SKILLED VISAS

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This visa comprises of 2 streams: Point Test stream and Hong Kong stream. Both are permanent residence visas allowing you and any family members who have also been granted this visa:

  • Stay and work in Australia indefinitely
  • Study in Australia with no restriction
  • Enrol in Medicare 
  • Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
  • Freedom to travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted

 

1. Point-tested stream

This visa stream is for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government.

To be able to apply for the Australian visa Subclass 189 – Point Test stream, the applicant firstly has to submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI) and then should be invited through Skill Select. After the letter of invitation has been received, you can apply for this visa whilst fulfilling the following Skilled Independent Visa requirements.

Eligibility criteria:

  • must be aged under 45 at the time of application
  • nominate a relevant occupation on the CSOL list
  • obtained a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • achieve the passing score in the points test specified in your letter of invitation
  • meet the threshold English language requirement
  • meet the health and character requirements

 

 2. Hong Kong stream

This visa stream is for eligible Hong Kong residents who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work in Australia permanently. 

To be able to apply for the Australian visa Subclass 189 – Hong Kong stream, the primary applicant must:

  • hold either a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
  • hold an eligible visa to apply at the time of application and comply with the visa conditions
  • have been usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years
  • meet the English language functional requirement
  • meet the health and character requirements

 

 Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This points-based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory. A visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. Certain family members can be included in the application.

Similar to Skilled Independent Visa, this visa allows you and any family members who have also been granted this visa:

  • Stay and work in Australia indefinitely
  • Study in Australia with no restriction
  • Enrol in Medicare 
  • Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
  • Freedom to travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted

Eligibility criteria:

  • must be aged under 45 at the time of application
  • nominate a relevant occupation on the CSOL list
  • successfully nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
  • obtained a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • achieve the passing score in the points test specified in your letter of invitation
  • meet the threshold English language requirement
  • meet the health and character requirements

 

 

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa is for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to stay and work in Australia temporarily. Overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa will apply for this visa to remain in Australia legally to gain skilled work experience, improve their English language skills or obtain a suitable skill assessment for the nominated occupation.

This visa has no restrictions on work, study and travel.

There are two eligibility streams for the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa:

  • Post-Vocational Educational Work Stream
  • Post- Higher Education Work Stream

Depending on when your first student visa was granted, this visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for between 18 months and 5 years.

Common Criteria:

  • must be aged under 35 (aged under 50 for Hong Kong or BNO passport holder) at the time of application
  • hold an eligible visa to apply
  • meet the Australia study requirement in the last 6 months
  • meet the English language requirement
  • meet the health and character requirements
  • have health insurance during the stay in Australia

 

 

Take a Free Visa Assessment or Contact Us now to have more information on how to apply for a Skilled Visa.