The Ultimate Guide to Skilled Worker Visas for Australia:
Types, Eligibility, and Benefits
If you’re looking to work and live in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a skilled worker visa. Australia has a range of skilled worker visas available, each with their own eligibility criteria, benefits, and costs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about skilled worker visas for Australia.
Types of Skilled Worker Visas
There are several types of skilled worker visas available for Australia:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – This points-based visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. It does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – This visa is similar to the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) but requires nomination by a state or territory government in Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It requires nomination by a state or territory government in Australia.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclasses 186, 187, and 482) – These visas require sponsorship from an employer in Australia and provide a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.
How to Have Your Skills Assessed
Before you can apply for a skilled worker visa, you’ll need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority. The assessing authority will determine if your skills meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.
To assess your skills, you must submit an application to the relevant assessing authority and provide evidence of your qualifications and work experience. The requirements for skills assessment can vary depending on your occupation and the assessing authority.
Eligibility Under Points Test
Most skilled worker visas for Australia are points-based, which means you’ll need to meet a minimum score on the points test to be eligible for the visa.
The points test takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and other factors. To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, you’ll need to score a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
State Nomination
State nomination can increase your chances of securing a skilled worker visa for Australia. State and territory governments in Australia can nominate skilled workers for certain skilled workers visas, such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
To be eligible for state nomination, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria for the visa and meet the specific requirements of the state or territory government.
Number of Visas Issued and Timeframe to Secure a Visa
The number of skilled worker visas issued in Australia varies each year. In the 2021-2022 financial year, a total of 160,323 skilled worker visas were granted.
The timeframe to secure a skilled worker visa can vary depending on the type of visa and other factors.
Generally, skilled worker visa applications can take several months to process, and the processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.
How to Apply and Cost
To apply for a skilled worker visa for Australia, you’ll need to submit an application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The application will require you to provide personal information, evidence of your skills and qualifications, and other supporting documents.
The cost of a skilled worker visa can vary depending on the type of visa and other factors. As of March 2023, the cost for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is $4,045 AUD for the main applicant, while the cost for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is $4,875 AUD for the main applicant.
The cost for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is $4,045 AUD for the main applicant, while the cost for Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclasses 186, 187, and 482) can vary depending on the circumstances.
Benefits of Each Visa Type
Each skilled worker visa for Australia has its own benefits:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – This visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident without the need for sponsorship. You can also bring eligible family members with you to Australia.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and requires nomination by a state or territory government in Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – This visa allows you to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclasses 186, 187, and 482) – These visas provide a pathway to permanent residency and require sponsorship from an employer in Australia.
Benefits of Emigrating as a Skilled Migrant to Australia
There are many benefits to emigrating to Australia as a skilled migrant. Australia is a prosperous country with a high standard of living, a stable political environment, and a strong economy. Skilled migrants in Australia have access to a wide range of job opportunities, and the tax system is relatively favourable for skilled workers.
Additionally, Australia is a multicultural country with a welcoming culture and a diverse population. The country offers a high quality of life with access to excellent healthcare, education, and social services.
Conclusion
Applying for a skilled worker visa for Australia can be a complex process, but the benefits of living and working in Australia as a skilled migrant make it worthwhile. With the right guidance and support, you can navigate the visa application process and start your new life in Australia.
Our Services
We Provide tailored solutions to ensure your emigration case and relocation are smooth and simple. Providing professional guidance and support throughout the entire process, from assessing your eligibility to submitting your application.
Complete our assessment today to discover your eligibility and start your journey towards working and living in Australia.
Flexibility & Control
Each year, the Australian federal and state governments review the 188 visa programme to ensure it delivers the best possible outcomes for Australia. Where deemed necessary changes are introduced without advanced notice. State governments open and close the investor visa stream within their respective jurisdictions as deem necessary to meet the local economic objectives.
That said, once an investor secures an invitation to emigrate (State Nomination), any future changes to the emigration policy will not affect their case.
