Understanding the Skilled Migration Pathway

Australia has one of the most extensive immigration programs in the world. There are over 670 eligible occupations in the Skilled Occupation list, from Accountant to Zookeeper. If you are a skilled worker and are considering migrating permanently to Australia, the skilled migration program might offer the most reliable and straightforward pathway to Permanent Residency.

There are two main visa categories included in the skilled migration program: employer-sponsored visas, and points-tested visas.

Employer-sponsored visas:

These are visas which require a business to sponsor you. They are tied to the employment relationship and, therefore, do not allow for the applicant to change employers or to work for themselves.

• 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa

The 482 TSS visa allows migrants to stay in Australia and work for their sponsors for 2 (short-term stream) or 4 years (medium-term stream).

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Having an eligible short-term/medium-term occupation;

2. At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or related field; and

3. At least competent English.

If eligible, 482 visa holders might be able to apply for permanent residence.

• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

This visa allows migrants to stay in Australia and work for their sponsors in a designated regional area for 5 years. If eligible, it allows visa holders to apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time of visa grant.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Having an eligible occupation on the relevant skilled occupations list;

2. At least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation;

3. Having a relevant skills assessment;

4. Being under 45 years of age; and

5. At least competent English.

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa

This is a Permanent Resident visa, which provides the holder with Australian permanent residency with no conditions. This means the visa holder does not need to maintain employment with the nominator, nor live in a designated regional area.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Having an eligible occupation on the relevant skilled occupations list;

2. At least 3 years of relevant work experience;

3. Having a positive Skills Assessment; and

4. Being nominated by an employer.

Points-tested Visas

These are visas which do not require a business sponsor and are based on a state/territory nomination. In order to be nominated, applicants must go through a points test and meet a minimum threshold. Nonetheless, invitations are limited and at the discretion of each state/territory authority.

The most attractive feature of points-tested visas is the fact that they do not require a sponsorship and, therefore, allow more freedom to applicants, who can choose to change employers at any time, or to work for themselves.

To apply for a points-tested visa it is necessary to go through a skills assessment and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Furthermore, it is also necessary to check the specific occupations list of each state/territory.

• 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

This visa allows migrants to stay in Australia and work in their nominated occupation in regional Australia for 5 years. It also allows visa holders to apply for permanent residence after 3 years of visa grant.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Satisfying the points test;

2. Having an eligible occupation on the relevant skilled occupations lists;

3. Having a positive skills assessment;

4. Be nominated to apply by a state or territory authority or an eligible relative; and

5. Be invited to apply.

• 190 Skilled Nominated visa

This is a Permanent Resident visa, which provides the holder with Australian permanent residency with no conditions.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Satisfying the points test;

2. Having an eligible occupation on the relevant skilled occupations lists;

3. Having a positive skills assessment; and

4. Be invited to apply.

• 189 Skilled Independent visa

This is a Permanent Resident visa, which provides the holder with Australian permanent residency with no conditions.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Satisfying the points test;

2. Having an eligible occupation on the relevant skilled occupations lists;

3. Having a positive skills assessment; and

4. Be invited to apply.

The Australian Skilled Migration Program offers amazing visa options for skilled migrants. It is a reliable and rewarding pathway. However, to ensure positive results, it is crucial to get a visa eligibility assessment from a professional to find out which visa really suits you. Our Immigration Lawyer at Turnstone Law can help you, you can book a consultation here.