189 - Skilled Independent Visa
This stream is for Points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident (PR).
REQUIREMENTS
Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
Have a relevant occupation on the 189 occupation list (MLTSSL)
Have Competent English
Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points (as of 1 July 2018)
Meet health and character requirements
PERMANENT
190 - Skilled Nomination Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. If you have the qualifications and your occupation is in demand in your chosen state, this visa lets you live and work in Australia permanently without needing an employer to sponsor you.
Each state and territory manages its own nomination list, so the opportunities available to you will depend on where you'd like to live and what skills you bring.
REQUIREMENTS
Aged between 18 and 44 (inclusive) at time of invitation
Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL)
Valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation
At least Competent English
Score 65 points or more on the points test
Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect and receive a state nomination invitation
Meet health and character requirements
🛈 State Requirements:
Requirements vary by state. Click your state below to see specific nomination criteria and how to apply.
PERMANENT
491 - Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
It's valid for up to 5 years and includes a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
To qualify, you need either a nomination from a state or territory government, or sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a regional area. After at least 3 years on the 491 (or 494) visa and meeting minimum income requirements, you may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency visa.
REQUIREMENTS
Nominated by a state or territory government OR sponsored by an eligible relative
Occupation on the relevant eligible skilled occupation list
Valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation
Score at least 65 points on the points test
Under 45 at time of invitation
Competent English or higher
Meet health and character requirements
🛈 State Requirements: Click your state below to see specific nomination criteria and how to apply.
PROVISIONAL
485 - Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa lets you stay, work, and gain valuable experience after graduating; giving you time to build the skills and experience you need to take your next step toward permanent residency.
The visa is available in two streams: the Graduate Work stream (for graduates with an occupation in shortage) and the Post-Study Work stream (for those who completed a degree-level qualification). Depending on your situation and where you studied, the visa can last from 18 months to 4 years.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia
Apply within 6 months of receiving your final results
Be under 50 years of age (Graduate Work stream) or under 35 (Post-Study Work stream, some exemptions apply)
Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Hold or have held a student visa for the required period
Meet health and character requirements
BENEFIT
More time to improve your English, gain work experience, and prepare for a permanent or provisional skilled visa
Full work rights; live, study and work in Australia
Bring your family members with you
Multiple-entry visa; travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
TEMPORARY
REQUIREMENTS - POST-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION WORK STREAM
Completed an eligible diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification that satisfies the Australian study requirement
Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Hold, or be applying for, a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
REQUIREMENTS - POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM
Completed a bachelor's degree, coursework or research master's degree, or a doctorate at an Australian institution
No nominated occupation or skills assessment required
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