Australia’s General Skilled Migration program aims to attract highly skilled immigrants to Australia who are looking to permanently settle in the country. The goal of the program is to fill skill shortages within the Australian workforce. The visas within the program may be point-tested and/or sponsored by each State/Territory government or in some cases, family members.

The 189 Independent Skilled Visa is designed for skilled workers who wish to settle in Australia permanently and who meet certain criteria. In particular, applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test in order to qualify to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) for this visa however in many cases, a points score above 65 is required. Additionally, applicants must have an occupation that is on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (presently containing 212 occupations). Applicants must be invited to apply for the visa after lodging their EOI with SkillSelect. Once granted, the applicant and his/her direct family are able to permanently live and work in Australia.

Applicants who do not have enough points to secure an invitation for the 189 Independent Skilled Visa may wish to consider lodging an expression of interest for a subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa. This visa requires State or Territory sponsorship with each jurisdiction having additional criteria depending on where the applicant wishes to settle in Australia. A Points Score of at least 65 is still required however invitations to apply for this visa are typically granted with a lower points score than for the 189 Independent Skilled Visa. Upon grant, the applicant and his/her direct family are able to permanently live and work in Australia however the applicant must live and work within the State or Territory under which he or she was nominated for a requisite period of time, typically two years

The Skilled Regional Visa program aims to attract skilled works to designated regional areas within Australia. The Skilled Regional visa is temporary visa providing for five years of full work rights with a pathway to permanent residency via the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). Applicant must be able to obtain a skills assessment for an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), achieve a score of at least 65 on the Points Test must be invited to apply following lodging an Expression of Interest with SkillSelect. Once the visa holder has worked for at least three years and earned at least the requisite wage, he/she is eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

A list of relevant postcodes for designated regional areas for the program can be viewed by following this Departmental link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes.