Introduction

Applying for a skilled visa is a significant step if you plan to build your future in Australia. The process involves more than just filling out forms — you’ll need to prove your skills, meet strict requirements, and follow a structured application pathway. From preparing documents to receiving your visa grant, each stage matters and can affect the outcome of your application.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step skilled visa application process so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll learn how the journey unfolds, from skills assessment and English testing to lodging your application and completing health and character checks. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow.

To keep things focused, this article doesn’t cover every detail about eligibility rules, visa subclass comparisons, or the cost of applying. We’ve addressed those topics separately in dedicated guides:

• Skilled Visa Eligibility & Process Guide (2025) – find out if you qualify.
• Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Visa Should You Choose? – understand your visa options.
• Cost of Skilled Visa & Hidden Fees Explained – budget for your application.

Here, our goal is simple: to help you understand the skilled migration application process step by step, so you can prepare with confidence.

 

Step 1: Understand the Skilled Visa Pathway

Before you dive into the skilled visa application process, it’s important to understand the main visa subclasses available under Australia’s skilled migration program. Each subclass serves a slightly different purpose, but all are designed to attract people with skills that Australia needs.

Overview of the Different Skilled Visa Subclasses

The skilled migration pathway mainly includes three visa subclasses:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): A points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): A temporary visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative to live and work in regional Australia.

These visas are all points-based and require you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before receiving an invitation to apply.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about eligibility or which subclass suits your circumstances, check the official Skilled Occupation List and points test requirements before moving forward.

Importance of Choosing the Right Subclass Before Applying

Selecting the right visa subclass at the beginning can save you time, money, and stress later in the process. Each subclass has its own eligibility rules, nomination requirements, and residency obligations. Applying under the wrong category could lead to delays or even refusal of your skilled migration application.

Think carefully about:

• Whether you want independence or state/territory sponsorship.
• If you’re open to living in regional areas under a provisional visa.
• Your long-term goal — permanent residency or a pathway leading to it.

By understanding the skilled visa pathway clearly, you can set realistic expectations and ensure your application strategy aligns with your career and migration goals.

 

Step 2: Prepare for Skills Assessment

Before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a skilled visa, you need a positive skills assessment. This step confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

What a Skills Assessment Is

A skills assessment is an evaluation by a recognized authority that verifies your skills, education, and employment history against the requirements of your chosen profession. Without it, your skilled visa application process cannot progress. Think of it as proof that you are genuinely qualified to work in your nominated role in Australia.

Who Conducts It (Authorities by Profession)

Each profession has its own assessing authority. For example:

• Engineers Australia assesses engineers.
• CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA assess accountants.
• VETASSESS covers a wide range of general and trade occupations.
• ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council) assesses nurses and midwives.

You must apply to the correct authority, as choosing the wrong one can lead to rejection or long delays.

Typical Documents Required

While requirements vary by occupation, most skills assessments need:

• Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate).
• Educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, transcripts).
• Employment references or work experience letters.
• Tax documents and bank statement to support paid employment
• Professional licenses or registrations (if applicable).
• Evidence of English language proficiency (sometimes required at this stage).

Having a clear and complete documents checklist is crucial. Missing even one piece of evidence can result in processing delays or refusal.

Where Blue Orbit Helps

Many applicants find this step overwhelming because requirements differ by occupation, and assessing authorities are strict about documentation. Blue Orbit Services helps you:

• Identify the correct assessing body for your profession.
• Prepare and format your documents to meet specific standards.
• Avoid costly mistakes that could delay your skilled migration application process.

With tailored guidance, you can move past this stage with confidence and stay on track for your skilled visa journey.

 

Step 3: Take an English Language Test (if required)

Strong English skills are a key part of the skilled visa application process. Unless you hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, you’ll need to sit for an approved English language test. Your test results play a big role in meeting eligibility requirements and earning additional points in the skilled migration application process.

