Australian Skilled Migration Visas

Overview

The most independent pathway to Australian PR. You don't need sponsorship from a state, territory, or employer.

Key Features

• Permanent residency from day one
• No sponsorship required
• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Pathway to citizenship after 4 years
• Include family members in your application

Requirements

• Minimum 65 points (but realistically need 80-90+ for competitive occupations)
• Under 45 years old at time of invitation
• Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Positive skills assessment from relevant authority
• Competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

State Nomination Bonus

0 points - This is an independent visa with no nomination

Overview

Get an extra 5 points through state or territory nomination, increasing your chances of invitation significantly.

Key Features

• Permanent residency from day one
• +5 bonus points from state nomination
• Easier to qualify than 189
• Pathway to citizenship after 4 years
• Live in nominating state for 2 years initially

Requirements

• Minimum 65 points (including the 5-point nomination bonus)
• Under 45 years old at time of invitation
• Occupation on MLTSSL or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• State/territory nomination - each state has its own criteria
• Positive skills assessment
• Competent English (minimum)

State Nomination Bonus

+5 points

Popular States for Nomination

• New South Wales (NSW): Strong focus on tech, healthcare
• Victoria (VIC): Diverse occupations, PhD graduates prioritized
• Queensland (QLD): Healthcare, engineering, IT
• South Australia (SA): Offers points-based matrix
• Western Australia (WA): Focus on regional needs
• Tasmania (TAS): More accessible pathways
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra Matrix system

Overview

Get a massive 15-point boost for regional areas. It's provisional but offers a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Key Features

• +15 bonus points (highest boost!)
• 5-year provisional visa
• Pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years
• Work and study rights in Australia
• Must live/work in regional area
• Include family members

Requirements

• Minimum 65 points (including the 15-point nomination bonus)
• Under 45 years old
• Occupation on MLTSSL, STSOL, or Regional Occupation List (ROL)
• State/territory nomination OR family sponsorship
• Must live and work in designated regional area
• Positive skills assessment
• Competent English

Regional Nomination Bonus

+15 points

What Are Regional Areas?

Regional areas include ALL of Australia except:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Perth

Regional areas include:

• Adelaide (entire South Australia)
• Canberra (ACT)
• Newcastle, Wollongong (NSW Central Coast)
• Geelong, Ballarat (Regional Victoria)
• Tasmania (entire state)
• Northern Territory (entire territory)

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding the 491 visa, you can apply for Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional) after:

• Living in regional Australia for 3 years
• Meeting minimum taxable income requirements
• Complying with visa conditions

Overview

For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs. Different points system focused on business experience, innovation, and investment capacity. Pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 888.

Key Features

• Provisional visa for business owners and investors
• Multiple streams: Business Innovation, Investor, Entrepreneur
• Different points system - business-focused criteria
• Pathway to PR via Subclass 888 after meeting requirements
• State/Territory nomination required
• Include family members in your application

Requirements

• Minimum 65 points on business innovation points test
• Under 55 years old (different age criteria than skilled visas)
• Business/investment experience in last 4-8 years
• Net assets and business turnover thresholds
• State/territory nomination - varies by state
• Business plan and investment commitment
• English proficiency (lower threshold - IELTS 5.0 vocational)

Business Innovation Points

Points are awarded for:

• Age (different bands than skilled visas)
• English language ability
• Educational qualifications in business/science/technology
• Net financial assets (AUD 1.25M+)
• Business turnover (AUD 750K+)
• Business/investor experience
• Innovation factors (patents, trademarks, exports, growth)
• State/Territory special endorsement (+10 points)

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding the 188 visa, you can apply for Subclass 888 (Business Innovation and Investment - Permanent) after meeting stream-specific requirements such as:

• Operating a business in Australia for required period
• Meeting turnover and employment thresholds
• Maintaining required investments
• Living in nominating state