General Skilled Migration
Securing the right pathway to Australian permanent residency can be one of the most challenging aspects of migration. Choosing the most suitable skilled visa depends on several key factors, including your qualifications, work experience, age, English proficiency, and personal circumstances.
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program offers three main visa options — the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) — each designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to Australia’s workforce and regional development.
Skilled Independent Visa - Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. A 189 visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia and include their partner and children in the application.
Eligibility:
- Be invited to apply
- Be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply
- Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Have at least competent English
- Score at least 65 on the points test
- Meet the health and character requirements
State Sponsored Skilled Nominated Visa - Subclass 190
This visa enables skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
To apply for this visa you must:
- Be invited to apply
- Be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply
- Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Have at least competent English
- Score at least 65 on the points test
- Meet the health and character requirements
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa - Subclass 491
The Skilled Nominated (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a State/Territory sponsored or family sponsored visa for skilled people wishing to live and work in a regional area in Australia. You must score at least 65 points to be eligible for this visa.
Eligibility:
- Be invited to apply
- Be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply
- Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Have at least competent English
- Sponsored by a State or Territory Government or an eligible relative
- Score at least 65 on the Points Test
- Meet the health and character requirements
Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer Sponsored Visas allow skilled professionals who have received a job offer and nomination from an Australian employer to live and work in Australia. These visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency, offering long-term career and settlement opportunities.
Skilled in Demand Visa - Subclass 482
This temporary visa allows Australian employers to sponsor qualified overseas workers to fill positions when they are unable to find suitably skilled Australian candidates. It provides an opportunity for skilled professionals to gain valuable work experience in Australia and, in some cases, a pathway to permanent residency.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa - Subclass 186
This visa allows skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for eligible employees who meet the nomination and skills requirements.
Temporary Work and Training visa - Subclass 407 and 408
Subclass 407 - Training Visa: For individuals to undertake workplace-based training or professional development to enhance skills in their occupation, field of study, or area of expertise.
Subclass 408 - Temporary Activity Visa: For individuals coming to Australia to participate in specific short-term activities, such as research, cultural exchanges, religious work, or special programs.
Partner visa
If you are in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen, then you may be eligible to apply for an Partner visa. This visa provides a pathway to live, work, and study permanently anywhere in Australia.
1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
This visa is for individuals who are already in Australia when they apply. It allows applicants to stay in Australia while their permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801) is being processed.
2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
This visa is intended for individuals who are outside Australiaat the time of application. It provides a pathway to join their Australian partner and eventually transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 100 visa.
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
This visa is for individuals outside Australia who intend to travel to Australia to marry their Australian partner. Once married, holders of this visa may be eligible to apply for an onshore Partner visa.
Parent Visas
Contributory Parent - Permanent (subclass 143)
This permanent visa enables a parent of a settled Australian citizen and permanent resident to move to Australia.
Eligibility:
- Must be sponsored by a settled child living in Australia who is an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident.
- Meet the balance of family test
- Have an Assurance of Support
- Be outside Australia when a decision is made.
- Assurance of Support
Applicants for a Permanent Contributory Parent visa will be required to have an Assuror in Australia, one who can provide Assurance of Support, guaranteeing to support the applicant(s) financially for the first 10 years if required. The Assuror does not have to be the same person as the sponsor. They must put down a bond for the principal applicant and spouse, which is refundable at the end of the 10 year period if unused. They will be required to provide Australian tax returns for the previous two years.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
This permanent visa enables a parent of a settled Australian citizen and permanent resident move to Australia.
Eligibility:
- Must be sponsored by a settled child living in Australia who is an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident.
- Be inside Australia when applying for the visa and when a decision is made.
- Meet the balance of family test.
- Have an Assurance of Support.
- Be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
This is a temporary visa that enables parents to live in Australia for either 3 or 5 years, and for no more than 10 years in total. This gives parents of permanently migrated children the opportunity to spend more time with them in Australia without the inconvenience and expense of having to leave and re-enter on a regular basis.
Eligibility:
- Sponsored by a child who has lived in Australia for a minimum of 4 years, holds permanent residency or Australian citizenship.
- No balance of family test.
- Provide evidence of access to funds.
- Provide evidence of private health insurance.
- Satisfy health, character and national security requirements.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462)
Purpose
This visa allows eligible young adults (typically 18-30 years, or 35 for some countries) to travel and work in Australia temporarily, combining holiday experiences with short-term work to support their stay.
Duration
Usually granted for 12 months, with the possibility of extension under certain conditions (e.g., completing specified work in regional Australia).
Benefits
It provides an opportunity to gain international work experience, explore Australia, and develop skills while traveling.