Skilled Migration &  Employer-Sponsored Visas
Considering skilled migration or employer sponsorship in Australia? I’m here to make the process easier to understand. Whether you’re exploring independent skilled migration, state or territory nomination, or an employer-sponsored pathway, I provide one-on-one guidance to help you understand your options and what’s required.
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From skills assessment requirements and the points system to SkillSelect, nomination and employer sponsorship requirements, I’ll guide you through each stage of the process and help you prepare for the pathway that suits your circumstances.
Australia offers several points-tested skilled migration pathways for eligible skilled workers. The appropriate pathway depends on factors including your occupation, skills assessment, points score, state or territory nomination and individual circumstances.
Skilled Visa Pathways
SKILLED INDEPENDENT VISA
Subclass 189
SKILLED NOMINATED VISA
Subclass 190
SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA
A permanent points-tested visa for eligible skilled workers. This pathway does not require state, territory or family sponsorship. Applicants must receive an invitation through SkillSelect before applying.
A permanent points-tested visa for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination requirements vary between jurisdictions.
Subclass 491
A provisional skilled visa for eligible workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.
Understanding Skilled Migration Points
Subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas are points-tested. Applicants must meet the applicable requirements and achieve a minimum score of 65 points to be eligible for an invitation to apply.
Age
Points are awarded based on your age at the time you are invited to apply.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency can affect eligibility and the number of points available.
Skilled Employment
Eligible Australian and overseas skilled employment may contribute towards the points score.
Educational Qualifications
Recognised educational qualifications may contribute points.
Australian Study & Other Factors
Additional points may be available for eligible Australian study, regional study, professional year or credentialled community language qualifications.
Nomination & Partner Factors
Additional points may be available for state or territory nomination and eligible partner or single-applicant circumstances.
Reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Invitation outcomes depend on the relevant visa pathway, occupation, nomination requirements and other program factors.
Skills Assessment & Your Occupation
A suitable skills assessment is an important requirement for many skilled migration pathways. The assessing authority and assessment requirements will depend on your nominated occupation and the visa pathway you are considering.
Nominated Occupation
Your occupation must meet the requirements of the skilled visa pathway you are considering.
Requirements vary between occupations and assessing authorities, so it is important to check the requirements that apply to your occupation before proceeding.
Skills Assessment
Your skills, qualifications and/or employment are assessed by the relevant assessing authority against the requirements for your nominated occupation.
Supporting Evidence
Depending on your occupation and assessing authority, you may need to provide qualifications, employment evidence, professional registration or licensing, and other supporting documents.
How SkillSelect Works
SkillSelect is the Australian Government’s online system for submitting and managing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for certain skilled migration visas.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Identify a suitable skilled occupation and assess the eligibility requirements for the relevant visa pathway.
2. Obtain Your Skills Assessment
Identify a suitable skilled occupation and assess the eligibility requirements for the relevant visa pathway.
3. Calculate Your Points
Assess your potential points based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications and other eligible factors.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect for the relevant skilled visa pathway.
5. Nomination & Invitation
Depending on the visa pathway, state or territory nomination may be required. An EOI does not guarantee nomination or an invitation to apply.
6. Visa Application
If invited to apply, the applicant can proceed with the visa application within the applicable invitation period.
Important Notice: An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee state or territory nomination or an invitation to apply for a visa.
Employer-Sponsored Skilled Pathways
For skilled workers with an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, employer-sponsored migration may provide another pathway to living and working in Australia. The right option will depend on the occupation, the employer, your experience and the requirements of the relevant visa.
SKILLS IN DEMAND VISA
Subclass 482
A temporary employer-sponsored visa for eligible skilled workers nominated to work in an eligible occupation for an approved sponsor. Applicants generally need the skills required for the nominated occupation and at least 12 months of relevant work experience. Different streams and requirements apply.
Temporary | Employer sponsored | Generally 1–4 years
Employer-sponsored visas have separate sponsorship, nomination and visa requirements. The appropriate pathway depends on the circumstances of both the employer and the worker.
EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME
Subclass 186
A permanent employer-sponsored visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Pathways include the Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry and Labour Agreement streams, with different eligibility requirements applying to each.
Permanent residence | Employer nominated
SKILLED EMPLOYER SPONSORED REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA
Subclass 494
A provisional employer-sponsored visa for eligible skilled workers nominated for employment in designated regional Australia. Different requirements apply depending on the stream and circumstances.
Regional | Employer sponsored | Up to 5 years
How CHIN & CO Migration Can Help
- Initial skilled migration eligibility assessment
- Visa pathway assessment
- Points assessment
- Skilled occupation and skills assessment guidance
- Expression of Interest (EOI) assistance
- State or territory nomination guidance
- Skilled visa application preparation and lodgement support
- Employer-sponsored visa guidance where applicable
- Supporting document review
- Assistance responding to Department requests
- Ongoing guidance throughout the migration process
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Information on this page has been prepared with reference to current information published by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Visa requirements, occupation lists, invitation settings, state and territory nomination criteria and migration policies may change. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs and relevant state or territory authorities for current requirements.