Skilled Migration Visas

Turn Your Skills into a New Life in Australia.

Australia’s Skilled Migration Visa program is designed to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy and address labour shortages in key industries. This program offers pathways for skilled professionals to live and work in Australia, either through independent points-based selection or nomination by a state or territory government.

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a popular option for individuals without employer sponsorship who possess in-demand skills. Skilled migration visas typically require applicants to have their occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), meet minimum English language proficiency, and obtain a sufficient score on the points-based assessment.

Additionally, there are temporary visas, such as the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, that allow international graduates to gain work experience in Australia before transitioning to a permanent visa. The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa provides a pathway to PR for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia on a provisional visa.

With options for permanent residency and regional migration, skilled migration provides opportunities for workers to establish themselves in Australia while contributing to key industries such as healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and trades.

Types of Skilled Migration Visas:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

o A points-tested visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship.
o Grants permanent residency with full work and travel rights.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

o Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
o Provides permanent residency for skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant state occupation list.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

o A five-year visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area.
o Leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after three years of living and working in regional Australia.
o Encourages migration to regional areas experiencing skills shortages.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

o Grants permanent residency to skilled workers who have lived and worked in a designated regional area on a provisional visa (such as Subclass 491 and subclass 494) for at least three years.
o Does not require employer sponsorship or nomination upon applying for PR.

Temporary Skilled and Graduate Visas

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Key Eligibility Requirements :

Skilled Occupation List: The applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment: Must have qualifications and work experience assessed by an authorized skills assessment body.
Points-Based System: Points are awarded for factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
English Language Proficiency: Minimum English test scores may be required.
State or Territory Nomination: Some visas require nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Regional Work & Study: Certain visas, like Subclass 491 and 485 (regional stream), require applicants to live, work, or study in a regional area.

At Pioneer Migration, we specialize in helping skilled workers and international graduates navigate Australia’s skilled migration pathways, from skills assessments and state nominations to visa applications. Whether you are applying independently or transitioning from a graduate visa, our team will guide you through every step to maximize your chances of success.