Skilled Migration
Skilled migration aims to attract migrants who can make significant contributions to the Australian economy and help fill positions where there is a shortage of local workers. Skilled migrants have a very high participation rate in the labour market, which helps stimulate economic growth and create more employment opportunities.
Australia Skilled Migration – EOI Points Test
To apply under the skilled migration program, applicants must:
Possess skills and qualifications listed on the Skilled Occupation List
Achieve at least IELTS 6.0 in each component (or equivalent)
Score a minimum of 65 points under the skilled migration points test
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is one of the most popular options for skilled workers seeking permanent migration to Australia. This visa is points-tested and does not require employer or state nomination.
Requirement:
Your occupation must match one on the Skilled Occupation List
You must be 45 years old or under at the time of invitation
You must score at least 65 points
You must receive an invitation to apply
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (State / Territory Nomination)
The Subclass 190 visa is a popular skilled migration pathway that grants permanent residency through nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Requirement:
Nomination for an occupation listed on the relevant state/territory occupation list
Positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Submit an EOI and score at least 65 points
Receive state/territory nomination and invitation
Meet English language requirements
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
(Family Member Stream)
This stream is for family members of Subclass 491 visa holders.
Requirement:
Be a family member of a Subclass 491 visa holder
If applying in Australia, hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A (010), B (020) or C (030)
You and any family members aged 18 or over must have at least Functional English
Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa
The Subclass 191 visa allows eligible holders of regional provisional visas to obtain permanent residency after meeting residence and income requirements.
Requirement:
At the time of application, you must hold an eligible visa and have held it for at least 3 years
Eligible visas include Subclass 491 or Subclass 494
You must meet the minimum taxable income threshold, evidenced by ATO Notices of Assessment
The income threshold must be met in at least 3 income years
Family and Partner Visas
309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa
The Subclass 309 (Temporary) and Subclass 100 (Permanent) Partner visas allow the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The 309 visa is the first step toward obtaining the permanent Partner visa (Subclass 100).
Subclass 100 Visa Overview
This permanent visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia. It is usually granted to applicants who already hold the temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309).
Eligibility Requirements
Be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your Australian partner
Be sponsored by your spouse or de facto partner
Be outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant
Any family members included in the application must also be outside Australia
820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa
Subclass 820 Visa (Temporary Partner Visa)
This visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live temporarily in Australia. It is the first step toward the permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801).
You must be in Australia at the time of application.
Subclass 801 Visa (Permanent Partner Visa)
This visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live permanently in Australia.
Usually granted to holders of the Subclass 820 visa
In most cases, you must continue to be in a genuine and ongoing relationship
You must hold a Subclass 820 visa
103 – Non-Contributory Parent Visa
This permanent visa allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to or remain in Australia as permanent residents.
Eligibility Requirements
Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Meet the Balance of Family Test
Obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS) from an eligible sponsor
The sponsor must provide financial support so the applicant does not rely on government assistance
Meet all visa conditions and comply with Australian laws
Must not have applied for or held a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870)
Apply as a retired parent (for Subclass 103)
143 – Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa
This permanent visa allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia with a faster processing time compared to non-contributory parent visas.
Eligibility Requirements
Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (unless applying under the retirement pathway)
Meet the Balance of Family Test (unless applying under retirement pathway or holding a Subclass 173 visa)
Obtain an Assurance of Support from an eligible sponsor
Employer Sponsorship
Employer-sponsored visas include various safeguard measures designed to ensure that employment opportunities for Australian workers are prioritised. These measures ensure that overseas workers supplement rather than replace the local Australian workforce.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Permanent Residence
This visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be nominated by an Australian employer
Must meet skill, licensing/registration or membership, and English language requirements
The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless an exemption applies)
Visa Streams
Direct Entry Stream
Labour Agreement Stream
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
Subclass 187 – Regional Employer Nomination Scheme (RSMS) Visa
Permanent Residence
This visa allows skilled workers nominated by an employer located in regional Australia to live and work permanently in Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be nominated by an Australian employer in a designated regional area
Must meet skill, licensing/registration or membership, and English language requirements
The nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless an exemption applies)
Visa Streams
Direct Entry Stream
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Employer-Sponsored Temporary Skilled Visa
This temporary visa allows employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill positions where suitably qualified Australian workers cannot be found. From 7 December 2024, Australia officially replaced the former TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) 482 visa framework with the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482.This reform aims to simplify visa structures, better respond to labour market needs, and provide clearer pathways to permanent residence for eligible visa holders.
Eligibility Requirements
If applying in Australia, must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C
Employer must nominate an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Australian business sponsor: must be employed in the nominated occupation within the sponsoring business or its associated entity
Overseas business sponsor: must be employed in the nominated occupation within that business only (not an associated entity)
At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or closely related field
Work experience must involve tasks at the same skill level as outlined in ANZSCO
Generally, work experience should be gained within the last 5 years (not required to be continuous)
Visa Streams
Core Skills Stream
For occupations listed on the CSOL
Sponsorship for up to 2 years
Specialist Skills Stream
For highly skilled or high-income professionals
Occupation not limited to CSOL if salary threshold is met
Labour Agreement Stream
For employers operating under a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers where suitable Australian workers are unavailable.
