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Skilled Visas for Australia

The right visa options for migrants and expats.

Australian Skilled visas

Build your career in Australia as a skilled migrant.

On this page:

  • An overview of skilled visas and the key requirements
  • Visas with a specific job offer and employer sponsorship
  • Visas that are independent of an employer
  • Which visa strategy is best for my situation?

Your pathway to Australia as a skilled migrant

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for qualified professionals worldwide – and for good reason. Few countries combine such a high quality of life with excellent working conditions, competitive salaries and an open, multicultural society.

The pathway to Australia is as individual as your professional background. There is no single pathway — instead, several visa options may be suitable, each with its own opportunities. Some applicants aim for permanent migration from the outset. Others start with a temporary work visa often through employer sponsorship, to gain local experience, settle in Australia and later transition to permanent residency.

Whether you have a job offer or not, and whether you are an experienced specialist or still early in your career – Australia offers visa pathways for a wide range of starting points. With the right strategy, you can plan your path to working, living and building your future in Australia step by step.

Overview of skilled visa options

Australia offers several skilled visa pathways designed to allow qualified professionals to live and work in the country. While the individual visas differ in their requirements, duration and the pathways toward permanent residency, there are several core criteria that apply across all skilled visas.

Below is an overview of the key requirements common to Australia’s skilled visas.

  • Occupation on a Skilled Occupation List

Australia’s skilled visas are designed to address labour shortages in occupations where qualified professionals are in demand. To apply for such a visa, you must demonstrate that you have qualifications and work experience in an occupation that is in demand in Australia.

In practice, your occupation must be listed on one of Australia’s official Skilled Occupation Lists. The relevant list depends on the visa type, and the occupations included are reviewed and updated regularly.

These lists determine whether you are eligible to apply, making them a crucial first step in the skilled visa process.

More on occupation lists
  • English language test

All Australian skilled visas require proof of sufficient English language proficiency. This is demonstrated through an approved English test, such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic.

The required level of English depends on the visa subclass: some require ‘Vocational English’, while others require ‘Competent English’. What matters is that applicants can demonstrate the English level needed to work effectively in Australia.

More on English tests
  • Including family members

Australian skilled visas also allow eligible family members to be included. Only the main applicant needs to meet the visa requirements; partners and dependent children can be added as secondary applicants.

This means they also receive a visa that allows them to stay in Australia:

  • Partners may work in Australia,
  • Children may attend school or undertake tertiary studies

This allows the move to Australia to become not only a professional step, but a shared opportunity for the entire family with long-term prospects.

Employer-sponsored pathways

Some of the key skilled visas for Australia require a confirmed job offer. These employer-sponsored visas allow Australian businesses to hire qualified professionals from overseas when they cannot fill a position locally. 

Although each subclass has its own rules, several core criteria apply across all employer-sponsored visas:

  • Linked to a specific employer

The purpose of these visas is to help Australian employers address skills shortages in specific occupations or industries.

These visas are tied to a particular role with a sponsoring employer. Once granted, you are tied to that employer and the nominated position. For temporary visas, changing employers is only possible if a new employer agrees to take over the sponsorship and all associated obligations.

  • Qualifications and work experience

A job offer alone is not sufficient to apply for an employer-sponsored visa. Applicants must also show that they have the required qualifications and work experience to perform the nominated role in Australia.

Depending on the occupation and visa type, this may include a formal qualification as well as current, relevant work experience. Only applicants who meet these requirements can be sponsored by an employer.

Overview of the individual visa subclasses

Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)

Overview

The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is one of Australia’s main temporary work visas for qualified professionals with a confirmed job offer. It allows Australian employers to fill vacancies when no suitable local applicants are available. The visa can be granted for one to four years depending on the occupation and the sponsoring employer’s needs. It provides full work rights, allows applicants to gain Australian work experience, and can open pathways to permanent residency through visas such as Subclass 186.

It is ideal for skilled workers who want to enter Australia through temporary employment while establishing a pathway to permanent residency.

What this visa allows:
  • A visa of up to four years (depending on employer needs)
  • No age limit
  • Full-time work in the nominated role
Key requirements:
  • Occupation must appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
  • Relevant qualifications and work experience must be demonstrated
  • A valid job offer from an approved sponsor
  • At least Vocational English

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Overview

For individuals who already hold a Skills in Demand Visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream is the next step towards obtaining permanent residency in Australia.

You become eligible once you have worked in your nominated position in Australia for at least two years on a Skills in Demand Visa. It is the standard pathway from a temporary sponsored work visa to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.

Your employer must again support your application by nominating you for a permanent position. The key advantage: once the permanent visa is granted, the sponsorship obligation ends, offering significantly more flexibility and long-term security.

The 186 visa under this stream is particularly relevant for skilled workers who have already established themselves in Australia and now seek a permanent future with all associated rights and benefits.