Accepted Tests

The Department of Home Affairs accepts several English proficiency tests for skilled visa applications:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – the most widely recognized test.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) – a computer-based test popular for its quick results.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test) – accepted for skilled visas, though less common in Australia.
• OET (Occupational English Test) – designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced – recognized for general skilled migration as well.

Choose the test that best suits your strengths and availability.

Minimum Scores for Most Visas

Your required score depends on the visa subclass and whether you want to claim extra points. As a guide:

• Competent English (the minimum for most skilled visas): IELTS 6.0 in each band, PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 12 (Listening), 13 (Reading), 21 (Writing), 18 (Speaking).
• Proficient English (earns you more points): IELTS 7.0 in each band, PTE 65, TOEFL iBT higher equivalents.
• Superior English (earns maximum points): IELTS 8.0 in each band, PTE 79, TOEFL iBT equivalent high scores.

Higher scores not only strengthen your visa application but also improve your position in the points ranking system.

Validity Period of Test Results

Most English test results remain valid for three years from the test date when used in a skilled visa application. Make sure your results are valid both at the time of submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) and when lodging your visa application after receiving an invitation.

 

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you’ve completed your skills assessment and English language test, the next step in the skilled visa application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is not your visa application yet — it’s a way of showing the Australian Government that you want to be considered for a skilled migration visa.

Where to Lodge Your EOI

You must lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online system. It’s a free platform that collects your details and ranks you against other applicants in the skilled migration pool.

Information You’ll Need

When completing your EOI, you’ll need to provide:

• Personal details – name, age, nationality, and passport details.
• Qualifications – education history, certifications, and degrees.
• Work experience – details of your employment history that match your nominated occupation.
• English language test results – your IELTS, PTE, or equivalent scores.
• Skills assessment outcome – reference number and assessing authority details.
• Other factors – partner skills, regional preferences, or state nomination (if applicable).

Tip: Make sure all the information in your EOI matches your supporting documents. Any inconsistency can delay or even derail your skilled visa application.

How the Points Ranking System Works

The Australian skilled migration program is points-tested. When you submit your EOI, the system automatically assigns points based on factors such as:

• Age
• English proficiency
• Skilled work experience (in Australia and overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• Partner’s skills and qualifications
• State or regional nomination (if relevant)

The higher your points score, the stronger your position in the pool. Only applicants with competitive scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the periodic selection rounds.

Where Blue Orbit Helps

Many applicants underestimate the importance of accuracy at the EOI stage. Even a small error — like claiming points incorrectly or misreporting your work experience — can lead to rejection or delays. Blue Orbit Services ensures that your EOI is optimized, compliant, and aligned with your documents, giving you the best chance of receiving an invitation to apply.

 

Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you’ve submitted your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the next step in the skilled visa application process is waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This invitation is what allows you to lodge your actual visa application.

How Invitations Are Issued

Invitations are issued based on two main factors:

1. Points Score – Your EOI is ranked against other candidates in the pool. Higher points usually mean a stronger chance of receiving an ITA.
2. Occupation Demand – Each skilled occupation has a quota. If your occupation is in high demand, you may receive an invitation sooner, even with a lower score.

The Department of Home Affairs allocates invitations according to occupation ceilings and state or territory nomination availability (for visas like subclass 190 and 491).

Invitation Rounds and Frequency

• General Skilled Migration visas (like subclass 189) typically follow scheduled invitation rounds.
• State and territory nominated visas (subclass 190 and 491) depend on each state’s own criteria, quotas and timelines.
• Some rounds are more competitive than others, especially for high-demand occupations.

Since the skilled visa process in Australia is dynamic, the timing of your invitation can vary widely — some applicants receive one within weeks, while others may wait months depending on demand and score cut-offs.

Pro Tip: Stay Ready While Waiting

The waiting period is the perfect time to prepare. Make sure you:

• Collect and organize all required documents (identity proofs, work experience letters, English test results, skills assessment outcome).
• Keep everything updated — if your circumstances change, update your EOI in SkillSelect immediately.
• Budget for visa lodgement fees and additional costs like health checks and police clearances.

