Australia Skilled Worker Visa - An Overview

Australia is a top destination for skilled migrants due to its high quality of life, multicultural society, and strong economy. The country relies on immigration for growth—over half of its doctors and more than 85% of its IT professionals were born overseas. Many expats contribute to Australia's economy and commercial success.

Australia offers 3 main skilled migration categories that use a point-based system. Points are awarded based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, spouse skills, and whether the applicant's occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL list.

Subclass 189 Subclass 190 Subclass 491
Points-based visa Points-based visa with 5 extra points for state sponsorship Points-based visa with 15 extra points for regional/state sponsorship
Direct Permanent Residency (PR) visa Direct PR visa Temporary visa leading to PR
5-year visa, renewable 5-year visa, renewable 5-year visa, leading to PR
Can live anywhere in Australia Must live in the state that sponsors you for at least 2 years Must live in a regional area for at least 3 years
Eligible for citizenship after 4 years of lawful stay Eligible for citizenship after 4 years of lawful stay Eligible to apply for PR after 3 years of work and stay, with a taxable income
No sponsorship required Requires state sponsorship Requires state or family sponsorship
Rights & Obligations of Permanent Residents in Australia
  • Live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Work and study anywhere in Australia.
  • Access Medicare (Australia’s national healthcare system).
  • Apply for loans to buy property.
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for PR.
  • Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
  • Leave and re-enter Australia without limits.
  • Access free English language classes.
  • Work in New Zealand under certain conditions.
  • Children get free or subsidized education services.
  • Access subsidized childcare services.
  • Children born in Australia get citizenship by birth.