General Skilled Migration

There are three different Visas for skilled migrant workers :

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 489)

How to apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa ?
The first step to apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa is to submit online an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skillselect system (a system facilitating the skilled migration process).
Expression of Interest (EOI) can be used for any skilled migrant workers. However, before to submit the EOI, the applicant has to be sure to meet the requirements of the visa he/she wants to apply for.
After the Expression of Interest submitted, the applicant may be invited to apply for the visa. He/she will then have 60 days to complete and submit his/her file to the Australian Government.
At the time of the invitation, the candidate shall appoint a profession from the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).
Check if your profession is in the Skilled Occupations List >

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This Visa applies to skilled migrant workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a relative or nominated by the Australian State or Territory.
It allows applicants to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Requirements :

• Have received the invitation letter to apply for the visa
• The applicant’s profession must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Have obtained relevant skills assessment for that occupation
• Be under 50 years old
• Have succeed the score specified in the invitation letter based on the factors in the points test
• Have a proficient level in English

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

This Visa applies to skilled migrant workers who have passed the point test and who are also nominated by the Australian State or Territory.
It allows applicants to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Requirements :

• Have received the invitation letter to apply for the visa
• The applicant’s profession must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Have obtained relevant skills assessment for that occupation
• Be under 50 years old
• Have succeed the score specified in the invitation letter based on the factors in the points test
• Have a proficient level in English
• Be nominated by the Australian State or Territory

Skilled Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 489)

This Visa applies to skilled migrant workers and their families who want to live, work and study in a specified regional areas of Australia.
There are two ways to obtain the Regional Visa :

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• The applicant must hold a provisional Visa in one of the following subclasses 475, 487, 495 or 496

It allows applicants to live and work in specified regional areas in Australia for up to 4 years.
Requirements :

• Have received the invitation letter to apply for the visa
• Be nominated by the Australian State or Territory
• The applicant’s profession must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Have obtained relevant skills assessment for that occupation
• Be under 50 years old
• Have succeed the score specified in the invitation letter based on the factors in the points test
• Have a proficient level in English

To extend the stay :
To extend the stay, the applicant can apply for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) Renewal (subclass 489) Visa.
For relatives of someone who already holds one of the following Visas subclasses 489, 475, 487, 495 or 496, members of family can apply for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subsequent Entrant (subclass 489) Visa.
Please contact our Australian Migration Agent for more information and assistance >