Being proactive means you won’t scramble once you receive your ITA, and you can lodge your skilled visa application confidently within the required timeframe.

 

Step 6: Lodge Your Skilled Visa Application

Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA), the clock starts ticking. This stage is critical — it’s where you formally submit your skilled visa application with all supporting evidence. Errors or missing documents here can lead to costly delays or even refusals, so it’s important to get it right.

Timeline to Apply After Receiving ITA

You generally have 60 days from the date of your ITA to lodge your application online. If you miss this window, your invitation expires, and you’ll need to submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for another invitation. That’s why having documents ready in advance is crucial.

Online Application Process

• Applications are lodged through the Department of Home Affairs online portal (ImmiAccount).
• You’ll need to create or log in to your account, fill out the required forms, and upload all supporting documents.
• Payment of the visa lodgement fee is required at submission; otherwise, your application won’t be processed.
• Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgement letter confirming your lodgement.

Documents Required

You must provide evidence that backs up the claims you made in your EOI. Common documents include:

• Identity documents – passport, birth certificate.
• Skills assessment results – from the relevant assessing authority.
• English language test results – IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent.
• Employment history – contracts, payslips, references from past employers.
• Educational qualifications – degree certificates, transcripts.
• Partner or dependent documents – if included in your application.

Keep in mind that all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Lodgement Fees

Visa lodgement fees vary depending on the subclass and number of dependents included in your application. As fees can change, it’s best to check the latest amounts on the Department of Home Affairs website.
👉 For a detailed breakdown of expenses and potential hidden charges, see our guide on Skilled Visa Costs.

Where Blue Orbit Helps

The lodgement stage is where applicants often make mistakes — uploading incomplete documents, overlooking translations, or misreporting details. Blue Orbit Services offers end-to-end skilled migration support, ensuring:

• Every required document is prepared and uploaded correctly.
• Forms are filled accurately and on time.
• You avoid delays that can cost months or even jeopardize your application.

With Blue Orbit by your side, you can lodge your skilled visa application with confidence.

 

Step 7: Complete Health Examinations

When you apply for a skilled visa, you must complete a health examination to show that you meet Australia’s public health standards. This step ensures you don’t pose a risk to the community and that your healthcare needs won’t place an undue burden on Australia’s health system.

Types of Medical Checks Required

The exact medical checks depend on your age, health history, and the type of skilled visa you’re applying for. Common examinations include:

• General medical examination – a physical check-up covering basic health indicators.
• Chest X-ray – usually required to screen for tuberculosis.
• Blood tests – may include HIV, hepatitis, or other condition-specific checks.
• Specialist reports – if you have a pre-existing condition, immigration may request further assessments.

The Department of Home Affairs will notify you of the tests you and your family members need to complete once you lodge your skilled visa application.

Approved Panel Physicians

You cannot use your local doctor for these checks. Australia requires applicants to attend an approved panel physician or panel clinic from the official list published by the Department of Home Affairs. These doctors follow strict medical guidelines and submit results electronically to ensure accuracy and security.

👉 Tip: Book your appointment early, as wait times can vary depending on the clinic and country.

How Results Are Submitted to Immigration

You don’t need to handle the paperwork yourself. Panel physicians upload your results directly through the eMedical system, which links with your skilled visa application. Once submitted, the Department of Home Affairs reviews your results as part of the assessment process.

If additional tests or documents are required, immigration will notify you through your ImmiAccount. Make sure to check your account regularly to avoid delays in processing your skilled visa.

 

Step 8: Character Checks

After your health examinations, the next step in the skilled visa application process is to prove that you meet Australia’s character requirements. This usually involves providing police clearance certificates (also called penal clearance or police checks) from every country where you have lived. Immigration authorities use these checks to assess whether you are of good character and eligible for a skilled visa.

Police Clearance Certificates (Domestic and Overseas)

You must provide:

• Australian police clearance – if you’ve spent time in Australia, you’ll need an Australian Federal Police (AFP) certificate.
• Overseas police clearance – for every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16.

