Professionals
from a broad range of occupations that are in-demand across Australia can
achieve permanent residence through the most popular visa pathway for foreign
skilled workers – the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa. However, this is
also a highly selective route, and only the most qualified candidates are
chosen to apply for permanent residence through this visa.
This is a
points-tested visa i.e. eligibility is determined through a point allocation
system. Only the highest-scoring aspirants are invited to apply for the visa,
which implies that many candidates do not make the cut. A minimum of 65 points
are required to submit an Expression of Interest for the visa, but the cut-off
for being invited to apply could be 65 points, or go up to 80 points, or
higher.
So, for
those who have a very low point score, it is wise to seek other options for
claiming more points or selecting an alternative visa pathway that has better
chances of visa approval. Fortunately, there are two more points-tested visa
categories, which also
Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa
Australian
state and territories nominate foreign workers for permanent residence through
this visa. Nominations are issued to workers who have the skills and
qualifications required in the local labor market of these states and
territories, and who can satisfy other state-specific criteria. Being nominated
for this visa adds 5 points to the candidate’s score.
Once
nominated by the state or territory, the nominee can apply for permanent
residence to the federal immigration department. Typically, the immigrant is
obligated to reside in the nominating state or territory, at least for the
first two years of landing in Australia. Family members can accompany the
applicant to Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass491 Visa
Through
this visa, the governing agencies of Australian states and territories nominate
foreign skilled workers who can fulfill the labor market requirements of a
designated regional area, and meet other visa-specific criteria. The aspirant
may also be sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia. Being
nominated or sponsored for this visa adds 15 points to the candidate’s score.
The visa
holder can live in the designated regional area for up to five years and apply
for permanent residence after living and working in the regional area for three
years. So, while this visa initially grants temporary residence, it also opens
up a pathway to permanent residence. Family members can accompany the applicant
to Australia.
To check your
eligibility for these visas (or the Subclass 189 visa) and understand the
detailed nomination criteria for each state and territory, seek the trusted
guidance of seasoned immigration consultants with more than two decades of
experience. Contact Visa Experts to gain reliable support at every stage of the
process, from selecting an immigration pathway to preparing a compelling visa
application!
