I am a

Skilled Person and I Want to Live and Work in Australia

Required Employer Sponsorship 

• 482 Visa
• 494 Visa
• 186 Visa

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The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, commonly known as the Subclass 482 Visa, is an employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to work in Australia temporarily. This visa is designed to address labor shortages in certain occupations and is divided into two streams: the Short-Term stream and the Medium-Term stream (and Labour Agreement*).
Here are the key features of the Subclass 482 Visa:

1. Employer Sponsorship: To apply for this visa, an employer in Australia must sponsor the applicant. The employer must have a valid and approved nomination for the specific position.
   
2. Occupation Lists: The occupation to be filled must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, which is determined by the Australian government. The Medium-Term stream generally offers more occupation options and longer visa validity.
   
3. Temporary Stay: The Subclass 482 Visa is a temporary visa, and its duration depends on the nominated occupation and stream:
   
   • Short-Term stream: Allows a stay of up to 2 years (or up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
   • Medium-Term stream: Allows a stay of up to 4 years.
4. Renewal and Transition: In some cases, the Subclass 482 Visa can be renewed or transitioned to a permanent visa, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187), depending on the circumstances and eligibility criteria.
   

The Subclass 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa, is an Australian visa program designed to address skilled labor shortages in regional areas of the country. It allows employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill specific positions that they cannot fill with local talent.
Here are the key features of the Subclass 494 Visa:

1. Employer Sponsorship: To be eligible for the Subclass 494 Visa, applicants must have a job offer from an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. The employer must also obtain a valid and approved nomination for the specific position.
2. Designated Regional Areas: This visa is primarily aimed at addressing labor shortages in regional and low-population growth areas of Australia. The list of designated regional areas is determined by the Australian government and may change over time.
3. Occupation Lists: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa. The occupation must align with their skills and qualifications.
4. Temporary Stay: The Subclass 494 Visa is a temporary visa, typically granted for a duration of up to five years. However, it can be renewed as long as the applicant continues to meet the visa requirements and their sponsoring employer's needs.
5. English Language Requirement: Depending on the occupation and individual circumstances, applicants may need to meet minimum English language requirements, typically assessed through standardized English language tests like IELTS or equivalent tests.
6. Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation. Skills assessments may be required for certain occupations.
   
7. ​Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 494 Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. To be eligible for this permanent visa, applicants must hold the Subclass 494 Visa for a specific period, satisfy employment and residency criteria, and meet other requirements. If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence after you have held your 494 visa for 3 years.
8. Unless you have held your subclass 494 visa for 3 years, holders of the subclass 494 visa are unable to:
   •  Make a valid application for a subclass 820 (Partner) visa 
   •  Be granted any of the following visas:
     • Subclass 132 (Business Talent) 
     • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
     • Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional))
     • Subclass 189 (Skilled (Independent))
     • Subclass 190 (Skilled (Nominated))
     • Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional) (Regional Provisional Stream)
     • ​Subclass 858 (Global Talent)
       
       

The Subclass 186 Visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa, is an Australian permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. The ENS Visa is an employer-sponsored visa program designed to help Australian employers fill skilled positions when they cannot find suitable Australian workers.
Here are the key features of the Subclass 186 Visa:

1. Employer Nomination: To be eligible for the ENS Visa, applicants must have a job offer from an Australian employer who is willing to nominate them for the visa. The employer must also obtain a valid and approved nomination for the specific position.
   
2. Permanent Residency: The Subclass 186 Visa provides permanent residency status to the visa holder and their eligible family members, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
   
3. Two Streams: The ENS Visa has two primary streams:
   
   • Direct Entry Stream: This stream is for applicants who have not previously worked in Australia or have limited work experience in the country. It requires a skills assessment, and applicants typically need to meet higher English language proficiency requirements.
   • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This stream is for applicants who have already been working in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) or a 457 Visa (now replaced by the TSS Visa) with the same employer who is sponsoring them for the ENS Visa. This stream has more relaxed English language and skills assessment requirements.
4. Occupation Lists: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa, which is typically broader than the list for some other skilled visas.
   
5. English Language Requirement: Depending on the stream and individual circumstances, applicants may need to meet minimum English language requirements, typically assessed through standardized English language tests like IELTS or equivalent tests.
   
6. Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation. Skills assessments may be required for certain occupations.
   
7. Health and Character Checks: Applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements, which typically include medical examinations and police clearances.
   
8. Age Requirement: While there is no maximum age limit for the ENS Visa, applicants over a certain age (usually 45 years or older) may face additional requirements.
   

Visa 187: This visa is closed to new applications.

