General Skilled Migration
Skilled Migration to Australia
Explore Australia's major skilled visa pathways, eligibility requirements, occupation lists, skills assessments and migration planning resources.
Australia’s skilled migration program is designed for people who have qualifications, work experience and skills that may be needed in the Australian labour market.
Skilled migration can involve points-tested visas, state or territory nomination, regional pathways, occupation lists and skills assessment requirements. The right pathway depends on your occupation, points score, English level, work experience and personal circumstances.
This page provides an overview of Australia's main skilled migration pathways, including Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, together with practical information about occupation eligibility, skills assessments and migration planning considerations.
Main Skilled Visa Pathways
The main points-tested skilled migration pathways include the following visas:
General Requirements
Skilled migration requirements vary depending on the visa subclass, nominated occupation and individual circumstances. However, most skilled visa applicants commonly need to consider the following:
- Age requirements and points eligibility
- English language ability
- Whether the nominated occupation is eligible for the intended visa pathway
- Skills assessment requirements for the nominated occupation
- Points test score and competitiveness
- Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
- State or territory nomination requirements, where relevant
- Regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship, where relevant
- Health, character and visa history considerations
How the Skilled Migration Process Works
The skilled migration process usually involves several stages. The order may vary depending on the visa subclass, occupation, assessing authority and whether state or territory nomination is required.
- Identify the correct nominated occupation
- Check whether the occupation is available for the intended skilled visa pathway
- Review the relevant skills assessment requirements
- Complete a skills assessment, where required
- Sit an English test if required or if additional points are needed
- Calculate the points test score and assess competitiveness
- Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
- Apply for state or territory nomination, if relevant
- Wait for nomination or invitation
- Lodge the visa application within the required timeframe
Skilled Occupation List
Your nominated occupation is one of the most important factors in skilled migration. Occupation eligibility can affect which visa pathways may be available, whether a skills assessment is required, state nomination opportunities and your overall migration strategy.
Different occupations may be available for different skilled visa programs, and requirements can vary depending on the assessing authority and migration pathway involved.
Before investing time and money into a skills assessment or visa application, it is important to confirm that your occupation is suitable for your intended pathway.
Explore Your Skilled Migration Options
If you are unsure whether Subclass 189, Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 may be suitable for your circumstances, obtaining professional advice can help you understand your occupation eligibility, skills assessment requirements, points position and migration strategy.
Useful Resources
Explore additional skilled migration resources to better understand occupation eligibility, employer-sponsored pathways and migration policy updates.
Skilled Occupation List
Review eligible occupations, assessing authorities and skilled visa pathways that may be available for your occupation.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Explore employer-sponsored visa options, including pathways that may lead to temporary or permanent residence in Australia.
Migration News & Updates
Stay informed about invitation rounds, occupation list changes, skilled migration policies and Australian visa updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skilled visa pathway is right for me?
The most suitable skilled visa pathway depends on factors such as your occupation, age, English language ability, work experience, points score, skills assessment outcome and whether you may qualify for state nomination or regional sponsorship. Different applicants may be better suited to Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 or employer-sponsored pathways.
Do I need a job offer for skilled migration?
Not necessarily. Many points-tested skilled visas, including Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, do not require an employer sponsor. However, employer-sponsored pathways may provide additional migration opportunities for some applicants.
Why is a skills assessment important?
A skills assessment is often one of the first major steps in the skilled migration process. It allows the relevant assessing authority to determine whether your qualifications and work experience meet the requirements for your nominated occupation. Most skilled visa pathways require a suitable skills assessment before an invitation can be issued.
Is 65 points enough for skilled migration?
Sixty-five points is generally the minimum points threshold for many points-tested skilled visas. However, meeting the minimum threshold does not guarantee an invitation. The points required to receive an invitation may vary depending on your occupation, invitation rounds, state nomination opportunities and overall demand for your occupation.
Should I consider Subclass 189, 190 or 491?
Each pathway serves a different purpose. Subclass 189 is an independent permanent residency pathway, Subclass 190 involves state or territory nomination and Subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa that may lead to permanent residence. The most suitable option depends on your occupation, points score, nomination prospects and long-term migration goals.
Can my occupation affect my visa options?
Yes. Your nominated occupation can significantly affect which visa pathways may be available, the skills assessment authority you must use, whether state nomination opportunities exist and how competitive your migration pathway may be.
Start Your Skilled Visa Assessment
Not sure which skilled migration pathway may be suitable for your circumstances?
We have developed a dedicated Skilled Visa Assessment page to help collect key information about your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English language ability, visa status and potential migration pathways.
The assessment helps us conduct an initial review of possible skilled migration, state nomination, regional migration and employer-sponsored visa options.
