Emigrating to Australia under the Australian Skilled Migrant (Points Tested) Visa
The Skilled Migrant Visa is one of the most popular Visa people are emigrating to Australia on. In the current 2019/2020 financial year, the Australian Government allocated 160,000 visa places under the Skilled Migration Programme.
The Skilled Migrant Visa comes with work rights in any occupation and for any employer in Australia.
Those emigrating to Australia on the Skilled Migrant Visa must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Lists of current Skilled Occupations can be found below.
Please note that achieving 65 points does not guarantee a visa. The Skilled Migrant visa is highly competitive and with a limited visa places available, the visa points mark remains inflated.
Applicants apply via SkillSelect, a system designed to help the Australian Immigration Department to select best Skilled Migrant Visa candidates emigrating to Australia.
The Skilled Migrant Visa involves several stages, such as an assessment of qualifications and work experience, English language test, Expression of Interest application, Visa application, health and character checks.
Emigrating to Australia – Skilled Migrant Visa basic requirements:
Applicants emigrating to Australia under the GSM programme, must meet several criteria such as occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation list, suitable qualifications (or on the job training), relevant work experience, age, suitable level of English Language, good health and character.
The main Visa applicant must apply before 45th birthday (1st July 2017 change)
As each case is different depending on individual circumstances, some applicants may need to meet additional requirements such as higher level of English language or longer work experience. Note that some skills assessing authorities as well as Australian State Governments may have different or additional requirements from the Australian Immigration Department.
Emigrating to Australia- Visa points and SkillSelect:
The Skilled Migrant Visa is Points – tested. The basic points pass mark is 65 points. Skilled Migrant visa applicants must be invited through SkillSelect to submit the Skilled Migrant visa application.
For the latest invitation round results please go to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
Some occupations, such as Accountants, IT and Engineers may require much higher qualifying points due to the popularity of those occupations.
Australian Visa application can be a complex and lengthy process. We have been handling visa applications under the Australian General Skilled Migration programme for many years. This means dealing with the Australian Immigration Department and assessing authorities on daily basis. In addition our team are members of good standing of recognised regulatory bodies, such as MARA and CILEx.
Australian Skilled Migrant Independent Visa – Subclass 189:
Features
The Australian Skilled Independent Visa is a Permanent Australian Residency Visa. This Visa is for Skilled Workers who apply independently based on their unique set of skills. The visa allows you to:
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
- Work in any occupation for any employer in Australia.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, including Partners and Parents.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
- Extend the Visa every 5 years having met minimum residency requirement.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).
Requirements
- Occupation which appears on the MLTSSL list.
- Invitation to apply.
- Achieve high points above current pass mark.
- Hold a suitable skills assessment.
- Must be under 45 years of age.
- Suitable level of English language skills.
- Other standard requirements including health and character.
- Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.
- Make the permanent move within 5 years of visa grant date.
Skilled Migrant Visa application fee
Cost: AUD$4,045 – main applicant, AUD$2,020 – partner, AUD$1,015 – dependent child under the age of 18.
The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2019
Australian Skilled Migrant Sponsored Visa – subclass 190:
Features
The Australian Skilled Sponsored Permanent Visa is a Permanent Australian Residency Visa. This Visa is for Skilled Workers who are sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government. This visa allows you to:
- Live, work and study in the Sponsoring Australian State as a permanent resident for at least 2 years.
- Relocate anywhere in Australia after having lived in the Sponsoring State for the relevant period.
- Work in any occupation for any employer in sponsoring Australian State.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, including Partners.
- Extend the Visa every 5 years having met minimum residency requirement.
Requirements
- Occupation which appears on either the MLTSSL or STSOL list.
- Invitation to apply.
- Meet points test pass mark.
- Hold a suitable skills assessment.
- Must be 45 years of age.
- Suitable level of English language skills.
- Australian State Government nomination.
- Other standard requirements including health and character.
- Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.
- Make the permanent move within 5 years of visa grant date.
Skilled Migrant Visa application fee
Cost: AUD$4,045 – main applicant, AUD$2,020 – partner, AUD$1,015 – dependent child under the age of 18.
