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