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Skilled Migration Visas

Overview

✦Skilled Migration Visas — Building Your Future in Australia

Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a competitive, points-based pathway for skilled professionals seeking to live and work permanently in Australia.

Applicants do not apply directly for a visa. Instead, they submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. Candidates are then ranked according to the points test, and invitations to apply are issued to selected applicants.

Although the minimum eligibility threshold is 65 points, invitation scores are often significantly higher due to competition within the skilled migration program.

Points Test Reform Announced — Not Yet Law

In the 2026–27 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced proposed reforms to the skilled migration points test to better recognise younger, highly skilled, and highly educated applicants. At the time of writing, these reforms have not yet been legislated, and the current points test continues to apply. The Government has indicated that invitations already issued will be honoured under the existing rules. If you are considering lodging an Expression of Interest, timing and strategy are important. We monitor these developments closely and can advise you on how any future changes may affect your migration plans.

The Three General Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled Independent — Subclass 189 (permanent)

A permanent visa for skilled workers who do not require employer, state, territory, or family sponsorship. Selection is competitive and based on your points score, occupation, and a valid positive skills assessment.

Skilled Nominated — Subclass 190 (permanent)

A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. State nomination provides an additional 5 points towards your points score. Applicants must also satisfy the nomination requirements of the relevant state or territory.

Skilled Work Regional — Subclass 491 (provisional)

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Eligible applicants receive an additional 15 points towards their points score. The Subclass 491 may provide a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191, subject to meeting the relevant legislative requirements.

How Points Are Earned

1. Qualifications

Points are awarded based on your highest recognised qualification, including trade qualifications, diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral qualifications.

2. English Language

Higher English language scores can significantly improve your points score. Proficient or Superior English (for example, IELTS 7 or 8, or an equivalent test) may provide a substantial advantage in competitive invitation rounds.

3. Skilled Work Experience

Points are awarded for eligible skilled employment completed in Australia and overseas following the completion of the relevant qualification.

4. Partner Skills and Nomination

Additional points may be available based on your partner's skills and English language ability, or where you receive nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible family member.

Points Calculator External Link

The Department of Home Affairs provides an online Points Calculator to help estimate your current points score under the General Skilled Migration program. Calculate Your Points → (Points Calculator)

The Essential Foundation

Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from your occupation's designated assessing authority (such as VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, or ANMAC) is an essential requirement for most General Skilled Migration applications. Your Expression of Interest must be supported by a valid positive skills assessment at the relevant time. Obtaining the correct assessment early can help avoid delays and ensure you are ready when an invitation is issued.

Plan Your Skilled Migration Strategy Properly

With invitation scores often sitting well above the minimum pass mark and proposed reforms to the points test on the horizon, careful planning is essential. We assess your qualifications, identify legitimate opportunities to strengthen your points score, guide you through the skills assessment process, and prepare a competitive Expression of Interest to maximise your prospects of receiving an invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible for a skilled visa?

Eligibility depends on factors such as your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English language ability, age, and points score under Australia's General Skilled Migration program.

What is a skills assessment?

A skills assessment is an evaluation conducted by the relevant assessing authority to determine whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

How are points calculated?

Points are awarded based on factors including age, English language ability, skilled work experience, qualifications, partner skills, and other eligibility criteria under the General Skilled Migration program.

Can I submit an Expression of Interest without a skills assessment?

In most cases, you should obtain a positive skills assessment before claiming points and before receiving an invitation to apply. The specific requirements will depend on your nominated occupation and visa pathway.

What happens after I receive an invitation to apply?

Once you receive an invitation, you generally have a limited period to lodge your visa application and provide evidence supporting the claims made in your Expression of Interest.

Does skilled migration lead to permanent residence?

Many skilled migration pathways provide permanent residence, while others begin with a provisional visa and may lead to permanent residence once the relevant legislative requirements have been satisfied.

Why Choose Yantra Legal?

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

Lived Migration Experience

Having lived in Nepal, Germany and Australia, we understand what it feels like to build a new life in a different country. We know that migration matters often involve family, work, uncertainty and important life decisions—not just paperwork.

Direct Access to Your Solicitor

When you choose Yantra Legal, you work directly with our solicitor, Krishna Giri from your first consultation until your matter is finalised. Your case is not passed between different staff members, so you always know who is handling your matter.

Clear & Honest Advice

Legal advice should be clear, not confusing. We explain your options in plain English and, where helpful, in Nepali or Hindi, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Truly Personalised Representation

No two legal matters are the same. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your goals and what matters most to you. Our advice is tailored to your situation rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fixed-Fee Transparency

We believe you should know what to expect before you proceed. We offer fixed-fee initial consultations and provide clear information about legal costs, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

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Take the Next Step Towards Skilled Migration

Building a future in Australia requires careful planning and a well-prepared application. We provide practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your options and navigate Australia's skilled migration system with confidence.