The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2019
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – subclass 491
(*commenced on 16th November 2019)
Features
This is a Provisional Australian visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government or by eligible sponsors who live in a Designated Area in Australia. This visa allows you to:
- Live, work and study in a Designated Regional Area of Australia for 5 years.
- Work in any occupation for any employer in the specified regional postcode in Australia.
- Apply for Australian Permanent Residency (Subclass 191 – after 16th November 2022) visa after 3 years.
- Must earn a minimum annual taxable income of $53,900 (*current threshold)
- Visa holders are eligible for Medicare, Australian Healthcare System.
To apply, the applicant must meet relevant criteria, including:
- Occupation which appears on either the MLTSSL (Family Sponsored) or STSOL (State Sponsored).
- Invitation to apply.
- Meet points test pass mark.
- Hold a suitable skills assessment.
- Must be under 45 years of age.
- Suitable level of English language skills.
- Australian State or Territory Government nomination or
- Sponsorship from eligible Australian relative located in designated area (MLTSSL occupations)
- Other standard requirements including health and character.
- Travel to Australia within specified time to active the visa.
The holders of the 491 must live, work and study in regional Australia. The Definition of Regional Australian changed on 16th November 2019. The new locations apply to Regional Visas granted on or after 16th November 2019.
Skilled Migrant Visa application fee
Cost: AUD$4,045 – main applicant, AUD$2,020 – partner, AUD$1,015 – dependent child under the age of 18.
The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2019
Australian Skilled Regional Visa – Subclass 887
Features
This is a Permanent Australian Visa (Residency visa) for skilled workers who are in Australia as holders of one of the following visas:
- Skilled Sponsored (Designated / Regional) Visa (Subclass 489)
- Skilled Sponsored (Designated / Regional Visa (Subclass 495 & 496)
- Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 475 & 487)
- Bridging visa A or Bridging visa B ( granted in relation to a 487, 489 or 495 Visa Applications only).
This visa allows you to:
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia as permanent residents.
- Work in any occupation for any employer in Australia.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (having meet eligibility requirements).
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, including Partners.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted (after that time, you will need a Resident Return visa which you can obtain after having lived in Australia for 2 years).
Requirements:
- Apply in Australia before the expiry date of the current relevant visa.
- Must have lived in a specified regional area in Australia one a substantive visa for at least 2 years.
- Must have worked in a specified regional area in Australia on one of the above visas for at least one year (any occupation, no less than 35h per week).
- All applicants must have complied with their substantive visa conditions.
- This visa is not points tested.
- Applicants does not require an invitation to apply.
- Age criteria do not apply.
- Must meet other standard requirements such as health and character.
Current processing times: 9 – 12 months.
Skilled Migrant Visa (subclass 887) application fee
Cost: AUD$415 – main applicant, AUD$210 – partner, AUD$105 – dependent child under the age of 18.
The above fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1st July 2019.
Emigrating to Australia? Our Australian Skilled Migration experts can help with:
- Visa eligibility assessment based on the current Australian Migration laws and your individual circumstances.
- Providing you with a clear advice on application cost and budget you need prior to starting the process.
- Explaining the Australian Migration Rules and current Migration Policy.
- Handling your Australian Visa application stages and related documentation.
- Helping with employment statements, declarations, evidence of earnings.
- Free of charge certification of documents by our in-house solicitors.
- Careful preparation and submission of Skills Assessment, Expression of Interest, SkillSelect, State Sponsorship, Visa Application, police and medical reports.
- Making best efforts to strengthen your application so it goes smooth and without delays.
- Referral to our Relocation, Australian Banking and Money Transfer Partners.
- Cover other areas related to Migration to Australia.
With many referrals from clients, length of practice and operation within a well established and regulated Law firm, we are best placed to facilitate your emigrating to Australia process and handle your Visa application from start to finish.
Emigrating to Australia – Australian Skilled Occupation List:
Applicants applying for the Skilled Migrant Visa such as 189, 190, 491 and 485 must have an occupation currently listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List, Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List OR Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Applicants whose occupations appear on the STSOL must be sponsored by one of the Australian State or Territory Government.
Prospective migrants must have a positive assessment of qualifications and work experience for Skilled Migrant Visa purposes.
The Skilled Occupation List is updated from time to time and the latest version was released on 11/03/2019.
Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List:
| construction project manager |
| engineering manager |
| child care centre manager |
| nursing clinical director |
| primary health organisation manager |
| welfare centre manager |
| arts administrator or manager |
| environmental manager |
| dancer or choreographer |
| music director |
| musician (instrumental) |
| artistic director |
| accountant (general) |
| management accountant |
| taxation accountant |
| external auditor |
| internal auditor |
| actuary |
| statistician |
| economist |
| land economist |
| valuer |
| management consultant |
| architect |
| landscape architect |
| surveyor |
| cartographer |
| other spatial scientist |
| chemical engineer |
| materials engineer |
| civil engineer |
| geotechnical engineer |
| quantity surveyor |
| structural engineer |
| transport engineer |
| electrical engineer |
| electronics engineer |
| industrial engineer |
| mechanical engineer |
| production or plant engineer |
| mining engineer (excluding petroleum) |
| petroleum engineer |
| aeronautical engineer |
| agricultural engineer |
| biomedical engineer |
| engineering technologist |
| environmental engineer |
| naval architect |
| engineering professionals (nec) |
| agricultural consultant |
| agricultural scientist |
| forester |
| chemist |
| food technologist |
| environmental consultant |
| environmental research scientist |
| environmental scientist (nec) |
| geophysicist |
| hydrogeologist |
| life scientist (general) |
| biochemist |
| biotechnologist |
| botanist |
| marine biologist |
| microbiologist |
| zoologist |
| life scientists (nec) |
| medical laboratory scientist |
| veterinarian |
| conservator |
| metallurgist |
| meteorologist |
| physicist |
| natural and physical science professionals (nec) |
| early childhood (pre‑primary school) teacher |
| secondary school teacher |
| special needs teacher |
| teacher of the hearing impaired |
| teacher of the sight impaired |
| special education teachers (nec) |
| university lecturer |
| medical diagnostic radiographer |
| medical radiation therapist |
| nuclear medicine technologist |
| sonographer |
| optometrist |
| orthotist or prosthetist |
| chiropractor |
| osteopath |
| occupational therapist |
| physiotherapist |
| podiatrist |
| audiologist |
| speech pathologist |
| general practitioner |
| specialist physician (general medicine) |
| cardiologist |
| clinical haematologist |
| medical oncologist |
| endocrinologist |
| gastroenterologist |
| intensive care specialist |
| neurologist |
| paediatrician |
| renal medicine specialist |
| rheumatologist |
| thoracic medicine specialist |
| specialist physicians (nec) |
| psychiatrist |
| surgeon (general) |
| cardiothoracic surgeon |
| neurosurgeon |
| orthopaedic surgeon |
| otorhinolaryngologist |
| paediatric surgeon |
| plastic and reconstructive surgeon |
| urologist |
| vascular surgeon |
| dermatologist |
| emergency medicine specialist |
| obstetrician and gynaecologist |
| ophthalmologist |
| pathologist |
| diagnostic and interventional radiologist |
| radiation oncologist |
| medical practitioners (nec) |
| midwife |
| nurse practitioner |
| registered nurse (aged care) |
| registered nurse (child and family health) |
| registered nurse (community health) |
| registered nurse (critical care and emergency) |
| registered nurse (developmental disability) |
| registered nurse (disability and rehabilitation) |
| registered nurse (medical) |
| registered nurse (medical practice) |
| registered nurse (mental health) |
| registered nurse (perioperative) |
| registered nurse (surgical) |
| registered nurse (paediatrics) |
| registered nurses (nec) |
| ICT business analyst |
| systems analyst |
| multimedia specialist |
| analyst programmer |
| developer programmer |
| software engineer |
| software and applications programmers (nec) |
| ICT security specialist |
| computer network and systems engineer |
| telecommunications engineer |
| telecommunications network engineer |
| barrister |
| solicitor |
| clinical psychologist |
| educational psychologist |
| organisational psychologist |
| psychologists (nec) |
| social worker |
| civil engineering draftsperson |
| civil engineering technician |
| electrical engineering draftsperson |
| electrical engineering technician |
| radio communications technician |
| telecommunications field engineer |
| telecommunications network planner |
| telecommunications technical officer or technologist |
| automotive electrician |
| motor mechanic (general) |
