Skilled visas and preparing before an invitation

The four subclasses

Invitation prospects depend on your occupation, points, available places and selection criteria at the time. State nomination through the 190 or 491 may be worth considering alongside the 189, but is not a guaranteed alternative. Separately, processing directions determine the priority of visa applications already lodged. An invitation priority and a visa processing priority are different matters, and neither removes the eligibility requirements.

Core requirements

• An occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for the subclass and, for nomination, on the state's list
• A positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation
• Under 45 at the time of invitation
• At least competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band), with higher scores earning more points
• A minimum of 65 points, although invitations in practice require considerably more for many occupations
• Health and character requirements for you and every family member included

How the process runs

1. Confirm the occupation and the assessing authority

   I review the content of your qualification and the work you actually perform. ANZSCO is the occupation classification used by many migration streams; the selected code affects the assessing authority and further visa options. The classification version and occupation list need checking for the particular visa.

2. Skills assessment

   VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, AITSL and TRA have different assessment pathways and evidence requirements. Some also identify when you are regarded as skilled. Your total years in employment may therefore differ from the experience that can support a migration points claim.

3. English test

   A higher eligible English result can increase your points. Proficient and Superior English correspond, for example, to IELTS 7 and 8 in each component respectively. Plan against the accepted test and score requirements applicable to your test date, time and budget.

4. Expression of interest in SkillSelect

   An expression of interest records your claims in SkillSelect. It is not a visa application and does not give you lawful stay. Each points claim needs evidence at the relevant time; an overclaim can leave you unable to meet the visa criteria after an invitation.

5. State nomination (190/491)

   States and territories have separate nomination processes, fees and eligibility requirements. We check any residence, employment and commitment requirements before preparing an application.

6. Invitation and visa application

   An invitation generally allows sixty days to lodge. Prepare the evidence for your eligibility and points claims in advance, and follow the requirements for health and character documents, so records that take time to obtain do not become a last-minute problem.

Employer-sponsored alternatives

An eligible employer may be able to sponsor you for a Skills in Demand 482 visa. The Core Skills stream uses an occupation list and applicable salary requirements. Indicative charges start from A$4,015, with a usual maximum stay of four years. A later 186 Temporary Residence Transition application depends on qualifying sponsored employment, an employer nomination and the remaining criteria, not simply two years holding a 482. Direct Entry has separate skills assessment, experience, English and other requirements, with an indicative charge from A$6,140. Check current charges and eligibility before committing.

I assist with the employer's documents and the employee's application within the agreed scope. The position, duties, salary and employment arrangements must be accurate and consistent across the nomination and visa application.

How I help

• Occupation selection and a realistic points estimate before you spend money on assessments
• Skills assessment applications, including employment reference letters and justification statements
• Expression of interest strategy across subclasses and states, and monitoring of state rounds
• State nomination applications with commitment statements and evidence of ties to the state
• Visa lodgement with complete evidence of every point claimed
• Planning a possible 491-to-191 application and keeping residence, compliance and required tax records

Frequently asked questions

How many points do I really need?

The usual points-test pass mark is 65, but meeting it does not guarantee an invitation. Competitive scores vary by occupation, subclass and selection round; a figure such as 80 cannot be applied across all occupations. I calculate the points supported by your records and compare them with the relevant nomination criteria and invitation information.

I am on a 485 graduate visa. What should I do first?

Get your skills assessment underway early, as some authorities need a period of post-qualification experience. In parallel, sit an English test aiming for Proficient or Superior scores, and check which states are nominating your occupation and what they ask of onshore graduates.

Can my partner add points?

A qualifying partner with a suitable skills assessment and Competent English may add 10 points, subject to age, occupation and joint application requirements. A qualifying partner with Competent English alone may add 5. An applicant who is single, or whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, may receive 10. We check the criteria for the particular claim.