The certificate must come from an official authority. Informal background checks or local approvals are not accepted.

How Long They Remain Valid

Police clearance certificates are generally considered valid for 12 months from the date of issue. However, if you continue living in a country after obtaining the certificate, immigration may ask for a new one before a final decision is made.

Tip: Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for updated validity rules before submitting your documents.

Handling Multiple Countries Lived In

If you’ve lived in several countries for work, study, or travel, you’ll need to gather certificates from each of them. This can be time-consuming, as some countries take weeks or even months to issue clearances.

To stay on track:

• Start collecting certificates as early as possible.
• Contact the official police or government body in each country.
• Keep scanned copies in case immigration asks for verification later.

If obtaining a certificate is impossible (e.g., due to conflict or government restrictions), you may need to provide evidence of attempts made and explain your situation in writing.

Completing your character checks carefully ensures your skilled migration application progresses smoothly into the processing and waiting period. Even a small delay in securing police clearances can push your visa lodgement timeline back, so plan ahead.

 

Step 9: Application Processing & Waiting Period

Once you’ve lodged your skilled visa application with all supporting documents, the waiting period begins. This stage can test your patience, but understanding how processing works will help you stay prepared.

Typical Processing Times

The skilled visa processing times vary depending on the subclass, the completeness of your application, and the demand for your occupation. On average, and as on 20 September 2025, you can expect:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): 6–12 months
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): 17–25 months
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): 19–25 months

These are indicative ranges — some applications move faster if they are decision-ready, while others may take longer if additional checks are required.

Factors that affect speed:

• Whether you submitted all required documents correctly.
• The complexity of your case (e.g., multiple countries of residence, extensive work history).
• Demand for your nominated occupation.
• Changes in immigration policy or processing priorities.

 

How to Track Your Application Status Online

After lodging your application, you can monitor progress through the ImmiAccount portal (Department of Home Affairs’ online system). Here, you’ll see:

• Current application status (e.g., “Received,” “Further Assessment,” “Finalised”).
• Requests for additional information or documents.
• Notifications about medicals or character checks.

Set up email alerts to avoid missing important updates. Regularly checking your account also ensures you don’t miss deadlines for submitting requested documents.

Common Reasons for Delays

Even well-prepared applications can face delays. The most frequent causes include:

• Incomplete documentation: Missing evidence of work history, skills assessment results, or English language scores.
• Health or character concerns: Extended processing may occur if further medical tests or police checks are needed.
• High demand in your occupation: When many applicants nominate the same role, processing can slow down.
• Policy changes or case reallocation: Immigration authorities may reprioritise certain applications, causing delays in others.

Tip: You can reduce risks of delay by ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and supported with all necessary documents before submission.

 

👉 With the waiting period managed, the next step is often the most anticipated — receiving your visa outcome.

 

Step 10: Receive the Visa Outcome

Once your skilled visa application has gone through the processing stage, the Department of Home Affairs will notify you of the outcome. This stage can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare for every scenario.

Possible Outcomes

Your application can result in one of three outcomes:

1. Visa Grant – If approved, you’ll receive a formal notification with your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any conditions attached. This notification arrives by email, so keep an eye on your inbox.
2. Request for More Information – Sometimes, the case officer may ask for additional documents such as updated police clearances, financial evidence, or health reports. Responding promptly keeps your application on track.
3. Refusal – If your application doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll receive a refusal letter explaining why. While this can be disheartening, you may have the option to review the decision or re-apply depending on your circumstances.

What Happens After Approval

When your skilled visa is granted, the grant letter outlines:

• Visa conditions – such as work rights, residency obligations, or restrictions specific to your visa subclass.
• Start date – the date your visa becomes active. In most cases, you must enter Australia before a certain deadline to “activate” your visa.
• Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship – some visas, like Subclass 189 or 190, already provide permanent residency, while others may be provisional with steps toward PR later.