| diesel motor mechanic |
| motorcycle mechanic |
| small engine mechanic |
| sheetmetal trades worker |
| metal fabricator |
| pressure welder |
| welder (first class) |
| fitter (general) |
| fitter and turner |
| fitter‑welder |
| metal machinist (first class) |
| locksmith |
| panelbeater |
| bricklayer |
| stonemason |
| carpenter and joiner |
| carpenter |
| joiner |
| painting trades worker |
| glazier |
| fibrous plasterer |
| solid plasterer |
| wall and floor tiler |
| plumber (general) |
| airconditioning and mechanical services plumber |
| drainer |
| gasfitter |
| roof plumber |
| electrician (general) |
| electrician (special class) |
| lift mechanic |
| airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic |
| technical cable jointer |
| electronic equipment trades worker |
| electronic instrument trades worker (general) |
| electronic instrument trades worker (special class) |
| chef |
| horse trainer |
| cabinetmaker |
| boat builder and repairer |
| shipwright |
| tennis coach |
| footballer |
Short‑term Skilled Occupation List
| flower grower |
| grape grower |
| vegetable grower (Aus)/market gardener (NZ) |
| apiarist |
| poultry farmer |
| sales and marketing manager |
| advertising manager |
| corporate services manager |
| finance manager |
| human resource manager |
| research and development manager |
| manufacturer |
| production manager (forestry) |
| production manager (manufacturing) |
| production manager (mining) |
| supply and distribution manager |
| health and welfare services managers (nec) |
| school principal |
| education managers (nec) |
| ICT project manager |
| ICT managers (nec) |
| laboratory manager |
| quality assurance manager |
| specialist managers (nec) except: (a) ambassador; or (b) archbishop; or (c) bishop |
| cafe or restaurant manager |
| hotel or motel manager |
| accommodation and hospitality managers (nec) |
| customer service manager |
| conference and event organiser |
| transport company manager |
| facilities manager |
| music professionals (nec) |
| photographer |
| book or script editor |
| director (film, television, radio or stage) |
| film and video editor |
| program director (television or radio) |
| stage manager |
| technical director |
| video producer |
| copywriter |
| newspaper or periodical editor |
| print journalist |
| technical writer |
| television journalist |
| journalists and other writers (nec) |
| company secretary |
| commodities trader |
| finance broker |
| insurance broker |
| financial brokers (nec) |
| financial market dealer |
| stockbroking dealer |
| financial dealers (nec) |
| financial investment adviser |
| financial investment manager |
| recruitment consultant |
| ICT trainer |
| mathematician |
| gallery or museum curator |
| health information manager |
| records manager |
| librarian |
| organisation and methods analyst |
| patents examiner |
| information and organisation professionals (nec) |
| advertising specialist |
| marketing specialist |
| ICT account manager |
| ICT business development manager |
| ICT sales representative |
| public relations professional |
| technical sales representatives (nec) including education sales representatives |
| fashion designer |
| industrial designer |
| jewellery designer |
| graphic designer |
| illustrator |
| web designer |
| interior designer |
| urban and regional planner |
| geologist |
| primary school teacher |
| middle school teacher (Aus) / intermediate school teacher (NZ) |
| education adviser |
| art teacher (private tuition) |
| dance teacher (private tuition) |
| music teacher (private tuition) |
| private tutors and teachers (nec) |
| teacher of English to speakers of other languages |
| dietitian |
| nutritionist |
| occupational health and safety adviser |
| orthoptist |
| hospital pharmacist |
| industrial pharmacist |
| retail pharmacist |
| health promotion officer |
| health diagnostic and promotion professionals (nec) |
| acupuncturist |
| naturopath |
| traditional Chinese medicine practitioner |
| complementary health therapists (nec) |
| dental specialist |
| resident medical officer |
| nurse educator |
| nurse researcher |
| nurse manager |
| web developer |
| software tester |
| database administrator |
| systems administrator |
| network administrator |
| network analyst |
| ICT quality assurance engineer |
| ICT support engineer |
| ICT systems test engineer |
| ICT support and test engineers (nec) |
| judicial and other legal professionals (nec) |
| careers counsellor |
| drug and alcohol counsellor |
