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Skilled Visa
Australia offers several types of skilled visas aimed at attracting talented and skilled workers to live and work in the country. These visas are typically points-based and target individuals with skills and qualifications in demand in the Australian labor market.
Below is an overview of the primary skilled visa categories:
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The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is an Australian visa designed for individuals who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
Key Features:
- Permanent Residency: Provides permanent residency status in Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: This can lead to Australian citizenship if other eligibility criteria are met.
- Work and Study Rights: Grants the right to live, work, and study in any part of Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Allows for family members to be included in the application.
- Healthcare and Social Security: Access to Medicare and Social Security Benefits.
- Travel Rights: Permits travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, a Resident Return visa or Australian citizenship is required for travel.
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Requirements
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The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or a family member. It allows holders to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent Residency: Provides permanent residency status in Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: This can lead to Australian citizenship if other eligibility criteria are met.
- Work and Study Rights: Grants the right to live, work, and study in any part of Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Allows for eligible family members to be included in the application.
- Healthcare and Social Security: Access to Medicare and Social Security Benefits.
- Travel Rights: Permits travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, a Resident Return visa or Australian citizenship is required for travel.
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Requirements
Processing Times
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The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows holders to live and work permanently in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent Residency: Provides permanent residency status in Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Can lead to Australian citizenship if other eligibility criteria are met.
- Work and Study Rights: Grants the right to live, work, and study in any part of Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Allows for eligible family members to be included in the application.
- Healthcare and Social Security: Access to Medicare and Social Security Benefits.
- Travel Rights: Permits travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, a Resident Return visa or Australian citizenship is required for travel.
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Requirements
Processing Times
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The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa is designed to encourage migration to regional areas where there are skills shortages and to promote regional development.
Key Features:
- Provisional Residency: This is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), provided certain conditions are met.
- Work and Study Rights: Grants the right to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Allows for eligible family members to be included in the application.
- Travel Rights: Permits travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
About
Requirements
Processing Times
Cost
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. This visa allows graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
Key Features:
- Temporary Residency: Provides temporary residency in Australia.
- Work and Study Rights: Grants the right to work and study in Australia.
- Travel Rights: Permits travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
Streams:
There are two main streams under the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):1. Graduate Work Stream:
- Eligibility: For international students with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Duration: Visa is granted for up to 18 months.
- Requirements:
- Must have completed a qualification that is closely related to an occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Qualification must have been obtained within the last 6 months.
- Must have applied for and been granted a skills assessment in the nominated occupation.
- Must have at least competent English (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, etc.).
2. Post-Study Work Stream:
- Eligibility: For international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study.
- Duration: Visa duration depends on the highest qualification obtained:
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s by coursework – 2 years.
- Master’s by research – 3 years.
- Doctoral degree – 4 years.
- Requirements:
- Must have completed a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) within the last 6 months.
- Must have applied for the first student visa on or after 5 November 2011.
- Must have at least competent English (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, etc.).
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions & Answer
What is a skilled visa?
A skilled visa is a type of visa that allows individuals with specific skills and qualifications to live and work in Australia. These visas are usually points-based and are designed to fill gaps in the Australian labor market.
How does the points system work?
Points are awarded based on various factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria. To be eligible for a skilled visa, you typically need to score at least 65 points.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is an application process where you provide details about your skills and qualifications through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. It's not a visa application but a way to be considered for an invitation to apply for a visa.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a skilled visa?
For most skilled visas, a job offer is not required. However, you need to nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list and have a suitable skills assessment.
What is a skills assessment?
A skills assessment is a process where a relevant assessing authority evaluates your qualifications and work experience to ensure they meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
What is the age limit for applying for a skilled visa?
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply for most skilled visas.
What level of English proficiency is required?
You must demonstrate at least competent English. This typically involves taking an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, you can include eligible family members in your skilled visa application.
Can I apply for permanent residency after holding a provisional skilled visa?
Yes, holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after meeting certain conditions.
Can I apply for permanent residency after holding a provisional skilled visa?
Yes, holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) after meeting certain conditions.