Skilled Migration Visa

Permanent Residency Pathways for Skilled Professionals

Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers permanent visa pathways for qualified professionals whose skills are in demand. These points-tested visas lead to Australian permanent residency and citizenship. 

Key Benefits: 

Skilled Migration Visa Options

Australia offers several skilled visa subclasses under its points-tested migration system. Each pathway has specific requirements related to occupation, points, and sponsorship. 

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) 

Permanent visa with no sponsorship required 

Eligibility: 

  • Occupation on Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) 
  • Minimum 65 points (higher scores typically needed) 
  • Positive skills assessment 
  • Under 45 years at invitation
  • Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each or equivalent) 
  • Health and character requirements 
  • Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect 

Key Features: 

  • Complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia 
  • No state or employer sponsorship required 
  • Most competitive skilled visa pathway 
  • Permanent residency from grant date 

Streams: 

  • Points-Tested Stream (most common) 
  • New Zealand Stream (for eligible NZ citizens) 
  • Hong Kong Stream (for eligible HK/BNO passport holders) 

Ideal For: 

  • Highly competitive applicants with strong points scores 
  • Professionals wanting maximum location flexibility 
  • Those without state nomination or employer sponsorship 

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) 

State-nominated permanent visa 

Eligibility: 

  • Occupation on relevant state skilled occupation list 
  • State/territory government nomination (adds 5 points) 
  • Minimum 65 points (including nomination points) 
  • Positive skills assessment 
  • Under 45 years at invitation 
  • Competent English minimum 
  • Meet state-specific requirements 
  • Invitation to Apply through SkillSelect 

Key Features: 

  • Permanent residency from grant date 
  • Extra 5 points from state nomination 
  • Must commit to living in nominating state (usually 2 years) 
  • More accessible than Subclass 189 

State Requirements Vary: 

  • Each state has different occupation lists 
  • Some states prioritize graduates or local workers 
  • Specific English or experience requirements may apply 
  • We help identify best state nomination options 

Ideal For: 

  • Applicants needing extra points 
  • Those willing to commit to specific state/territory 
  • Professionals whose occupation is closed for 189 but open for 190 

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

5-year provisional visa for regional areas 

Eligibility: 

  • Occupation on regional occupation list 
  • State/territory nomination OR family sponsorship in regional area 
  • Minimum 65 points (including nomination points) 
  • Positive skills assessment 
  • Under 45 years at invitation 
  • Competent English minimum 
  • Invitation to Apply through SkillSelect 

Key Features: 

  • Valid for 5 years 
  • Must live, work, and study in designated regional area 
  • Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) 
  • Extra 15 points from regional nomination 

Regional Definition: 

  • All of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane 
  • Includes cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra 

Pathway to PR: 

  • After 3 years on 491 visa 
  • Meet income threshold requirements 
  • Apply for Subclass 191 permanent visa 

Ideal For: 

  • Applicants open to regional living 
  • Those needing maximum points boost 
  • Professionals with occupations closed in metropolitan areas 
  • This visa suits applicants open to regional opportunities and long-term settlement outside major cities.

Points System Explained

Minimum 65 points required (but competitive scores much higher) 

Points Breakdown: 

1. Age: 

25-32 years: 30 points 

18-24 or 33-39 years: 25 points 

40-44 years: 15 points 

2. English: 

Superior (IELTS 8.0+): 20 points 

Proficient (IELTS 7.0+): 10 points 

Competent (IELTS 6.0+): 0 points 

3. Work Experience (Australian): 

8+ years: 20 points 

5-7 years: 15 points 

3-4 years: 10 points 

1-2 years: 5 points 

4. Work Experience (Overseas): 

8+ years: 15 points 

5-7 years: 10 points 

3-4 years: 5 points 

5. Education: 

Doctorate: 20 points 

Bachelor/Masters: 15 points 

Diploma/Trade qualification: 10 points 

6. Other Points: 

Australian study requirement (2+ years): 5 points 

Regional study: 5 points 

Accredited community language (NAATI): 5 points 

Partner skills: 10 points 

Partner with competent English: 5 points 

Single or no partner: 10 points 

State nomination (190): 5 points 

Regional nomination (491): 15 points 

Strategy: 

