We want to help you avoid making common mistakes that could delay your visa application. The tips on this website will help you to submit an application that is ‘decision ready’
There are two groups of skilled visas in Australia: employer or family sponsored, and unsponsored.
A sponsored visa lets an employer or a family member sponsor you.
It can: ~ be temporary. ~ provide immediate permanent residency, ~ or offer a pathway to permanent residency.
You don't need a sponsor for this type of skilled visa. These visas also allow you to work for multiple employers. To apply for these visas, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. If you are eligible for the visa, department will invite you to apply.
Australia offers Sponsored Skilled Visas as part of its skilled migration program, providing opportunities for individuals with sponsorship from an eligible relative or a state or territory government. Key categories include:
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants must have skills in an occupation listed on the relevant state or territory occupation list. Provides permanent residency for successful applicants. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): Requires sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area or nomination by a state or territory government. Applicants must have skills in an occupation on the relevant regional occupation list. Grants provisional residency, with a pathway to permanent residency after meeting certain criteria. Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (subclass 191): A pathway to permanent residency for holders of the subclass 491 visa after meeting specific residence and employment conditions in a designated regional area. These sponsored visas aim to address specific skill shortages in regional areas and contribute to the economic development of these regions. Eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific visa subclass and sponsoring authority. It's essential for applicants to carefully review the requirements and seek professional advice to optimize their chances of a successful application.
Australia offers various Unsponsored Skilled Visas for individuals seeking to migrate based on their skills and qualifications without requiring sponsorship from an employer or family member. Key visas in this category include:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or a state or territory government. Applicants must meet the points threshold based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Provides permanent residency. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): Points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. Requires either nomination by a state or territory government or an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. Grants provisional residency, with a pathway to permanent residency. Skilled Recognized Graduate Visa (subclass 476): For recent engineering graduates from recognized institutions. Allows a temporary stay of up to 18 months to gain work experience in the engineering field. Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): For international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution. Provides a temporary stay for either 18 months or 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification obtained.
