Skilled Migration (Most Popular Pathway)

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• No sponsorship needed
• Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
• Points tested (minimum 65, but usually needs 75+ to be competitive)

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Requires nomination from a state or territory
• Higher chance if you're in demand in that region

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa

• Sponsored by a regional state or eligible relative in regional Australia
• Temporary visa, but can lead to PR

Key Requirements:

• Positive skills assessment (from Australian assessing authority)
• Competent English (usually IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

If you have family in Australia, you may be eligible through:

• Partner Visas (Subclass 309/100 or 820/801) – For spouses/de facto partners
• Parent Visas (Subclass 103, 804, 870) – If your children are settled in Australia
• Child Visa (Subclass 101/802) – For dependent children of Australian PRs/citizens

If an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you:

• Subclass 482 – TSS Visa

• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (leads to PR)

This route requires a valid job offer and the employer must be an approved sponsor.

Healthcare (Medicare)

• Free or low-cost medical services (doctor visits, hospital care, tests, etc.)
• Subsidized prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Available to:

• • • Permanent residents

    • Some temporary visa holders from countries with reciprocal health agreements

Social Security & Welfare (Centrelink)

Once you're a permanent resident (and meet waiting periods), you may qualify for:

Housing Support

• Access to public housing or community housing (long-term affordable rentals)

• Rent assistance for low-income families

• Help with bond loans (in some states)

Education & Training

• Free public school education for children

• Subsidized university fees via HECS-HELP (after PR)

• Access to TAFE (technical training) programs

• Free English classes via Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

Employment Help

• Resume building and job matching services

• Skills assessment and recognition of overseas qualifications

• Free or subsidized courses to improve work readiness

• Government job search platform: Workforce Australia

• Family & Child Services
• Pathway to Citizenship
• Community and Multicultural Support
• Legal Aid & Rights

Business Innovation Stream

• For experienced business owners who want to start or manage a business in Australia.

• Requirements:

  • Under 55 years old (unless waived by a state)

  • Business turnover of at least AUD $750,000 in 2 of the last 4 years

  • Net assets of at least AUD $1.25 million

  • Must operate a qualifying business in Australia

Investor Stream

• For people who want to invest AUD $2.5 million in Australian state/territory bonds and investments.

• Requirements:

  • At least 3 years of investment or business experience

  • High net worth (AUD $2.5 million in assets)

  • Nominated by a state or territory government

Significant Investor Stream

• For those willing to invest AUD $5 million into complying investments

• No age or points test

• Flexible and fast-tracked for high-net-worth individuals

Entrepreneur Stream

• For individuals with a funded innovative idea or startup

• You need to be nominated by a state or territory

• Previously required funding agreement of AUD $200,000, but newer rules may be more flexible

Subclass 888 – Permanent Business Innovation and Investment Visa

This is the permanent residency visa you can apply for after fulfilling requirements on the 188 visa.

• Choose the Right Visa Australia offers many visa types.

• Create an ImmiAccount

  • Go to https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register

  • Register and create your ImmiAccount (this is where you’ll submit your visa application).

• Prepare Your Documents Depending on your visa type,

• Apply Online

  • Log in to your ImmiAccount.

  • Select your visa type and fill out the online form.

  • Upload your documents.

  • Pay the visa application fee.

• Biometrics & Medical Exam

  You may be asked to:

  • Attend a biometrics appointment.

  • Complete a medical check-up at an approved clinic.

   

• Wait for a Decision

  • Processing times vary by visa type.

  • You’ll get notified via email or your ImmiAccount.

  • You can check your visa status online.

   

• Visa Grant

  • If approved, your visa grant notice will include:

    • Visa conditions

    • Entry date

    • Length of stay