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Skilled Visas Australia

Aspiring to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker? There are several skilled visa options available for you. Choose the appropriate skilled visa that best suits your work experience and qualifications. Consult with an Australian migration specialist for advice and thorough eligibility assessment. Contact Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers today!

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    What are Skilled Visas in Australia?


    Skilled Visas to Australia are designed for skilled migrant workers and their families to fill local labour shortages.

    In order to get a skilled visa, applicants must satisfy the minimum points required by qualifying based on age, English proficiency, work experience, and other requirements.

    Moreover, they must either be independent, nominated by a State or Territory, or be sponsored by an eligible family member living in Australia as a citizen or a permanent resident.

    Australian Skilled Migration Visas


    Skilled Visas to Australia are designed for skilled migrant workers and their families to fill local labour shortages.

    In order to get a skilled visa, applicants must satisfy the minimum points required by qualifying based on age, English proficiency, work experience, and other requirements.

    Moreover, they must either be independent, nominated by a State or Territory, or be sponsored by an eligible family member living in Australia as a citizen or a permanent resident.

    • Subclass 491
    • Subclass 189
    • Subclass 476
    • Subclass 887
    • GTI
    • Subclass 192

    Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

    The 491 visa allows qualified applicants to stay in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. It lets you work, study, and travel to and from Australia as many times you wish while your visa is still valid.

    Key requirements include:

    • Nomination from a state or territory government agency or
    • Sponsorship from an eligible family member or relative
    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive invitation to apply
    • Satisfy the points test of scoring 65 or more
    • Occupation must be included in the relevant skilled occupation list
    • Undergo and pass a suitable skills assessment
    • Must have ‘Competent English’ and be under 45 years old
    • Must satisfy health and character requirements

    Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

    The subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa with two streams: points-tested stream and Hong Kong Stream. The New Zealand stream was scrapped and permanently closed for new applications from 1 July 2023.

    See if you qualify in one of the streams by checking the basic eligibility criteria below.

    • Points-Tested Stream
    • Hong Kong Stream
    • You must currently hold or have held either a provisional 491 visa or 494 visa for at least 3 years.
    • Invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest
    • Undergo and pass a suitable skills assessment
    • Attain a minimum score of 65 in the points test, but ideally more
    • You must possess ‘Competent English’ and be under 45 years old
    • Meet health and character criteria
    • You must currently hold or have held either a 457 visa (Temporary Work, 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)), or 485 visa (Temporary Graduate) for at least 4 years.
    • You must be a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holder when your visa application is lodged
    • Been a resident of Australia for at least 4 years continuously
    • You must possess ‘Functional English’ and meet health and character requirements

    Skilled-Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)

    If you’re a recent engineering graduate who wishes to work or study further in Australia for up to 18 months, then a skilled-recognised graduate visa is for you. The main requirements are:

    • Completion of an engineering course or a higher qualification in the last 2 years, such as a bachelor, masters, doctoral, or postgraduate diploma
    • The engineering discipline can be any of the following:
      • Chemical engineering
      • Civil engineering
      • Electrical and electronics engineering
      • Environmental engineering
      • Mechanical, production and plant engineering
      • Mining and material engineering
      • Structural engineering
    • You must have attained your engineering degree from a specified educational institution that’s accredited under the Washington Accord
    • You must be under 31 years old and satisfy health and character requirements
    • You must have a Competent English score in IELTS or higher, unless you’re a citizen and a passport holder from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland
    • Not previously been the primary holder of a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa or this 476 visa, except if you held one as a family unit member.

    Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)

    Have you already lived in a specified area of regional Australia on a previous substantive visa? The subclass 887 is a permanent residency visa that lets you work and study anywhere down under, sponsor eligible relatives for PR, and eventually apply for
    citizenship once you qualify. Key criteria include:

    • You must currently hold or have held an eligible visa for 2 years in total, which is any of the following visa subclasses: 475, 487, 489, 495, and 496.
    • If an Australian state or territory government nominated you for the eligible visa, you must have lived in either a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years
    • If you received family sponsorship for your eligible visa, you must have lived in a designated area of Australia for at least 2 years
    • You must have worked full time (minimum 35 hours a week) for at least 12 months in the specified areas above, depending on who nominated or sponsored you.
    • Have Functional English and pass health and character checks

