Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Australian Skilled Visa

Posted by admin on February 25, 2025

A skilled visa application process in Australia becomes easier to understand with proper guidance. This comprehensive guide offers organised instructions about visa applications that detail who qualifies, how to apply for skilled visa in Australia and what documentation is needed. Other than that, you also know about associated expenses and processing schedules. This thorough guide about Australian skilled visa applications exists precisely for individuals who seek to obtain a Skilled Visa.

What is a Skilled visa in Australia

The Skilled Visa Australia enables professionals who hold specific qualifications and experienced knowledge to settle down and work within Australian borders. The Australian skilled visa occupation list presents a precise selection of in-demand professions. These visas are meant to lower labour shortages by taking competent professionals to boost the Australian economy.

Also Read: Skilled Independent Visa 189 vs Skilled Nominated Visa: Key Differences and Benefits Explained

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you embark on the process, ensure that you meet all the skilled visa Australia requirements. The primary considerations involving your qualifications are:

1. Occupation Check

Your profession should be included on the skilled visa occupation list, which the Australian government periodically updates based on the market demand of the type of labour. The list is presented across three specific sections.

• The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): This enables you to seek visas under the Subclass 189 and the Subclass 491 categories.
• Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Specifies that you can apply for Subclass 190 visas together with being sponsored-by-employer visas.
• Regional Occupation List (ROL): This mostly caters to regional work visa purposes.

2. Skills Assessment

Your qualifications and experience are required to be assessed by a recognised evaluating authority. The concerned authority varies depending on your profession. Major bodies that assess your skills include:

• Engineers Australia: For engineers.
• Australian Computer Society (ACS): For computer and software professionals.
• VETASSESS: For trade workers and other skilled professionals.

The process for skills assessment involves providing documents like degree certificates, work experience letters, and, in some cases, practical skills tests.

3. Points Test

Australia has a points system to assess skilled visa applicants. A minimum of 65 points is mandated to qualify, but higher points increase your chance of getting an invitation. Points are awarded on the basis of:

• Age (Maximum 30 points for applicants between 25-32 years)
• Work Experience (Up to 20 points for 8+ years of skilled work experience)
• Education (Up to 20 points for a doctorate)
• English Proficiency (Maximum 20 points for a high PTE or IELTS score)
• Australian Work Experience or Study (Extra points for work or study in Australia)
• Partner Skills (Extra points if your partner/spouse is eligible)

4. Age Requirement for Australian Skilled Visa

Applicants should be below 45 years of age when receiving an invitation to apply. You will no longer be considered if you turn 45 after lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Step 2: Select the Right Skilled Visa

There are a number of skilled visa pathways under the Skilled Visa Australia list. The correct option will vary depending on your profession and personal situation:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Without sponsorship for highly skilled workers.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Applicants seeking to obtain this visa need the state or territory nomination before applying.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): To obtain this, one needs a regional area nomination along with family sponsorship.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas (subclass 482 and 186): Australian employers need to provide job possibilities to the applicants to obtain visas.

All visas have different work eligibility provisions along with other Australian skilled visa requirements, which result in separate pathways to obtaining permanent residency.

Step 3: Complete Your Skills Assessment

You will need a positive skills assessment prior to continuing with your application. The process entails:

• Choosing the right assessing authority: Decide which authority assesses your occupation.
• Collection of documents required: This comprises educational qualifications, evidence of work experience, and English language test scores.
• Lodging the application and paying charges: Charges vary with the authority and can range from AUD 500 to AUD 2,500.
• Waiting for the assessment result: Processing times can take a few weeks to several months.

Delays are possible if the assessment authority needs more information.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the SID Visa for Australia

Step 4: Application submission through SkillSelect.

You should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, an online government system that maintains the EOI as a screening process for the Australian government to review potential candidates.

To lodge an EOI, you need to:

• Give personal information and work experience.
• State the visa subclass you are applying for.
• Input your points test details.
• Choose states/territories for potential nomination (if applying for Subclass 190 or 491).

Your EOI will stay valid for up to two years, but no invitation is guaranteed to you.

Step 5: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI passes the points test threshold and satisfies occupation demand, you might get an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Invitation rounds take place very often, but the amount of invitations offered is subject to occupation ceilings and competition.

The more points you score, as well as being nominated by a state, further improves your chances of getting an ITA.

Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application online. Your application should contain:

• Skills assessment result
• English test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
• Work experience documents (payslips, contracts, reference letters)
• Health and character certificates

Recent Post: 186 Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know

Step 7: Pay the Visa Fees

An Australian skilled visa cost varies depending on the type. On the other hand, the minimum application approximate costs for 2025 are set below for the main applicant period.

• Subclass 189 and 190:  AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
• Subclass 491: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.

There are extra charges for dependents and partner visas. There might also be additional fees for medical checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Step 8: Finish Health and Character Checks

All applicants are required to have: 

• Health examination: Completed by an approved panel physician.
• Police certificates of clearance: To be provided by the applicant from every country you have lived in for 12 months or longer over the past 10 years.

Step 9: Visa Processing Waiting Period

Visa processing periods are dependent on application volume, occupational demand, and changes to government policy.

• Subclass 189: 6–12 months
• Visa Subclass 190: 6–12 months
• Subclass 491: 8–14 months

During this time, the Department of Home Affairs can request additional documents.

Step 10: Get Your Visa Grant

If your visa is granted, you will receive a notice of visa grant that includes:

• Your visa subclass and grant number
• Conditions of your visa
• First entry date to Australia

For permanent resident visas (Subclass 189 and 190), you will get work and dwelling rights from the point the visa is awarded.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About the 485 Visa Extension in 2025

Why Employ an Immigration Agent in Adelaide?

Hiring an immigration agent in Adelaide can make the application process smoother. They help with:

• Skills assessment applications
• EOI and state nomination submissions
• Visa paperwork and legal matters
• Dealing with complicated cases or refusals

Final Thoughts

A comprehensive understanding of skilled visa application procedures in Australia leads to an efficient application process. The instructions you follow will boost your chances of succeeding in obtaining a skilled visa in Australia. Working with a skilled Adelaide immigration agent helps resolve any concerns you may have regarding the application process.