What this visa allows:
  • Permanent Residency: live in Australia permanently
  • Full work rights without employer restrictions
  • Access to Medicare and public services
Key requirements:
  • At least two years of employment in the nominated position on a 482 visa
  • Nomination by the employer for a permanent role
  • Evidence of at least Competent English
  • Age limit: generally under 45 (with exceptions)

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Direct Entry Stream

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) under the Direct Entry Stream offers qualified professionals direct access to permanent residency in Australia, without first needing to hold a temporary visa such as the Skills in Demand Visa.

This visa is designed for applicants who already have several years of professional experience and the required qualifications for their occupation, and who are nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent position. A positive Skills Assessment is also required – a formal assessment confirming that your qualifications and work experience are comparable to Australian standards in your nominated occupation.

For employers, this pathway is an important tool for securing highly skilled specialists long-term, without repeated sponsorship obligations. For applicants, the Direct Entry Stream provides immediate access to all the benefits of Permanent Residency (PR) – including full work rights, social security entitlements and long-term settlement prospects in Australia.

What this visa allows:
  • Permanent Residency: live in Australia permanently
  • Unlimited work rights without employer restrictions
  • Access to Medicare and public services
Key requirements:
  • Occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
  • Positive Skills Assessment and nomination by the employerr for the relevant role
  • Evidence of at least Competent English
  • Age limit: generally under 45 years (with exceptions)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)

Overview

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) is a five-year skilled visa that enables qualified workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

“Regional” does not mean remote outback — it covers all areas of Australia except the three major cities: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The purpose of this visa is to address skill shortages outside the major metropolitan areas and to give employers in regional Australia access to qualified workers who are difficult to find locally.

A positive Skills Assessment is required for this visa – a formal assessment confirming that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

For applicants, the 494 visa provides the opportunity to gain valuable Australian work experience in a regional area and create a pathway to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) — a permanent visa with full work and residence flexibility and no ongoing employer obligations.

What this visa allows:
  • Live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years
  • Full-time employment in the nominated role for the sponsoring employer
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) via the Subclass 191 visa after at least three years
Key requirements:
  • Nomination by an approved employer located in a designated regional area
  • Occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL)
  • Age limit: generally under 45 years (with exceptions)
  • Evidence of at least Competent English (with some exceptions)
  • Positive Skills Assessment and employer nomination for the relevant role

General Skilled Migration – Skilled visas without a job offer

The General Skilled Migration visas are skilled visas that can be applied for without a specific job offer or employer sponsorship. They are designed for qualified professionals who can contribute to Australia’s labour market. These visas offer a high level of independence and flexibility, with applicants generally able to choose where they live and work — depending on the visa subclass. Selection is based on Australia’s points-tested SkillSelect system, which objectively assesses each applicant’s qualifications.

  • Points test

All of these visas require meeting a minimum points threshold in the points test and receiving an invitation to apply.

Points are awarded for factors such as age, English proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications and, where applicable, a partner who also meets skilled criteria.

The points system is the core selection mechanism of Australia’s skilled migration program.

Learn more
  • Skills Assessment

All of these visas require a formal Skills Assessment – the official recognition and verification of overseas qualifications and work experience. The assessment is carried out by the relevant Australian assessing authority and confirms that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

A positive Skills Assessment is a mandatory requirement and must be completed before lodging the visa application.

Only once the Skills Assessment has been successfully completed can the visa application be lodged under the General Skilled Migration program.

Learn more

Overview of the individual visa subclasses

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Overview

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of Australia’s key permanent skilled visas and is designed for qualified professionals who wish to migrate without employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination.

It is part of Australia’s points-tested SkillSelect system and allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently, provided they achieve a sufficient score across criteria such as age, qualifications, work experience and English proficiency.

The Subclass 189 visa is ideal for applicants who wish to build their future in Australia independently – without being tied to an employer or a specific state.

What this visa allows:
  • Permanent Residency: the right to live in Australia permanently with unrestricted work rights
  • Freedom to choose where to live and work, without commitment to an employer or a state
  • Access to Medicare and public services
Key requirements:
  • Occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Positive Skills Assessment in the nominated occupation
  • Invitation through the SkillSelect points system (minimum 65 points)
  • Evidence of at least Competent English
  • Age limit: under 45 at the time

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

Overview

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent skilled visa that allows qualified professionals to live and work in Australia when nominated by an Australian state or territory.

It is designed for applicants who wish to migrate independently but benefit from the additional support and points provided by a state or territory nomination, which increases their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are granted permanent residency from day one and commit to living and working in the nominating state for two years. This creates a good balance of flexibility and certainty – both for applicants and for the nominating states.