    Global Talent Independent (GTI)

    The Global Talent Visa-Independent Program (GTI) is specifically reserved as a priority pathway for outstandingly talented and skilled individuals who aspire to migrate to Australia, live and work here permanently. The strict criteria are as follows:

    • Exhibit exceptional skill in one of the target sectors, such as health industries, circular economy, infrastructure, tourism, financial technology, and education
    • Provide proof of remarkable accomplishments in your profession
    • Persuade the Department that your expertise will benefit Australia
    • Demonstrate potential to earn the Fair Work high-income threshold of at least A$153,600 per year
    • Secure a nomination from a recognised authority figure in Australia

    Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)

    Set to open for applications on 3 June 2024, the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) subclass 192 is intended for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Nationals, particularly citizens from Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

    The process involves a random selection of ballot participants to ensure equal access regardless of skill level, occupation, and gender identity. Basic eligibility requirements include:

    • Valid passport
    • 18-45 years of age during ballot commencement
    • Secure a job offer from Australia
    • If applying onshore, hold a substantive temporary visa or bridging visa A, B, C
    • Satisfy English, character, and health standards

    Success Stories of 389+ Highly Rated Reviews


    Our customers are always happy to share their thoughts with us.
    Here is what some of them had said!

    Haroon Parvez

    The team at parish Patience Immigration Lawyers were incredibly helpful throughout the application process. Their assistance made our lives so much less stressful and their expertise cleared up any confusion we had. They remained engaged with us the whole time and quickly responded to any questions with thoughtful, detailed answers. Special thanks to Usman Ali and Shan . We highly recommend the team at Parish patience immigration lawyer for anyone considering help regarding any kind of visa .

    W. A.

    Highly recommended lawyers! Extremely professional and reliable service, with outstanding outcomes. A special thanks to Mr Thong and Marlene, for helping us with our difficult case. Not only did they ensure that everything was ready to go, but their professionalism came in favor when we were granted our visa within just under 6 months!

    J P

    Thong and Marlene helped my partner gain permanent residency in Australia. We did the application ourselves but it turned out lots of information we needed to provide was missing. Thong and Marlene picked our case up and helped amend it. I really appreciate their help and guidance and look forward to contacting them again in the future. I am pleased by their efforts and professionalism.

    Alaa Omer

    Successfully handled my case. He had been prompt, caring and very professional in dealing with my case. I am glad to have received very strong support, guidance and service from them. I would highly recommend Parish patience immigration lawyers. I wish the best for their future prospects.

    Jabir Ibna Mohammad

    I’m really thankful for the guidance and assistance I’ve received regarding my Partner visa from Shan and his assistance Asha at Parish Patience. They handled my matter professionally and there were clear instructions from the beginning till end. I got my partner visa 820 granted in less than 7 months, thanks to their knowledge and expertise. I wish them all the best and highly recommend Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers for any sort of immigration matters.

    Need Assistance With Your Skilled Visa Application


    If you’re looking to have a professional partner in helping you secure a skilled visa in Australia, Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers is the 135-year-old law firm based in Sydney that can help you attain the right visa based on your qualifications. Book a consultation with one of our lawyers or registered migration agents to get started on your Australian journey.

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      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


      Got some more specific questions about business visa requirements to Australia? Here are some
      of the most common ones alongside our responses.

      Who can sponsor for skilled worker visa in Australia?

      Australian employers may sponsor skilled migrant workers if they can prove that they cannot find an appropriately skilled worker locally. They can sponsor skilled migrants for either a temporary or a permanent work visa.

      Which skilled work is in demand in Australia?

      Australia is constantly on the lookout for skilled migrants to contribute to the local workforce and the economy as a whole. Some of the most in demand jobs this 2024 include, but aren’t limited to, registered nurses, secondary school teachers, electricians, software programmers, construction managers, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, mechanics, early childhood teachers, and so much more.

      Which skilled visa is easiest for Australia?

      Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) can be considered as the ‘easiest’ visa to obtain compared to other skilled visas. That is because it has relatively shorter processing times than other skilled visas. The application process is also more straightforward, provided you’re willing to and be sponsored / nominated to work in a designated regional area of Australia.

      What is the age limit for skilled migration to Australia?

