If you are researching how to move to Australia based on your profession, qualifications or work experience, you will probably encounter the term “skilled migration.” At first, the process can seem complicated because it involves occupations, points, assessments, English requirements and different visa subclasses.
Breaking the process into stages makes it much easier to understand.
What Is Skilled Migration?
Australia’s skilled migration system includes visa pathways designed for people whose professional skills may contribute to the Australian workforce.
Three well-known points-tested pathways are the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491.
For these visas, applicants use SkillSelect, the Australian Government’s online system for people who want to express an interest in skilled migration.
Submitting an Expression of Interest is not the same as submitting a visa application. It tells the Australian Government that you are interested in being considered for an invitation.
Your Occupation Matters
One of the first steps is determining whether your nominated occupation is eligible for the visa pathway you are considering.
Different skilled visas can have different occupation requirements. Applicants also generally need a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
The assessing authority checks whether the applicant’s qualifications and professional experience satisfy the standards it applies to that occupation.
How Does the Points System Work?
The 189, 190 and 491 visas are points-tested.
Points can be awarded for factors including age, English proficiency, educational qualifications and skilled employment experience. State nomination, regional nomination and partner-related factors may also affect the points available depending on the pathway.
The current minimum threshold for submitting an eligible EOI for these points-tested visas is 65 points, but reaching 65 does not guarantee that an applicant will receive an invitation.
In competitive occupations, applicants may need a stronger profile to receive an invitation.
What Happens After the EOI?
Once an EOI has been completed and submitted, it remains in SkillSelect while the applicant waits to see whether an invitation is issued.
For state-nominated pathways, state and territory authorities can assess candidates against their own nomination requirements. These criteria can differ between jurisdictions and can change according to workforce priorities.
If an applicant receives an invitation, the next stage is the actual visa application and supporting evidence.
Start With the Whole Picture
Skilled migration is not simply about having an occupation that Australia needs.
Your age, experience, qualifications, English ability, skills assessment, points and preferred location can all affect your options.
IC Australia helps applicants understand how these different elements fit together, so they can assess potential pathways based on their actual profile rather than assumptions about how the system works.