| family and marriage counsellor |
| rehabilitation counsellor |
| student counsellor |
| counsellors (nec) |
| psychotherapist |
| interpreter |
| social professionals (nec) |
| recreation officer |
| welfare worker |
| anaesthetic technician |
| cardiac technician |
| medical laboratory technician |
| pharmacy technician |
| medical technicians (nec) |
| meat inspector |
| primary products inspectors (nec) |
| chemistry technician |
| earth science technician |
| life science technician |
| science technicians (nec) |
| architectural draftsperson |
| building inspector |
| architectural, building and surveying technicians (nec) |
| mechanical engineering technician |
| metallurgical or materials technician |
| mine deputy |
| hardware technician |
| ICT customer support officer |
| web administrator |
| ICT support technicians (nec) |
| farrier |
| aircraft maintenance engineer (avionics) |
| aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical) |
| aircraft maintenance engineer (structures) |
| metal fitters and machinists (nec) |
| precision instrument maker and repairer |
| toolmaker |
| vehicle body builder |
| vehicle trimmer |
| roof tiler |
| business machine mechanic |
| cabler (data and telecommunications) |
| telecommunications linesworker |
| baker |
| pastrycook |
| butcher or smallgoods maker |
| cook |
| dog handler or trainer |
| animal attendants and trainers (nec) |
| veterinary nurse |
| florist |
| gardener (general) |
| arborist |
| landscape gardener |
| greenkeeper |
| hairdresser |
| print finisher |
| printing machinist |
| dressmaker or tailor |
| upholsterer |
| furniture finisher |
| wood machinist |
| wood machinists and other wood trades workers (nec) |
| power generation plant operator |
| jeweller |
| camera operator (film, television or video) |
| make up artist |
| sound technician |
| performing arts technicians (nec) |
| signwriter |
| ambulance officer |
| intensive care ambulance paramedic |
| dental technician |
| diversional therapist |
| enrolled nurse |
| massage therapist |
| community worker |
| disabilities services officer |
| family support worker |
| residential care officer |
| youth worker |
| diving instructor (open water) |
| gymnastics coach or instructor |
| horse riding coach or instructor |
| snowsport instructor |
| swimming coach or instructor |
| other sports coach or instructor |
| sports development officer |
| sportspersons (nec) |
| contract administrator |
| program or project administrator |
| insurance loss adjuster |
| insurance agent |
| retail buyer |
Regional Occupation List:
| aquaculture farmer |
| cotton grower |
| fruit or nut grower |
| grain, oilseed or pasture grower (Aus)/field crop grower (NZ) |
| mixed crop farmer |
| sugar cane grower |
| crop farmers (nec) |
| beef cattle farmer |
| dairy cattle farmer |
| deer farmer |
| goat farmer |
| horse breeder |
| mixed livestock farmer |
| pig farmer |
| sheep farmer |
| livestock farmers (nec) |
| mixed crop and livestock farmer |
| public relations manager |
| policy and planning manager |
| project builder |
| procurement manager |
| medical administrator |
| regional education manager |
| sports administrator |
| caravan park and camping ground manager |
| post office manager |
| amusement centre manager |
| fitness centre manager |
| sports centre manager |
| cinema or theatre manager |
| financial institution branch manager |
| human resource adviser |
| workplace relations adviser |
| policy analyst |
| liaison officer |
| market research analyst |
| aeroplane pilot |
| flying instructor |
| helicopter pilot |
| ship’s master |
| multimedia designer |
| wine maker |
| conservation officer |
| exercise physiologist |
| vocational education teacher |
| environmental health officer |
| dentist |
| anaesthetist |
| intellectual property lawyer |
| translator |
| community arts worker |
| agricultural technician |
| operating theatre technician |
| pathology collector |
| construction estimator |
| surveying or spatial science technician |
| mechanical engineering draftsperson |
| safety inspector |
| maintenance planner |
| building and engineering technicians (nec) |
| vehicle painter |
| floor finisher |
| electrical linesworker |
| zookeeper |
| nurseryperson |
| gas or petroleum operator |
| dental hygienist |
| dental therapist |
| emergency service worker |
| driving instructor |
| funeral workers (nec) |
| flight attendant |
| first aid trainer |
| jockey |
| clinical coder |
| property manager |
| real estate representative |