Australian Skill Worker Visa

Australian Skill Worker Visa

The Australian Skilled Worker visa, also known as the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, is a popular Gala Path for skilled professionals seeking to migrate to Australia. This program includes three visa subclasses: Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional). These visas are designed for individuals under 45 years old with occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, strong professional skills, and at least proficient English (equivalent to IELTS 7 or higher). This guide provides an overview of the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and costs for these visas.

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Benefits of Australian Skilled Worker Visas

• Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse and children to join you in Australia.
• Gala Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Work and Study Opportunities: Live, work, and study in Australia with full access to opportunities.
• Multiple-Entry Travel: Travel to and from Australia for five years.
• Medicare Access: Benefit from Australia’s public healthcare system.

Types of Australian Skilled Worker Visas

Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely without needing a sponsor. It is ideal for highly skilled professionals whose occupations are in demand.

Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa also provides permanent residency but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory, which adds 5 points to your points test score. It suits those who qualify for state-specific opportunities.

Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa offers temporary residency for up to five years in regional Australia. It requires nomination by a state, territory, or eligible family member, adding 15 points to your score. After three years, you may apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.

Common Eligibility Criteria

The following requirements apply to all three skilled visas:

• Age: Must be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of application.
• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (e.g., engineering, construction, healthcare).
• English Proficiency: Minimum competent English (e.g., IELTS 6, TOEFL 64, PTE 36) is required, but proficient (IELTS 7, TOEFL 98, PTE 65) or superior (IELTS 8, TOEFL 113, PTE 79) levels earn additional points.
• Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) for your occupation.

Points Test Breakdown

The points test evaluates your suitability based on several factors:

• Age:
  • 18–24 years: 25 points
  • 25–32 years: 30 points
  • 33–39 years: 25 points
  • 40–44 years: 15 points
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Competent (e.g., IELTS 6): 0 points
  • Proficient (e.g., IELTS 7): 10 points
  • Superior (e.g., IELTS 8): 20 points
• Overseas Work Experience (last 10 years):
  • Less than 3 years: 0 points
  • 3–4 years: 5 points
  • 5–7 years: 10 points
  • 8–10 years: 15 points
• Australian Work Experience (last 10 years):
  • Less than 1 year: 0 points
  • 1–2 years: 5 points
  • 3–4 years: 10 points
  • 5–7 years: 15 points
  • 8–10 years: 20 points
• Educational Qualifications:
  • Doctorate: 20 points
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
• Australian Qualifications:
  • Research Master’s or Doctorate from Australia: 10 points
  • Diploma or trade certificate from Australia: 5 points
• Study in Regional Australia: Diploma or trade certificate from a regional Australian institution: 5 points
• Professional Year in Australia (e.g., in accounting, engineering, IT): 5 points
• Accredited Community Language (e.g., NAATI-accredited translator): 5 points
• Partner Skills:
  • Partner with competent English: 5 points
  • Partner meeting age, English, and work experience criteria: 10 points
  • Single applicant: 10 points
• Nomination/Sponsorship:
  • State nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
  • State or family sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points

Required Documents

To apply for a skilled visa, prepare the following:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity)
• Birth certificate, national ID card, and military service card or exemption (for males)
• Proof of visa application fee payment
• Employment history and educational qualification documents
• English language test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
• Police clearance certificate
• Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
• Family sponsorship documents (for Subclass 491)

Application Process

1. Confirm Occupation: Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and select the correct ANZSCO code, ideally with a migration agent’s guidance.
2. Verify Eligibility: Meet age, English, and points requirements.
3. Obtain Skills Assessment: Submit educational and employment documents to the relevant assessing authority for a positive assessment.
4. Submit EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect, detailing your qualifications and skills.
5. Secure Nomination (if applicable): For Subclass 190 or 491, obtain state/territory or family sponsorship after lodging your EOI.
6. Receive ITA: If your EOI meets the points threshold, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply within 60 days.
7. Lodge Application: Create an ImmiAccount, upload documents, pay the visa fee, and complete health and biometric checks.
8. Await Processing: Processing times vary (e.g., 6–9 months for Subclass 190, 14–24 months for Subclass 189).

Costs

• Visa Application Fees:
  • Primary applicant: AUD 4,770
  • Spouse or dependent (18+): AUD 2,385
  • Dependent (under 18): AUD 1,195
• Nomination Fee (Subclass 190/491): AUD 0–400 (varies by state/territory)
• Skills Assessment: AUD 300–1,500 (depends on occupation)
• Medical Examination: Approximately IRR 2–3 million
• Biometrics (Subclass 491): EUR 41
• Additional Costs: Document translation, migration agent fees, embassy fees, and travel expenses vary.

Conclusion

The Australian Skilled Worker visa program (Subclasses 189, 190, and 491) offers a viable Gala Path for skilled professionals to achieve residency in Australia. With a minimum points requirement of 65, achievable through factors like age, education, and work experience, this program is accessible for qualified applicants. For personalized guidance, consider consulting a registered migration agent or filling out a migration assessment form to explore your options further.