An Australian Permanent Residency, skilled visa route is the most popular immigration route available to foreigners. It has become the easiest way for professionals around the world to immigrate to Australia. While this route offers great opportunities for many, it can be challenging to understand the eligibility criteria to qualify without proper guidance. Whether considering skilled independent subclass 189 or state-nominated subclass 190, it is important to know that there are 5 main criteria that must be met in order to be eligible for Australian PR.
Understanding Australia’s Skilled Visa Framework
Australia has developed a skilled migration program to attract professionals with the right skills to assist with the ongoing growth of the Australian workforce. The majority of immigration programs worldwide require you to have a job offer prior to submitting an application; however, Australia uses a points-based system and therefore does not require a job offer until the time of your visa application. Submitting an application using this point system allows for an assessment of your qualifications, skills and personal characteristics along with consideration of your past experiences and current situation (i.e., employment history). Your application will then be assessed using various point calculations. The best way to navigate through this application process is with assistance from a Registered Migration Agent Perth or in your geographical area.
The two most popular pathways to obtaining permanent residency through the Skilled Visa program in Australia are the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the State Nomination Visa (Subclass 190). Each visa provides the pathway to permanent residency; however, their eligibility requirements differ as well as their advantages. For example, Subclass 189 provides you with the ability to live and work anywhere in Australia upon approval of your visa, while Subclass 190 requires state sponsorship or nomination prior to obtaining a visa and committing to live within the state for a minimum of two (2) years.
Requirement 1: Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
To confirm that a specific occupation exists on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)/Schedule 1 of the Australian Government’s Federal (Commonwealth) Migration Act, one must first establish whether an individual is eligible for migration to Australia based on their required skills or experience as set out in part 2 of Schedule 1, Australia’s Migration Act 1989.
Relying on the federal government’s guidelines, your profession can be determined using the Core Skills Occupational List (CSOL) or the Skills in Demand (SID) framework. The CSOL is a main reference source for skilled migrants, indicates the core occupations experiencing continued demand in Australia, and is the first step in establishing eligibility for obtaining a skilled visa.
Once you have identified which government website will give you the information you need, the next step is to review those websites for your occupation’s listing for possible visa applications for skilled migrants based on your required skill set and/or qualifications. If your profession is identified as being on these lists, you will be able to continue with your skilled visa immigration process.
Requirement 2: Achieving a Competitive Points Score
After confirming your eligibility for a skilled occupation, the next step for you will be to gather enough points to receive an invitation. Australia has an extensive Points Test which ranks candidates, making it more competitive; therefore, candidates with higher scores on average will have better chances of receiving their invitations.
The minimum required score is 65 points to qualify for consideration. However, this minimum score will not always guarantee an invitation. More commonly, the actual total required varies with your occupation and amongst current applicants, frequently reaching much higher than the established minimum, normally above 85 points for many skilled occupation categories.
Points are awarded across multiple categories:
- Age: Maximum points awarded to those aged 25-32
- English language ability: Ranging from 0 to 20 points based on proficiency level
- Skilled employment: Points increase with years of relevant experience
- Educational qualifications: Higher degrees earn more points
- Partner skills: Additional points if your partner also meets certain criteria
You need to determine how you can obtain the maximum amount of points. Commonly, successful applicants to have learned how to maximize their scoring; common strategies to improve scores include: improving English skills through additional testing, obtaining additional years of work experience, and others exploring Potential Partner Points as well. For those interested in relocating to a regional area, the Subclass 491 visa has a bonus point of 15 for nomination by a region.
Requirement 3: Age Restrictions
Age is an eligibility requirement for immigration purposes that you can’t modify; therefore, it is imperative that you evaluate its effect as early as possible. In regard to Australian skilled migration, younger candidates will typically be favoured as they can contribute to the workforce for longer lengths of time. The age requirement carries with it a strict deadline; that is, you can no longer be invited to apply for the majority of skilled visas once you are past the age of 45.
Points assigned according to an individual’s age will be assigned on a sliding scale with 25-32 being the optimum ages for earning the maximum amount of 30 points. After the 33rd birthday, points continue to decrease very gradually until reaching 40 when the award will only be 15 points compared with someone whose age falls in the 25-29 age group who has received 30 points.
