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.

Benefits

• Live permanently in Australia

• Work and study in Australia

• Include your partner, children and/or stepchildren in your application

• Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

• Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Permanent residence in Australia

• Work and study rights in Australia

• Access to Medicare

• Ability to sponsor eligible relatives

• 5-year multiple-entry travel facility

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Stay in Australia for the duration of the visa

• Live, work and study in designated regional areas

• Unlimited travel in and out of Australia during the visa period

• Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Permanent residence in Australia

• Work and study rights

• Access to Medicare

• Ability to sponsor eligible relatives

• 5-year travel facility

• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

• Note: Some government payments and benefits may have waiting periods for new residents

Requirements

• 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).

Benefits

• Live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent partner visa is being processed

• Travel freely in and out of Australia

• Access free English classes under the Adult Migrant English Program (if eligible)

• Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
  

  
  

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
  

  
  

The Department currently does not require offshore travel for family visa applicants (including Subclass 309/100) to have their visa granted.

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
  

  
  

Eligibility Requirements

• No visa cancellation or previous refusal

• Be in Australia at the time of application

• Meet age, relationship, health, and character requirements
  

  
  

Important Restrictions

If you currently hold or last held one of the following visas, you may not be eligible:

• Skilled – Independent Regional (Temporary) (UX) visa

• Subclass 475

• Subclass 487

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Temporary) (SP)

If you hold or last held:

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)

• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional)

You must hold that visa for at least 3 years before applying.

Benefits

• Live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent partner visa is processed

• Travel freely in and out of Australia

• Access free English courses (if eligible)

• Enrol in Medicare
  

  
  

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)
  

  
  

Benefits

• Live permanently in Australia

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

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
  

  
  

Benefits

• Live permanently in Australia

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

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.

Key Benefits

• Live in Australia permanently

• Work and study in Australia

• Access Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)

• Sponsor eligible family members to Australia

• Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

• Newly arrived residents may need to wait before accessing certain government payments and benefits
  

  
  

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.

Key Benefits

• Live, work and study permanently in Australia

• Sponsor eligible family members

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
  

  
  

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.

Key Benefits

• Work for your sponsoring employer for up to:

• 2 years (standard)

• 4 years where international trade obligations (ITO) apply

• 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders

• Study in Australia (no access to government assistance)

• Unlimited travel in and out of Australia during visa validity

• Potential pathway to permanent residence if eligible
  

  
  

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
  

  
  

Salary Requirements

• The nominee must be paid at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)

• Salary must not be below the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

• Salary thresholds are indexed annually based on economic indicators (e.g. Average Weekly Earnings)
  

  
  

English Language Requirements

• Applicants not exempt must meet minimum English language standards

• From 13 September 2025, English test requirements are updated, with additional test types and revised score thresholds

• Common accepted tests include:

• IELTS: minimum 5.0 in each band

• PTE Academic: Listening 33 / Reading 36 / Writing 29 / Speaking 24

• TOEFL iBT: Listening 8 / Reading 8 / Writing 9 / Speaking 14

• OET: Writing 200 / Reading 240 / Listening 220 / Speaking 270

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.

Key Benefits

• Live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to 5 years

• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years

• Pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, if eligible
  

  
  

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
  

  
  

Important Restrictions

Unless the applicant has held a Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years, they cannot:

• Validly apply for Subclass 820 (Partner) visa

• Be granted any of the following visas:

• Subclass 132 (Business Talent)

• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

• Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment – Provisional)

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)

• Subclass 858 (Global Talent)

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