If you want to move to Australia to work and settle, the Skilled Migration program is one of the most popular ways.

But the process can feel confusing. There are many steps, requirements, and visa types. This guide breaks it down, step by step, in plain English.

What Is Skilled Migration?

Skilled migration lets qualified professionals move to Australia if their job is in demand. The program is designed to fill workforce shortages where local workers are not available.

If your skills match the demand list and you meet the requirements, this could be your pathway to living and working in Australia permanently.

The Main Skilled Visas in 2025

Here are the key visa subclasses you need to know:

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• No state or territory sponsorship required.

• Based purely on your skills, occupation, and points.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Requires nomination from a state or territory government.

• Each state or territory has its own occupation list and criteria.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Requires you to live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years.

• After three years, if you meet the residency requirements, you may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

⚠️ Note: Invitation rounds and processing times vary. Some applicants may get an invite within weeks, while others may wait several months.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You must:

• Be under 45 years old.

• Have at least Competent English (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or other recognised test).

• Hold a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.

• Score at least 65 points (but realistically, 80+ is more competitive).

Step 2: Get Your Skills Assessed

• Apply to the relevant authority for your job (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS).

• Your assessment must be positive, current, and match your nominated occupation.

Step 3: Take an English Test

• Choose IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or another recognised test.

• The higher your score, the more points you gain.

• Example: IELTS 8.0 in all bands gives you 20 points.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Lodge your EOI through the SkillSelect system.

• Select visa subclasses (189, 190, or 491).

• Remember: An EOI is not a visa application — it’s your profile.

• Be honest when claiming points. Over-claiming often leads to refusals.

• EOIs stay valid for two years.

Common state or territory nomination steps include:

• Registration of Interest (ROI): used in Victoria, Tasmania, and others.

• Matrix submission: required in the ACT.
  Other systems: Each state or territory can set unique nomination processes and criteria, which change regularly.

Step 5: Wait for the State or Territory Nomination Outcome

• If you applied for state or territory nomination, wait for the result.

• Once approved, SkillSelect may issue you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the relevant visa subclass.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply

Invitation timing depends on:

• Your points score.

• Your occupation’s demand level.

• Federal and state or territory planning levels.

Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application

When invited, submit your visa application online with:

• All supporting documents.

• Police checks.

• Identity documents.

• Health checks (requested after lodgement).

• Visa Application Charge (VAC) payment.

⚠️ Make sure your application matches your EOI to avoid refusal.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

• Processing times vary by subclass, demand, and complexity.

• On average, expect several months before a final decision.

Pro Tips for Success

• Aim for the highest points possible to stay competitive.

• Only claim points you can prove with documents.

• Research which states or territories are nominating your occupation — criteria vary across states or territories and can change quickly.

• Update your EOI regularly with new test scores or experience

Need Help Starting Your Journey?

As Registered Australian Migration Consultants, we help skilled professionals worldwide move to Australia.

Whether you are starting fresh or stuck mid-process, we guide you from skills assessment to permanent residency.

👉 Book a consultation today and take the next step towards building your future in Australia.