      You need to be 45 years of age or younger when applying for any skilled visa in Australia. If you’re over that age, chances are high that your application will be rejected. However, you can explore other visa options that do not impose this age limitation.

      How much is a skilled visa Australia?

      For subclass 190, 189, and 491 the current fee is set at A$4,640 for primary applicants;  A$465 for skilled visas subclass 476 and 887; while it’s currently A$4,710 for GTI visa applicants. Note that fees and charges are subject to change and are exclusive of other fees, such as biometrics, health, and character checks. Visit the Department’s website for the latest news and updates on fees and beyond.

      How long does it take to get a skilled visa in Australia?

      Here’s the data for 90% of applications processed for skilled visas:

      189 visa (Skilled Independent) – 35 months
      491 visa (Skilled Work Regional) – 18 months
      476 visa (Skilled-Recognised Graduate) – 35 months
      887 visa (Skilled Regional) – 22 months
      Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – 12 months
      Global Talent Independent visa – 5 months

      These are likewise not fixed and processing times always vary depending on the volume of applications and their individual complexity.

      Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Sydney
      Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers Sydney
      381 Google reviews
      Sadia Ahmed
      Sadia Ahmed
      2024-03-13
      Usman looked after my file and we are granted 189 today . Very supportive team
      T Malhi
      T Malhi
      2024-03-07
      I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Parish Patience for the exceptional service they provided throughout my journey from Winning MRT(student visa ), 485 Visa and another student visa extensions to finally obtaining skilled migration. Usman demonstrated remarkable expertise and unwavering patience in addressing all my inquiries. I never felt the need to persistently follow up for updates on my application. His consistently kind, generous, and positive demeanor was truly commendable. I highly recommend Usman's services and extend my heartfelt appreciation to him.Thank you, Usman for bringing joy to those who have lost hope. You should be proud of the work you do
      Yaad Matharu
      Yaad Matharu
      2024-03-07
      I highly recommend their service. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Usman for his exceptional professionalism and expertise.
      Umer Saeed
      Umer Saeed
      2024-03-04
      Very professional, high standards of service and comprehensive knowledge of immigration, i strongly recommend them to anyone who requires immigration advice.
      Safat Aqib
      Safat Aqib
      2024-02-27
      I received excellent service from Parish patience. Usman and Billah were extremely proficient and courteous, and they assisted me throughout every stage. I strongly recommend them to anyone who requires immigration advice.
      Kanika Dua
      Kanika Dua
      2024-02-22
      Hi Just want to share my recent experience with parish patience. I was depressed and hopeless about my case and MR PRASAD at parish patience gave me hope and prepared my file very strong so I win in the AAT hearing. The case is in my favour now and hopefully i will get PR very soon. Highly recommend their service. They all are professionals and experts in their fields.
      Anand Inbasekaran
      Anand Inbasekaran
      2024-02-19
      I thank Upasna for making the visa process smooth and stress- free. Her attention to detail, prompt responsiveness, and in-depth knowledge of immigration procedures reflect a high standard of service. It was a pleasure to work with Parish Patience, and I would confidently recommend your services to others.
      Thihan Oo
      Thihan Oo
      2024-02-17
      Very happy and grateful for your services, fast, reliable, approachable and super efficient team, Shan and Asha, you guys are the best.
      Sarma B
      Sarma B
      2024-02-16
      I can't express enough gratitude for the outstanding service provided by my lawyer in helping me secure my partner visa. From the moment I walked into their office, I felt reassured by their warm demeanor and professionalism. Throughout the entire process, they were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive, guiding me through each step with patience and clarity. What truly sets them apart is their accessibility. Whenever I had a question or concern, they were readily available, promptly responding to calls and emails, which alleviated any anxiety I had about the process. Their dedication to their clients is truly commendable. Thanks to their expertise and unwavering support, I am now able to build a future with my partner without the stress of immigration uncertainties. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance, especially for partner visas. Thank you immensely for your outstanding representation!
      Rohan chowdhury
      Rohan chowdhury
      2024-02-06
      Usman Ali is by far one of the best lawyers I’ve met, very knowledgeable, very professional, calm, supportive, prompt in replying with his emails, basically everything that you look in a lawyer. He made the process unbelievable quick, effective and successful. Heartily thankful for him and the whole team.