Eligibility Requirements
Nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
At least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
Positive skills assessment (unless an exemption applies)
Must work only for the sponsoring employer or related entity (unless exempt)
Must be under 45 years of age (unless an exemption applies)
Must meet minimum English language requirements
Visa Streams
Employer Sponsored Stream
Labour Agreement Stream
Subsequent Entrant Stream
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Eligible holders may apply for permanent residence after holding the Subclass 494 visa for 3 years
Investment Migration (Currently Closed to New Applications)
Permanent migration to Australia is managed under two main programs:
the Migration Program (covering skilled and family migration) and the Humanitarian Program (for refugees and humanitarian entrants).
Each year, the Australian Government allocates a limited number of places (quotas) under these programs for people seeking permanent residence in Australia.
Subclass 132 – Business Talent (Permanent) Visa
The Subclass 132 Business Talent Visa, also known as the Business Talent Migration Program, is a direct permanent residency visa and one of the few pathways that allows applicants to obtain Australian permanent residence in one step. It is suitable for medium to large business owners, entrepreneurs, and major shareholders. Before applying, applicants must obtain state or territory government nomination.
In addition, the Australian Government generally requires applicants to invest at least AUD 1.5 million into an approved project for a minimum of two years (specific state requirements may vary).
Key Benefits
Permanent residence in Australia
Live, work, and study in Australia
Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
Sponsor eligible relatives
Five-year multiple-entry travel facility
Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship (if requirements are met)
Key Requirements
A proven successful business and management background with active involvement in daily operations
Ownership of at least 30% of a business (or 10% if publicly listed) for 2 out of the last 4 fiscal years
For those 2 years, the ownership interest must be valued at over AUD 400,000
Annual business turnover exceeding AUD 3 million for those years
Net personal and business assets of at least AUD 1.5 million
Nomination by an Australian state or territory government
Subclass 188A – Business Innovation Stream (Provisional)
This stream is designed for experienced business owners or shareholders with a successful business history (generally holding at least 30% ownership).
Key Benefits
Live in Australia for up to 6, 7, or 8 years from the date of grant of the original Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (Subclass 188)
Operate a new or existing business in Australia
Include eligible family members
Pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 888 visa if requirements are met
Key Requirements
In 2 out of the last 4 fiscal years before receiving an invitation, the applicant must have held ownership interests in one or two businesses
If invited on or after 1 July 2021, each of those years must have an annual turnover of at least AUD 750,000
Ownership thresholds:
51% ownership if annual turnover is below AUD 400,000
30% ownership if annual turnover is AUD 400,000 or more
10% ownership if the business is publicly listed
If the business provides professional, technical, or trade services, less than half of the applicant’s time must be spent delivering those services, with the majority spent on overall business management.
Subclass 188B – Investor Stream (Provisional)
The Subclass 188B visa is a 4-year provisional visa. After completing a qualifying investment for four years, applicants may apply for permanent residence under the Subclass 888 visa.
Key Benefits
Undertake investment activities in Australia
Pathway to permanent residence under the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa
Key Requirements
In at least 1 of the last 5 fiscal years, prior to invitation, the applicant (alone or with their partner) must have directly managed:
A qualifying business with at least 10% ownership, or
Eligible investments
If invited on or after 1 July 2021, minimum investment assets of AUD 2.5 million
Asset Requirements
Net business and personal assets of at least AUD 2.5 million (lawfully acquired)
Assets must be transferable to Australia within 2 years of visa grant
Investment Allocation
At least AUD 500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds
At least AUD 750,000 in approved managed funds investing in emerging ASX-listed companies
At least AUD 1.25 million in balanced investment managed funds
Restrictions:
No direct investment in residential property
Strict limits on indirect residential property investment
Investments cannot be used as loan security or collateral
Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream (Provisional)
The Subclass 188C Significant Investor Visa is one of the most flexible Australian investment migration options, with relatively lower background requirements.
Key Benefits
Undertake investment activities in Australia
Pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 888 Significant Investor stream
Key Requirements
A minimum AUD 5 million compliant significant investment, held for the duration of the provisional visa
Investment allocation:
At least AUD 1 million in venture capital and growth private equity funds
At least AUD 1.5 million in approved managed funds investing in emerging ASX-listed companies
At least AUD 2.5 million in balanced investment managed funds
Additional Conditions
Managed funds may invest in a range of assets, including ASX-listed companies, Australian corporate bonds, annuities, and commercial real estate
Direct investment in residential property is prohibited
Indirect residential property investment is strictly limited
Investments cannot be used as security or collateral for loans
