Overview: The purpose of a General skilled migration visa is to bridge the gap between the shortage of skilled professionals and demand for competent workers in various industries across the globe to migrate them to Australia. Besides this, the program further aims to attract qualified and trained professionals to keep up with the needs of the local labour market. Hence this is the most common visa for skilled immigrants to migrate to Australia.
Moreover, there are multiple subcategories of skilled migration visas:
SUBCLASS 189 – INDEPENDENT VISA
Subclass 189 can be applied under the following 2 streams:
- Points tested Stream
To apply for a skilled independent subclass 189 visa, individuals must submit an expression of interest through a skillset. Next, the Department of Australian Immigration invites the individuals to apply. The application must be submitted within 60 days of receiving the invitation to apply, otherwise the application process breaks. Also make sure to have all required documents prepared beforehand with you.
Eligibility
To successfully qualify for a subclass 189 visa, individuals must:
- Meet the minimum required marks i.e. 65 in the point test.
- Obtain a suitable skill assessment results in an occupation.
- Possess competent English.
- The age must between 18 and 45 inclusive.
- Meet the health and character standards.
- New Zealand Stream
This visa lets New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, eligible to live and work in Australia permanently. Also check the eligibility for this visa type which is as follow:-
- You must hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) Visa.
- You must have lived in Australia for at least the last 5 years.
- You must have started living here on or before 19 February 2016.
SUBCLASS 190 – SKILLED NOMINATED VISA
This subclass 190 visa is a skilled permanent visa nominated by a state. All states publish a list of occupations along with their requirements. Apart from this, they have a particular eligibility criteria based on a varied number of factors.
Eligibility
- Hold a suitable skills assessment in an occupation that is available for State or Territory Sponsorship.
- Present an Expression of Interest.
- Be nominated by a State or Territory Government.
- Meet the passing mark in the Skilled Migration points-Ccurrently 65.
- Be aged between 18 and 45 inclusive.
- Have at least competent English.
- Also meet the Health and Character Requirements.
SUBCLASS 491 – SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA
This subclass 491 visa is a Skilled Provisional Visa nominated by a state. All states publish a list of occupations and their requirements for the same. They have particular eligibility criteria based on a number of factors.
Eligibility
- Hold a suitable skills assessment in an occupation that is available for State or Territory Sponsorship.
- Present an Expression of interest.
- Be nominated by a State or Territory Government.
- Meet the pass mark in the Skilled Migration points- currently 65.
- Be aged between 18 and 45 inclusive.
- Have at least competent English.
- Meet health and character requirements.
The validity of this visa after being granted lasts for almost 5 years with the PR pathway under the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) category.
SUBCLASS 191 – PERMANENT RESIDENCE (SKILLED REGIONAL) VISA
This visa is for people who have lived, worked and studied in a designated regional area of Australia on a previous, eligible visa (Subclass 491 and Subclass 494) by the Australian Government.
This Visa assists you in the following:
- Stay permanently in Australia.
- Work as well as study anywhere in Australia.
- Also Sponsor eligible relatives for Permanent Residence.
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
Besides this, You must:
- Hold an eligible visa.
- Have lived for at least 3 years and have a taxable income at or above a specific income threshold for at least three years additionally.
- Both primary and secondary applicants have complied with the conditions of the eligible visa you hold or have held.