Reading the conditions carefully is essential so you don’t accidentally breach your visa requirements.

Options if Refused

If your skilled visa application is refused, you’re not necessarily at the end of the road. You may be able to:

• Request a review – In many cases, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Deadlines are strict, so act quickly.
• Re-apply – If refusal was due to missing documents or eligibility issues that can now be resolved, you may choose to submit a new application.

Either way, it’s important to understand the reason for refusal before deciding your next step.

 

After Your Visa Is Granted

Securing your skilled visa is a huge milestone — congratulations! Once your visa is granted, there are a few important obligations and opportunities to keep in mind. Understanding your rights and responsibilities will help you settle in smoothly and plan for the future.

Obligations: Residency Requirements and Work Rights

• Residency requirements: Most skilled visas (including Subclass 190, and 491) require you to live in Australia for a certain period to maintain your visa conditions. For example:
  • A Subclass 491 visa usually requires you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for at least three years before applying for permanent residency.
  • A Subclass 190 visa may require you to remain in the sponsoring state or territory for a specific period.
• Work rights: With a skilled visa, you typically enjoy full work rights. This means you can work in any profession, for any employer, and change jobs if needed. Some visa subclasses carry location-based restrictions, but they don’t limit the type of work you can do.
• Other conditions: You must also comply with Australia’s laws, maintain valid health insurance if required, and keep your details updated with the Department of Home Affairs.

Pathway to Permanent Residency or Citizenship

For many applicants, a skilled visa is the first step toward permanent residency (PR) and eventually, Australian citizenship.

• Permanent residency:
  • If you hold a Subclass 189 or 190 visa, you usually gain PR immediately.
  • If you’re on a Subclass 491 (provisional visa), you can apply for a permanent visa (Subclass 191) after meeting the residency and income requirements.
• Citizenship: After living in Australia for at least four years on a valid visa (including one year as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. This process involves a citizenship test and meeting character requirements.

Your skilled visa doesn’t just give you the right to live and work in Australia — it also opens the door to a long-term future, whether that’s permanent residency or citizenship.

 

👉 With your visa granted, the next stage is about making the most of your opportunities. But even before reaching this point, careful preparation can make your journey smoother. Let’s look at some pro tips for a smooth application.

 

Pro Tips for a Smooth Application

Even if you follow the skilled visa application process step by step, small mistakes can delay your outcome or even lead to refusal. Here are some practical tips to help you lodge your skilled visa application with confidence.

Start Gathering Documents Early

A skilled migration application requires multiple supporting documents—identity records, skills assessment results, English test scores, work experience evidence, and police clearances. Some of these take weeks or months to obtain. By starting early, you reduce the risk of missing deadlines once you receive your invitation to apply.

Keep Copies of Everything

Always keep digital and physical copies of your documents. Immigration authorities may request additional information, or you might need the same files for future applications (such as permanent residency or citizenship). Having everything organized makes the process smoother and prevents last-minute stress.

Update Information Promptly if Circumstances Change

If your situation changes—such as a new job, updated qualifications, or a change in family circumstances—you must notify the Department of Home Affairs. Providing accurate and up-to-date information strengthens your skilled visa application and avoids unnecessary complications.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many applicants face delays because of avoidable errors. The most common issues include:

• Submitting incorrect or incomplete forms.
• Forgetting mandatory documents.
• Using outdated test results for English proficiency.
• Not double-checking details before lodgement.

Take the time to review every section of your application carefully. If you’re unsure, consider seeking expert guidance to avoid setbacks.

💡 Pro Tip from Blue Orbit

At Blue Orbit Services, we’ve seen how even a small oversight—like a missing signature or an expired document—can push applications back by months. Our migration experts help you prepare and double-check everything before lodgement, so your skilled visa application has the strongest chance of success.

About the Author:

Kunal is an Australian Solicitor with over 10 years of legal experience in both Australia and abroad. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria, he uses his unique background to help businesses, professionals, and individuals with their legal, commercial, and migration needs.