Comprehensive Australia Immigration Guide 2024

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Description: A points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers without sponsorship from an employer, state government, or family member.

• Eligibility: Requires a minimum of 65 points based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
• Benefits: Grants immediate permanent residency with the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. Also includes Medicare benefits and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
• Processing Time: Typically 6-8 months, but can vary based on individual circumstances and application volumes.

Key Requirements:

• Positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority
• Occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Competent English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Description: A permanent residency visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

• Eligibility: Similar to Subclass 189, but with the additional requirement of state or territory nomination. Occupation must be on the specific state's skilled occupation list.
• Benefits: Permanent residency with an initial obligation to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years. Includes all benefits of permanent residency, including Medicare and education access.
• Processing Time: Generally faster than Subclass 189, often processed within 3-6 months after nomination.

Additional Information:

• Applicants receive 5 additional points for state nomination
• Each state/territory has its own nomination criteria and occupation lists
• May have lower points threshold compared to Subclass 189, increasing chances for applicants with lower points scores
• Some states may require a job offer or specific work experience in the nominated occupation

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Description: A provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for at least 5 years.

• Eligibility: Requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. Points-based system applies.
• Benefits: Valid for five years with a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) after living and working in the regional area for at least 3 years.

Key Features:

• Access to a wider range of occupations compared to other skilled visas
• Priority processing by the Department of Home Affairs
• Additional 15 points for state/territory nomination or family sponsorship
• Encourages regional development by addressing skill shortages in specific areas
• Access to certain regional concessions, including priority processing for subsequent permanent residency application

4. Employer-Sponsored Visas

Description: These visas allow Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent residency, addressing specific skill shortages in their businesses.

Main Types:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482):
  • Short-term stream: Up to 2 years (may be renewed once onshore)
  • Medium-term stream: Up to 4 years with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years
  • Labour Agreement stream: For approved sponsors under a labour agreement
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186):
  • Direct Entry stream: For skilled workers who have not worked in Australia on a 457 or 482 visa
  • Temporary Residence Transition stream: For 457 or 482 visa holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least 3 years
  • Labour Agreement stream: For nominees under a labour agreement

Eligibility:

• Relevant work experience and skills as required by the sponsoring employer
• Meet specific occupation requirements (ANZSCO skill level and tasks)
• English language proficiency (varies by visa subclass and stream)
• Age requirements (generally under 45 for permanent visas, no age limit for temporary visas)
• Health and character requirements

1. Skills Assessment:
   • Identify the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
   • Prepare and submit required documentation (qualifications, work experience evidence, etc.)
   • Pay the assessment fee and wait for the outcome (processing times vary by authority)
2. English Language Test:
   • Book and take an approved English language test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, etc.)
   • Ensure you achieve the required scores for your visa category
3. Expression of Interest (EOI):
   • Create an account in SkillSelect
   • Complete the online EOI form, providing accurate information about your skills, qualifications, and experience
   • Submit your EOI and wait for an invitation to apply (if applying for points-tested visas)
4. State Nomination or Employer Sponsorship (if applicable):
   • For Subclass 190 or 491: Apply for state nomination through the relevant state/territory website
   • For employer-sponsored visas: Secure a job offer and sponsorship from an approved sponsor
5. Invitation to Apply:
   • Receive an invitation via SkillSelect (for points-tested visas)
   • Invitation is valid for 60 days
6. Lodging the Visa Application:
   • Create an ImmiAccount and start your online application
   • Pay the visa application charge
   • Upload all required documents, including:
     • Passport biodata page
     • Birth certificate
     • Skills assessment
     • English test results
     • Educational qualifications
     • Employment references
     • Police clearance certificates
7. Health Examinations:
   • Generate your Health Assessment portal (HAP) ID
   • Book and attend your medical examination at an approved panel physician
   • Results will be sent directly to the Department of Home Affairs
8. Biometrics Collection (if required):
   • Receive a request to provide biometrics
   • Schedule an appointment at an approved biometrics collection center
   • Attend the appointment to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph
9. Wait for Decision:
   • The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application
   • You may be contacted for additional information or clarification
   • Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances
10. Visa Grant:
    • If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification
    • Review all visa conditions and validity periods
    • Make necessary arrangements for your move to Australia