What this visa allows:
  • Permanent Residency: the right to live in Australia permanently with full work rights
  • Freedom to live and work throughout the nominating state, without employer sponsorship
  • Access to Medicare and public services
Key requirements:
  • Nomination by an Australian state or territory
  • Occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Positive Skills Assessment in the nominated occupation
  • Invitation through the SkillSelect points system (minimum 65 points, including nomination points)
  • Evidence of at least Competent English
  • Age limit: under 45 at the time of invitation

Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)

Overview

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a five-year skilled visa that allows applicants to live and work in regional Australia.

“Regional” does not mean remote outback – it simply refers to all areas outside the three major metropolitan cities: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The purpose of this visa is to attract skilled workers to regional areas to address shortages and support local economic growth.

The visa is granted following a nomination by an Australian state or territory. In return, they commit to living and working in that state for at least three years. Alternatively, applicants may qualify through a relative living in regional Australia, depending on the circumstances.

This visa provides a pathway to establish yourself in Australia without employer sponsorship and acts as a stepping stone to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), which offers full flexibility with no regional restrictions.

What this visa allows:
  • Live and work in regional Australia for up to five years
  • Eligibility to apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191) after three years
  • Freedom to work in any occupation within the regional area
Key requirements:
  • Nomination by an Australian state or territory (or eligible family sponsorship)
  • Occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (Family sponsorship requires MLTSSL only)
  • Positive Skills Assessment in the nominated occupation
  • Invitation through the SkillSelect points system (minimum 65 points including nomination points)
  • Evidence of at least Competent English
  • Age limit: under 45 years

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

Overview

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is the subsequent visa and the pathway to permanent residency for holders of provisional regional visas such as the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494). It enables applicants who have lived and worked in an eligible regional area for at least three years to obtain Permanent Residency (PR).

Once granted, the 191 visa removes all regional requirements. Holders gain full rights as Australian Permanent Residents, including unrestricted work and residence throughout Australia, as well as the option to apply for Australian citizenship at a later stage.

This visa represents the final step for those who began their journey to Australia via a provisional regional visa and are now seeking a long-term future in Australia.

What this visa allows:
  • Permanent Residency
  • Free choice of where to live and work, with no regional restrictions
  • No age limit for eligibility
Key requirements:
  • Previous stay on an eligible regional visa (Subclass 491 or 494)
  • Evidence of having lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years
  • Advantage of General Skilled Migration: Flexibility

Although these visas are assessed based on your qualifications and work experience, this is relevant only during the application stage. Once granted, they offer full work flexibility without being tied to a specific employer or occupation.

This means holders of a General Skilled Migration visa can change jobs freely, become self-employed, or move into a different field altogether. These visas therefore provide not only permanent residency but also maximum career flexibility and freedom to shape your professional future in Australia.

Other Short-Term or Temporary Work Visas

Visas that include work rights are always linked to specific conditions – whether permanent or temporary. The skilled visas outlined above are designed for longer or permanent stays in Australia. However, if the stay is intended to be short-term or tied to a specific project or assignment, alternative visa options may be appropriate.

Each of these visa subclasses comes with its own conditions, particularly regarding the type of work that may be carried out. It’s therefore essential to assess carefully which visa best aligns with your specific plans.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclasses 417 and 462)

The Working Holiday Visa allows young travellers to spend up to 12 months in Australia while working. It’s designed to let you explore the country, experience the culture, gain work experience and build connections.

During this time, holders can work in a range of roles, often in temporary or seasonal jobs. Under specific conditions, the visa can be extended or a second and even third Working Holiday Visa can be applied for.

Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is designed for professionals with highly specialised skills who are required in Australia for a short period to complete a specific task or project. It is intended to cover expertise that is not readily available within Australia.

The visa is suitable for non-ongoing, purpose-specific work such as technical assignments, project work or specialised training. It generally allows a stay of up to three months. In limited circumstances—where there is a strong business need and clear justification—a stay of up to six months may be granted. Family members may accompany the applicant but are not permitted to work or study while in Australia.

The Subclass 400 Visa is therefore ideal for short-term, highly specialised assignments with a clearly defined purpose and timeframe.

Learn more about short-term assignments

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa (Subclass 407) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to take part in a workplace-based training program in Australia. It is designed for professionals who need to complete structured training to gain registration, obtain licensing in their occupation, or have their qualifications formally recognised.

The visa requires sponsorship by an approved employer and the submission of a structured training plan outlining the specific activities, goals and learning outcomes of the program.

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows for a time-limited stay in Australia. It is primarily intended for individuals travelling to Australia to take part in cultural, social, scientific, sporting or religious activities. The visa permits a stay for the duration of the approved activity, depending on the nature of the program and the applicant’s role. A key requirement is sponsorship or support from an approved organisation or institution that is hosting or conducting the activity.

