Australian Skilled Visa
A skilled visa allows skilled people to work and live in Australia so that certain occupation shortages in Australia can be properly filled. Skilled visa is often the first choice of visa for many students after they finish their tertiary education in Australia. This article will give you a brief introduction to the skilled migration visas in Australia.
1. Can I apply for skilled visas?
Before you ask this question, you should figure out if your occupation falls under Australia’s skilled occupation list (“SOL”). The SOL summarises the occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages.
2. What types of skilled visas are there?
The most common skilled visas are as follows:
- 189 Skilled Independent visa
- 190 Skilled Nominated visa
- 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
- 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
3. What are the main differences between skilled visas?
For all skilled visas, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and apply upon invitation. The Department of Home Affairs will decide on the invitation rounds for skilled migration visas.
Many visa applicants face the issue of not getting enough points to qualify for a visa. As compared to the 189 visa, applicants of 190 and 491 visas may be awarded additional points. However, applicants must meet certain nomination requirements.
4. How do I apply for a skilled visa?
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- You may use this points calculator to know if you meet the requirement of the points test. If you scored 65 points or more, you can proceed to submit your EOI through SkillSelect.
- Visa invitation may depend on your score from the points test. With the increasing number of EOI submissions, it is likely that 65 points may not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa you desire. You can check the current invitation rounds here.
Step 2: Upon receiving an invitation, you must submit your visa application within the specific time
The information you put in your application must directly correlate to the contents of your EOI. If it is found that any information is different, your visa application may be refused or rejected.
5. I have submitted my EOI but have not obtained an invitation to apply. What if my visa expires?
It is difficult to estimate when you may be invited to apply after you have submitted an EOI. As such, it is extremely risky to only submit an EOI close to the expiry of your current visa.
- If your current visa expires before you obtain an invitation, you will need to leave Australia or apply for another visa
- If you do apply for a new visa while in Australia, you will be granted a bridging visa
We highly recommend that you should engage an experienced immigration lawyer from the outset to ensure that an effective migration plan can be carried out smoothly.