Required State/Territory Sponsorship

• 491 Visa
• 190 Visa

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The Subclass 491 Visa is an Australian skilled migration visa designed for individuals who want to live and work in regional areas of Australia. It is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is sometimes referred to as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa.
Here are the key features of the Subclass 491 Visa:

1. Regional Residence: The primary purpose of the Subclass 491 Visa is to encourage skilled workers to settle in regional areas of Australia. These areas typically include rural and less populated regions of the country.
2. Points-Based System: To be eligible for this visa, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. They are then ranked based on a points-based system, which considers factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria. Meeting the minimum points requirement is essential to be invited to apply for this visa.
3. Sponsorship by a Regional Authority or Relative: To apply for the Subclass 491 Visa, applicants must either be sponsored by a state or territory government or be nominated by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. This sponsorship or nomination is a crucial part of the application process.
4. Designated Regional Areas: The Subclass 491 Visa is specifically for regional areas. The definition of regional areas may change over time, so it's essential to check the current list of designated regional areas on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
5. Occupation List: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa, which is typically broader than the list for non-regional skilled visas.
6. Skilled Work Experience: Applicants must have relevant skilled work experience in their nominated occupation, and their skills must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority.
7. ​Temporary Visa with a Pathway to Permanent Residency: The Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional visa, allowing holders to live and work in regional areas for up to 5 years. After holding this visa for a specified period and meeting certain criteria, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, which became available from November 16, 2022.
8. Unless you have held your subclass 491 visa for 3 years, holders of the subclass 491 visa can’t:
   • Make a valid application for a subclass 820 (Partner) visa
   • Be granted any of the following visas:
     • Subclass 132 (Business Talent)
     • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
     • Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional))
     • Subclass 189 (Skilled (Independent))
     • Subclass 190 (Skilled (Nominated))
     • Subclass 858 (Distinguished talent)

killed Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), is an Australian permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is designed for individuals who have received a nomination from a state or territory government in Australia.
Here are the key features of the Subclass 190 Visa:

1. Nomination by a State or Territory: To be eligible for the Subclass 190 Visa, applicants must first receive a nomination from a state or territory government in Australia. Each state and territory government has its own specific criteria and occupation lists, so applicants must meet the requirements of the nominating state or territory.
2. Permanent Residency: The Subclass 190 Visa provides permanent residency status to the visa holder and their eligible family members, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents can also access various social and healthcare benefits provided by the Australian government.
3. Points-Based System: Applicants must also submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system and be invited to apply for the visa. They are ranked based on a points-based system, which takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria. Meeting the minimum points requirement is crucial to receiving an invitation.
4. Occupation Lists: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa. The nominated occupation must align with their skills and qualifications.
5. English Language Requirement: Depending on the occupation and individual circumstances, applicants may need to meet minimum English language requirements, typically assessed through standardized English language tests like IELTS or equivalent tests.
6. Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation. Skills assessments may be required for certain occupations.
7. Health and Character Checks: Applicants and their family members must meet health and character requirements, which typically include medical examinations and police clearances.
8. Age Requirement: While there is no maximum age limit for the Subclass 190 Visa, applicants must be under a certain age to earn points in the age category.

Visa 489: This visa is closed to new applications.

Without any Sponsorship

• ​189 Visa
• 887 Visa
• 191 Visa

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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), is one of Australia's most popular skilled migration visas. It is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently and are not sponsored by an employer, a state, or a family member. Here are some key features of the Subclass 189 Visa:

1. Points-Based System: To be eligible for this visa, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. They are then ranked based on a points-based system, which takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria. A minimum points score is required to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
   
2. Occupation List: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), depending on their circumstances. The nominated occupation must match their skills and qualifications.
   
3. Invitation: Once an applicant's EOI is selected from the SkillSelect pool, they may receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa. It is crucial to meet the specific points threshold to receive an invitation.
   
4. No Sponsorship Required: Unlike some other skilled migration visas, the Subclass 189 Visa does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. Applicants can live and work anywhere in Australia once granted this visa.
   

Skilled Regional Visa, is an Australian permanent residency visa designed for individuals who have previously held a specified temporary visa and have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area of Australia. This visa allows eligible applicants to continue their stay in Australia as permanent residents.
Here are the key features of the Subclass 887 Visa:

1. Eligibility Based on Previous Temporary Visas: To be eligible for the Subclass 887 Visa, applicants must have previously held one of the following temporary visas:
   
   • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
   • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
   • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
   • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
   • 495 (no longer offer), 496 (no longer offer), 475 (no longer offer), 487 (no longer offer)
   • or a Bridging visa A or B after applying for a subclass 489, 495 or 487 visa
     
2. Residency Requirement: Applicants must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia while holding their qualifying temporary visa. The duration of the required residency period can vary, but it is typically at least 2 years. It's essential to check the specific requirements for the visa.
   
3. Work Requirement: In addition to residency, applicants must have worked full-time (35 hours per week or more) in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 12 months during the required residency period. This work should be in a skilled occupation, and it is generally expected that the work was done after the grant of the qualifying temporary visa.
   

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) Regional Provisional stream. This visa allows people who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa, live and work in Australia permanently. Applicants must have complied with the conditions of their eligible visa.
You must hold an eligible visa when you apply.
​You must have held that visa for at least 3 years before you apply. An eligible visa is a subclass 491 or subclass 494 visa.

Skills Occupation List

Designated regional areas

NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

SA

WA

NT