situation.
- Valid passport
- Positive skills assessment for your occupation
- English test results (e.g. IELTS, PTE)
- Qualifications and academic transcripts
- Detailed CV and employment references
- Evidence of skilled work experience (payslips, contracts)
- Identity and relationship documents for family members
- Health examinations and police clearances
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most.
How many points do I need for skilled migration?
Do I need a job offer or an employer to sponsor me?
What is a skills assessment?
What's the difference between the 189, 190 and 491?
Can I include my partner and children?
How long does the process take?
This page is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Occupation lists, points thresholds and processing times change frequently and every case is different. Book a consultation for advice specific to your situation - we help you understand your options and never guarantee a visa outcome.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Answer a few plain-English questions and get a friendly, no-obligation summary of the pathways that may suit you. It only takes about two minutes.