Skilled Migration Visas.
Some of these visas allow you to move to Australia permanently without having to be sponsored by an employer.
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
This visa lets invited applicants (via the SkillSelect application) with the required skills to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. You don't need a sponsor or nominator.
You can…
stay in Australia permanently
work and study anywhere in Australia
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
if eligible, become an Australian citizen
You must…
have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
be under 45 to be invited
satisfy the points test
be invited to apply
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
This visa is an alternative for skilled applicants who have the qualifications and skills but may not pass the points test required to obtain a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
You can…
stay in Australia permanently
work and study anywhere in Australia
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
if eligible, become an Australian citizen
You must…
have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
be under 45 to be invited
satisfy the points test
be invited to apply
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
You can…
stay in Australia for 5 years (it can lead to permanent residency)
live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia (excludes Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney)
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
You must
be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
be under 45 to be invited
be invited to apply
satisfy the points test
Skilled Recognised Graduate (subclass 476)
This visa allows recent engineering graduates to live, work or study in Australia for up to 18 months.
You can…
work and study
You must…
be under 31 years of age
have completed an engineering degree at a specified educational institution in the past 2 years
not have previously been the primary visa holder of a subclass 476 or 485 visa
Temporary Graduate Skilled (subclass 485)
This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations in Australia’s needs. It lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily.
You can…
live, study and work in Australia temporarily - Usually up to 18 months and temporarily increased to 24 months
bring your family members
You must…
be under 50 years of age
have a qualification relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
be assessed as having skills suitable for an occupation on the skilled occupation list