Because the visa is purpose-specific, holders are only permitted to work in connection with the approved activity. It is therefore suitable for individuals undertaking short-term, project-based engagements in Australia – such as musicians and artists, athletes, researchers, or professionals participating in cultural or scientific exchange programs.

Which visa strategy is best for my situation?

There is rarely just one single “right” pathway to Australia. Many different routes can lead to a visa – either directly through a permanent skilled visa, or step by step via a temporary work visa that may later lead to Permanent Residency (PR).

Which option is most suitable depends on your individual circumstances, career goals and long-term plans. Anyone wanting to assess their prospects realistically should consider a few key questions:

Key questions:

  • Do you already have a confirmed job offer in Australia?
  • Is your occupation listed on one of the current Skilled Occupation Lists?
  • Are you set on moving specifically to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane?
  • Are you seeking a permanent pathway or a temporary option first?

We outline the realistic options – transparently, clearly and tailored to your situation. This allows you to find the pathway that best supports your professional and personal fresh start in Australia.

Alternatives to Skilled Visas

A skilled visa is not always immediately available, nor is it always the best fit for a person’s individual circumstances. In such cases, there are several practical alternatives that still allow you to spend time in Australia – whether as an initial step, for orientation, or as a bridge on the way to a future permanent visa.

An eVisitor / ETA or Visitor Visa can be used to get to know Australia, travel, or attend job interviews on the ground. This can help establish early contact with employers or potential sponsors.

Younger applicants may consider a Working Holiday Visa. It offers the chance to explore the country, get to know the labour market, gain hands-on experience and get a feel for everyday life in Australia – provided the age requirements are met.

Another pathway is the Student Visa. It allows applicants to improve their English, gain new qualifications and, through limited work rights, start building initial connections with Australian employers.

These pathways can be a valuable bridge – either as a gentle introduction to life in Australia or as a foundation for a future permanent residency pathway.

Your Individual Visa Consultation

Australia’s immigration system is complex – but with a clear strategy and professional guidance, it can be navigated in a transparent and secure way. A Registered Migration Agent will support you at every stage, from developing the right strategy through to the decision-ready lodgement of your visa application.

Learn more about our process

Skilled Visa - FAQS

FAQS

Not necessarily. Some visas – such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – do not require a job offer.


Others, such as the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), do require a concrete employment arrangement with an approved Australian employer.

The points system objectively evaluates how well an applicant meets the needs of the Australian labour market. Points are awarded for age, English skills, qualifications, work experience and, where applicable, a skilled partner or state nomination.
A minimum of 65 points is required to be considered in the system. Find out more.

A Skills Assessment is the formal assessment of a non-Australian qualification and work experience.
It is conducted by an approved Australian assessing authority and confirms that your skills and qualifications are comparable to the Australian standard for your occupation.
The Skills Assessment must be completed before lodging the visa application.

Read our blog to find out more.

Yes. Most Australian skilled visas allow you to include your partner and dependent children as secondary applicants.
Your partner will also receive work rights, and children may attend school or university. This allows the whole family to begin their life in Australia together.

“Regional” includes all areas of Australia outside the three major cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
This includes many attractive cities such as Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra and Newcastle. Working in a regional area can offer additional advantages, such as faster access to Permanent Residency.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application – it is a formal indication of interest lodged through SkillSelect.

Through the EOI, applicants inform the Australian Government that they wish to apply for a skilled visa (e.g. 189, 190 or 491).

The EOI includes details on qualifications, work experience, English skills and other criteria.

Only once an invitation is issued based on this information can the actual visa application be lodged.

No. Simply having a job offer does not automatically make you eligible for a work visa. Clear and strict criteria apply.

The occupation must be listed on one of the official Skilled Occupation Lists, and the employer must be willing and able to take on the sponsorship obligations.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they are genuinely qualified for the position – with the right qualifications and relevant recent experience in the field.
Only then can a job offer be used as the basis for a work visa.

Most permanent skilled visas have an age limit of 45.
Exceptions exist only in specific circumstances and mainly for employer-sponsored visas – for example, high income, certain occupations or work in designated regions.

Yes. Most skilled visas can be applied for either from within Australia or from overseas.
Requirements are the same – all evidence must be available at the time of application.

Australian migration law is designed to ensure that Employer Sponsorship primarily serves one purpose: to enable Australian businesses to fill genuine shortages of qualified workers.

While self-sponsorship through your own business is not entirely ruled out, such setups are examined very closely by the authorities. Immigration carefully assesses whether the sponsorship is genuinely necessary, commercially justified and essential from the business’s perspective.

Because the bar is set very high, self-sponsorship is considered a high-risk pathway that only works in a small number of very specific situations.

Yes – we support clients worldwide in applying for temporary and permanent visas, assess eligibility and manage the entire process from Skills Assessment through to the visa lodgement with the Department of Home Affairs.

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