Maximize points before applying 

Focus on achievable increases (English, experience, NAATI) 

Consider state nomination for extra points 

Study-to-Skilled Migration Pathway

From Student to Permanent Resident:

Typical Timeline: ① Student Visa – Study qualification in Australia (2-4 years) ② Graduate Visa (485) – Work in skilled occupation (2-4 years) ③ Build Points – Gain Australian work experience + maximize English ④ Skilled Visa – Apply for 189/190/491 ⑤ Permanent Residency – Settle in Australia long-term 

Why Australian Study Helps: 

  • 5 points for Australian study requirement 
  • 5 additional points if regional study 
  • Graduate visa provides Australian work experience (20 points possible) 
  • Pathway to meet skills assessment requirements 
  • Time to maximize English scores 
  • Build networks and local experience 

We Connect Study to PR: 

  • Choose courses aligned with MLTSSL occupations 
  • Plan points optimization from day one 
  • Time your visa applications strategically 
  • Maximize every available point 

Skills Assessment

Required for all skilled visas 

What It Is: 

  • Independent assessment that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards 
  • Each occupation has specific assessing authority 
  • Must be completed before EOI submission 

Common Assessing Authorities: 

  • Engineers Australia (engineering occupations) 
  • ACS (ICT/IT occupations) 
  • VETASSESS (general professional occupations) 
  • TRA (trades occupations) 
  • AACA (architects) 
  • CPA/CA/IPA (accountants) 

We Help With: 

  • Identifying correct assessing authority 
  • Document preparation 
  • Application lodgement 
  • Handling assessment outcomes

How SettleU Can Help

Migration Services

  • Points calculation and optimization strategy
  • Skills assessment guidance and support
  • EOI preparation and lodgement
  • State nomination applications
  • Complete visa application management
  • Complex case handling and refusals

Education Planning (for Study-to-PR Pathway)

  • Course selection for MLTSSL occupations
  • Institution recommendations
  • Timeline planning from study to PR
  • Graduate visa strategy

Strategic Approach

  • Assess your current points and gaps
  • Develop points maximization plan
  • Identify best visa pathway (189/190/491)
  • Plan optimal timing for applications
  • Connect education and migration goals

Our Expertise

  • 20+ years migration law experience 
  • Detailed knowledge of state nomination requirements 
  • Up-to-date occupation list changes 
  • Points optimization specialists 
  • Legal support for complex cases and appeals 

Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment 

  • Identify assessing authority 
  • Gather required documents 
  • Lodge skills assessment 
  • Receive positive outcome 

Step 2: Points Calculation 

  • Calculate current points 
  • Identify improvement opportunities 
  • Develop maximization strategy 

Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) 

  • Submit EOI via SkillSelect 
  • Choose visa subclass(es) 
  • Rank your application with points score 
  • Wait for invitation 

Step 4: Invitation to Apply (ITA) 

  • Receive ITA (highest ranked applicants invited) 
  • 60 days to lodge visa application 
  • Prepare all supporting documents 

Step 5: Visa Application 

  • Lodge complete application 
  • Provide all evidence 
  • Complete health and character checks 
  • Respond to any requests 

Step 6: Visa Decision 

  • Wait for Department assessment 
  • Receive visa grant or refusal 
  • Plan next steps 

Processing Times: 

  • Vary significantly by occupation and points 
  • High-demand occupations may wait longer 
  • Complete applications process faster 

Common Skilled Migration Visa Questions

Minimum 65, but competitive scores are usually 85-95+ depending on occupation.

Yes, partner and dependent children can be included in your application.

From skills assessment to visa grant, typically 12-18 months, sometimes longer.

Consider state nomination (190) or regional visa (491) with broader occupation lists.

Yes, you can update your EOI with improved English, additional experience, or qualifications.

Skilled visas require under 45 at invitation. Consider employer sponsorship alternatives.

No, skilled independent and nominated visas don’t require job offers.

No, skilled independent and nominated visas don’t require job offers.

Want to assess your skilled migration eligibility?

Consultation Booking Form