General Skilled Migration Visa

Skilled Independent (189)

The Skilled Independent 189 visa is a permanent visa and is part of the “Skill Select” visa system. It is for applicants with the skills and qualifications required to fill Australia’s skill requirements.

Applicants must:

  • have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • submit an EOI and wait to be invited to apply
  • be below 45 years old at time of invitation
  • be points assessed, with a minimum of 65 points required to qualify
  • undergo skills assessment
  • have competent English

Applicants with the highest points are invited first and there is no guarantee that an invitation will be made.

Skilled Nominated (190)

The State/Territory Nominated 190 visa is a permanent visa and also part of the “Skill Select” system, except that this visa is sponsored by a State or Territory. Each State or Territory has a list of occupations it is looking to sponsor.

Applicants must:

  • have an occupation listed either on the MLTSSL or Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • apply for State nomination – subject to State or Territory conditions
  • submit an EOI and wait to be invited to apply for the visa
  • be below 45 years old at time of Invitation
  • have a minimum of 65 points required to qualify
  • undergo skills assessment
  • have competent English
  • live in the sponsoring State or Territory for at least 2 years

Provisional Skilled (489)

The Provisional Skilled 489 visa is a temporary visa valid for 4 years. This visa allows a holder to live and work in a regional or designated area of Australia. Once certain requirements are met, a holder may apply for a permanent 887 visa. There are two streams under this visa: applicants may be sponsored by Family living in a designated area or applicants may be State/Territory sponsored. Applicants holding a subclass 475, 487, 495 and 496 visa may also extend the stay in Australia with this visa.

Applicants must:

  • have an occupation listed in a skilled occupation list, depending on the stream of application
  • apply to a State or Territory for nomination
  • submit an EOI and wait to be invited to apply
  • have their skills assessed by an assessment body
  • have a minimum of 65 points required to qualify
  • be below 45 years old at time of invitation
  • pass health and character requirements
  • reside in the regional area of the nominating State or Territory for a minimum of 2 years