Most importantly, your age (for immigration purposes) is fixed at the time the individual receives a formal invitation to apply for their skilled visa rather than when they lodge an EOI application. This can have a significant impact on those individuals who are nearing their age limits and subject to these points limits. Any individual who will turn 45 while waiting in the pool for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or State Nominated Programme (subclass 190) will become ineligible. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a Registered Migration Agent in Perth for advice on the timing of your application to ensure that you maximize your age points.
Requirement 4: Demonstrating English Language Proficiency
English language ability represents one of the most powerful levers you can control in your application. Unlike age, you can actively improve your English skills and subsequently boost your points score substantially.
Australia recognizes three proficiency levels:
- Competent English: The minimum requirement, earning zero points
- Proficient English: Adds 10 valuable points
- Superior English: Grants a significant 20 points
A great score on the English language test is capable of making an unsuccessful visa application into a successful one. This is why it is worthwhile to invest time in preparation for your test.
You must have results from an approved English language test, which are most commonly the IELTS or PTE Academic tests. These two tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. The key difference between the two tests is that the speaking section of the IELTS test is completed with a human examiner while the PTE Academic consists of only computer-based sections, making it likely that results from the PTE Academic can be obtained more quickly than those from the IELTS test.
You should consider using an RMA in Western Australia to assist you with the process of applying for a Skilled Visa. An RMA will be able to assist you with your English test strategy and the strength of your overall Skilled Visa application.
Requirement 5: Health and Character Clearances
In addition to points in the points-based system, any applicant must also meet certain mandatory health and character prerequisites. These prerequisites are non-negotiable clearances and will determine whether or not the applicant has passed or failed. If an applicant has an excellent points-based score and fails to meet either health or character prerequisites will warrant a visa refusal.
Health Eligibility Prerequisite – Health Eligibility Prerequisite is a safety requirement to protect the Australian community. New migrants to Australia must not place an unacceptably large burden on the Public Health System. To show that you and your immediate family are of suitable health, you will be required to have a medical examination by a Panel Physician approved by the Australian government. The Panel Physician will complete a report on your health, which will be sent directly to the immigration office.
Character Eligibility Pre-requisite – Character Eligibility Pre-requisite is a measure of your ability to meet Australia’s Standards of Good Character. To meet this requirement you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Conviction from all countries where you have resided, for 12 months or more during the previous 10 years. Demonstrated serious criminal convictions may make you ineligible for character requirements.
Both of these requirements demonstrate that Australia’s Skilled Migration screening process is comprehensive. Only suitable candidates may be granted Permanent Residency in Australia.
The Application Process: From EOI to Visa Grant
Understanding eligibility requirements is just the beginning. The actual application follows a structured four-step process:
- Skills Assessment: Obtain formal verification that your qualifications meet Australian standards through your occupation’s designated assessing authority.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your profile through SkillSelect, the government’s candidate management system, where you’ll claim points across all relevant categories.
- Invitation to Apply: If your points score is competitive, you’ll receive an official invitation, giving you 60 days to submit your formal application.
- Visa Application: Submit comprehensive documentation proving all claimed points and meeting all requirements.
This staged approach ensures only eligible, high-scoring candidates progress to formal visa applications, creating efficiency in managing the high demand for skilled migration places.
Taking the Next Steps
By following these five basic requirements, the Skilled Visa process becomes a straightforward roadmap, instead of a complicated series of steps. Whether you want the maximum flexibility from the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa or the additional points that come from a State Nominated Subclass 190 visa, these criteria will determine if you qualify.You need to carefully plan your journey to Australian PR by taking strategic actions and ensuring you have strong documentation to back them up. To qualify for an Australian PR visa, you must meet at least 65 points in order to apply. However, by achieving a competitive score and providing strong evidence for each of the five core requirements, your chances of being successful increase significantly. A Registered Migration Agent Perth can help you optimize your points, time your application appropriately and establish the best possible case for immigration authorities. Creating your dream of living in Australia is possible with the right planning and assistance from professionals.
