SKILLED VISA

EDT Migration is your go-to partner for all your Skilled Migration needs. Our specialists are eager to assist both individuals already in Australia and those abroad in migrating to the country for skilled work and business purposes.

Our team of experienced migration lawyers is well-versed in crafting successful SkillSelect visa applications, which is the online application process by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for international skilled workers and business professionals. The application process entails submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, followed by visa nomination from Australian employers, State and Territory governments, or the Australian Government.

Potential Skilled Migration visas that you may be nominated for under SkillSelect include the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189, the State Nominated Visa subclass 190, and the Regional Sponsored Visa subclass 491. While the Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 is not directly part of the SkillSelect application process, we’ve included it in our list of skilled migration visas, as it is also considered a skill-based visa

Comparison of 189, 190 and 491 in some aspects

Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189

The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residency option that doesn’t necessitate sponsorship from an employer or an Australian State or Territory. This visa is intended for skilled professionals seeking to work and settle anywhere in Australia in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). If you achieve a specified number of points on the ‘Points Test’, submit an acceptable Expression of Interest (EOI), and fulfill other eligibility requirements, you can secure the opportunity to reside in Australia permanently.

State Nominated Visa subclass 190

The 190 visa serves as an option for individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the 189 visa due to an inability to pass the ‘Points Test’, or due to working in an occupation not covered by the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Essentially, it operates similarly to the Skilled Independent Visa, involving the SkillsSelect application process and providing permanent residency upon approval. However, unlike the 189 visa, applicants for the 190 visa must secure nomination from an Australian State or Territory Government agency and have an occupation listed on either the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Regional Sponsored Visa subclass 491

The Regional Sponsored Visa subclass 491, as a temporary visa, offers residency for skilled workers aspiring to work and reside in regional Australia for a duration of up to four years, facilitated by either a state or relative nomination. With this provisional visa, individuals can smoothly transition towards obtaining permanent residency by applying for a subsequent 191 visa.

Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485

While it doesn’t fall under the SkillSelect visa category, the Temporary Graduate Visa operates as a two-stream skilled migration program. Specifically tailored for international students who have recently concluded their studies at an Australian educational institution, this visa enables them to temporarily reside, work, and pursue further studies in Australia. The two streams offered through the 485 are the Graduate Work stream and the Post Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream is generally the pathway for vocational study graduates, while the Post Study Work stream is the pathway for University graduates.