Australia Skilled Immigration Assessment Eligibility, Points & Permanent Residency Visa Pathways
Australia’s Skilled Immigration Assessment: Eligibility Rules, Points Criteria & Visa Pathways
Australia continues to use skilled migration as a strategic solution to fill work shortages and support long-term economic growth. As a result, professionals such as engineers, healthcare, IT, business, trades, and education increasingly look to Australia for stable career opportunities and permanent residency. Before entering the visa process, every applicant must know one essential thing: the Skilled Immigration Assessment. This assessment helps determine whether their qualifications, experience, and occupation align with Australia’s skilled migration requirements.
Who can take the Skilled Immigration Assessment?
The assessment is open only to people whose professions are on Australia’s skilled occupation and shortage lists, including:
- Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Professionals commonly assessed include:
- IT specialists and software engineers
- Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- Nurses, doctors & health professionals
- Corporate and business managers
- Teachers and academics
- Trades professionals (carpenters, electricians, chefs, etc.)
- Finance, accounting, and HR roles
If your goal is Australia PR, the Skilled Immigration Assessment tells you whether your profile fits the current demand.
How Does the Points System Work?
- Age
- English proficiency (IELTS/PTE)
- Skilled work experience
- Education level
- Partner skills
- Australian study requirements
- State nomination or regional sponsorship (for Subclass 190 & Subclass 491)
Next Steps After Meeting the Points Threshold
Clearing the points threshold is only the beginning. The migration process continues as follows:- Skills Assessment: Your assessing authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, VETASSESS, etc.) verifies work experience and qualifications
- Expression of Interest (EOI): You submit your points score and occupation through SkillSelect.
- State or Regional Nomination (if applicable): States review applications based on their workforce shortages.
- Invitation to Apply: Only after receiving an Invitation can you lodge the visa application
Australia’s Main Skilled Visa Pathways
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- No employer, state, or family sponsorship
- Entirely points-based
- Highly competitive due to limited invitations
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires nomination by an Australian state
- Offers direct PR
- Higher chances due to state-specific demand
3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Regional sponsorship required
- 5-year provisional visa with PR pathway (Subclass 191)
- Ideal for applicants seeking faster invitations
Where Can Applicants Apply From?
Applicants have the flexibility to apply for Australia’s skilled migration program from anywhere in the world, as long as they meet the points and eligibility criteria.
1. Offshore Applicants (Outside Australia):
People living outside Australia can apply for skilled migration from their home country. They can complete the Skills Assessment, EOI, and visa lodgement entirely online, and many states open specific nomination streams for offshore candidates.
2. Onshore Applicants (Inside Australia):
Those already in Australia on student, graduate, work, etc visas can also apply. Onshore applicants may access extra points or faster state processing based on local study or work experience.
Both onshore and offshore pathways are valid. The assessment, points system, skills requirement, and eligibility criteria remain the same.
Conclusion:
Australia’s Skilled Immigration Assessment is the first and most crucial step for anyone planning to build a long-term future in the country. By understanding your eligibility, points score, and the visa pathways available, whether Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or Subclass 491, you can plan your migration journey with clarity. Whether applying from offshore or already living onshore in Australia, a well-prepared skill assessment helps you position yourself better for state nomination, invitations, and ultimately, a successful PR outcome. With the right information and strategic preparation, skilled professionals can navigate the process confidently and take their first step toward securing Australian residency.
Back to Home
