Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Working and Skilled Visas Australia | Your Skills Are in Demand
You studied hard. You earned your Australian qualification. Now you want to build on it. The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 gives you the time and work rights to do exactly that. It is also the most common first step on the path to permanent residency.
Registered Migration Team | MARN 1911875 | MARN 2418424 | MARN 2518812
Working and Skilled Visas Australia | Your Skills Are in Demand
VISA OPTIONS
Which Skilled Visa Is Right for You?
Explore skilled visa options tailored to your qualifications, experience, and future plans. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, choosing the right visa pathway can shape your future abroad.
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or government. Requires an EOI through SkillSelect and an invitation to apply based on your points score. No state sponsorship required.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Carries 5 additional points on top of your base score. Requires you to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or government. Requires an EOI through SkillSelect and an invitation to apply based on your points score. No state sponsorship required.
Subclass 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage
Sponsored by an approved Australian employer. Allows you to work temporarily in Australia in your nominated occupation. Can be a pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186.
Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Available via the Temporary Residence Transition stream or the Direct Entry stream.
POINTS TEST
How the Skill Select Points System Works
Most skilled independent and nominated visas are points-tested. You must score at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest. However, in most invitation rounds the actual cut-off score is significantly higher, often 80 or above depending on the occupation.
Age 25 to 32: 30 points
Age 18 to 24 or 33 to 39: 25 points
Superior English: 20 points
Proficient English: 10 points
Skilled work in Australia 8 to 10 yrs: 20 pts
Doctorate from Australian institution: 20 pts
Bachelor or higher Australian degree: 15 pts
State or territory nomination: 5 pts
Professional Year completed: 5 pts
Study in regional Australia: 5 pts
SKILLS ASSESSMENT
Before You Can Apply,
You Need Recognition
STATE NOMINATION
State Nomination Can
Change Everything
For applicants who do not have enough points for a Subclass 189 invitation, state nomination under Subclass 190 or 491 can be the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely. The 5 extra points from state nomination are significant in competitive occupations.
Each state and territory has its own occupation lists, requirements, and application timelines. Career Launchers monitors all state nomination programs and advises on which states are most likely to nominate you based on your occupation, score, and skills assessment outcome.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my occupation is on the skilled occupation list?
Australia maintains several skilled occupation lists and the occupations included change regularly. Career Launchers checks the current relevant list for your occupation as part of your initial assessment and also advises on similar occupations that may be on the list if yours is not.
How long does the SkillSelect invitation process take?
After submitting your Expression of Interest, you enter a pool of candidates. Invitations are issued in rounds, typically monthly. The waiting time varies greatly by occupation and visa subclass. Some candidates receive invitations within weeks while others wait many months
Can my partner's occupation help my points score?
Yes. If your partner meets certain English language and skills assessment requirements, they may contribute up to 10 additional points to your application. Career Launchers assesses both your and your partner’s circumstances together to maximise your total score.
What is the difference between Subclass 189 and 190?
The Subclass 189 is a fully independent permanent visa requiring no sponsorship. The Subclass 190 requires nomination from a state or territory government and carries 5 additional points. Both are permanent visas, but the 190 requires you to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years.
What if I am just below the invitation threshold?
There are several legitimate strategies to improve your points score: improving your English test score, completing a Professional Year, gaining more work experience, or pursuing state nomination. Career Launchers builds a personalised improvement strategy for clients who are close but not yet at a competitive
score.
Can I include overseas work experience?
Yes, overseas skilled work experience contributes points and is also assessed by the relevant skills assessing body. The points you earn depend on the number of years of experience and whether the work occurred in Australia or overseas.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our registered migration agent. We will assess your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest picture of your prospects.