1. Introduction

Migrating to Australia as a skilled professional can open doors to long-term career opportunities, stability, and even a pathway to permanent residency. But before you take the first step, you need to ask an important question: do I meet the eligibility criteria for a skilled visa?

This guide is designed to help you find the answer. You’ll learn who can apply for a skilled visa in Australia, what requirements you must meet, and how factors such as your occupation, age, qualification, English language ability, and work experience affect your chances.

Whether you’re considering the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (State Nominated Visa), or the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), understanding the skilled visa eligibility requirements is essential. Each visa subclass comes with its own criteria, but they all share a common focus: attracting people with skills that Australia needs.

By the end of this article, you’ll hopefully have a clear picture of what it takes to qualify, and be able to quickly assess how close you are to lodging a competitive application. If you’re serious about building your future in Australia, this is the starting point.

2. Overview of Skilled Visa Pathways (Brief Context)

Australia’s skilled migration program offers several visa options, but three stand out as the most common: the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). Understanding how these subclasses differ will help you decide which pathway aligns with your skills, goals, and lifestyle.

Understanding how these subclasses differ will help you decide which pathway aligns with your skills, goals, and lifestyle — and importantly, how they connect to Permanent Residency in Australia.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• This is a points-tested visa that does not require sponsorship or state/territory nomination.
• You can apply if your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you achieve the required points score.
• If granted, Subclass 189 gives you permanent residency from day one, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• It’s ideal if you want independence and flexibility in choosing where to settle.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• The Subclass 190 is also points-tested, but it requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
• Nomination adds extra points to your application, which can make the difference if you’re short of the 65-point threshold or need extra points to improve your prospects.
• This visa provides permanent residency, but in return, you are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
• It’s a strong option if your skills are in demand in a particular region.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• This is a provisional visa, valid for up to five years, and requires nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
• With this visa, you must live, work, and study in regional Australia, outside the major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
• The 491 visa can be a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, provided you meet income and residency requirements.
• It’s a practical choice if you’re open to regional opportunities and want to strengthen your PR prospects.

Key Differences at a Glance

“If you’re unsure which pathway suits you, Blue Orbit Services provides tailored guidance to help you identify the right visa stream for your situation.”

3. Core Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Visas

Before you apply for a skilled visa in Australia, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that only applicants with the right skills, qualifications, and personal background are invited to contribute to Australia’s workforce. Let’s go through each requirement in detail.

3.1 Occupation on a Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Your occupation must appear on an approved Skilled Occupation List (SOL). These lists—such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or state and territory nomination lists—identify professions currently in demand.

If your job is not on the national list, you may still qualify under a state or regional skilled migration program. Always check the latest updates, as these lists change regularly.

3.2 Valid Skills Assessment

You must complete a skills assessment through an authorised assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards.

Each occupation has a designated authority (for example, Engineers Australia for engineers or VETASSESS for many trades and professional roles). Your visa application will not proceed without a positive skills assessment, so ensure your documents—such as qualifications, references, and work history—are accurate and complete.

Tip: Many applicants find this stage complex. Seeking guidance from a migration expert can help you avoid costly delays.

3.3 Age Limits

To qualify for most skilled visas, you must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply. Applicants between 25 and 32 years typically score the highest points in the points test, but anyone between 18 and 44 can apply if they meet other eligibility requirements.

3.4 English Language Proficiency

You need to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency. For most skilled visas, “Competent English” is the baseline, which usually means:

• IELTS: minimum score of 6 in each band, or
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 50 in each band.

Higher levels of proficiency—“Proficient” (IELTS 7) and “Superior” (IELTS 8)—not only meet requirements but also give you additional points for skilled migration. If English is your first language, you may be exempt from testing, but it’s often still worth providing results to maximize your score.

3.5 Points Test Requirements

The points test is central to skilled visa eligibility. To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you need at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on:

• Age
• English language skills
• Skilled employment (in Australia and overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• State or regional nomination
• Partner skills and qualifications

The higher your score, the stronger your chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

3.6 Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation

Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect is the next step once you meet the basic requirements. Your EOI is not a visa application—it’s a profile outlining your skills, experience, and points score.

If your profile ranks highly and matches Australia’s needs, you may receive an invitation to apply. Timing and accuracy matter here: even if you meet the 65-point minimum, invitations usually go first to applicants with higher scores or those in critical occupations.

3.7 State/Territory Nomination Requirements

If you apply for a Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491), you’ll need a state or territory nomination. Each state sets its own eligibility criteria, often requiring:

• Commitment to live and work in the nominating state or region.
• Specific occupations on the state’s demand list.
• Evidence of ties to the state (such as prior study or work experience).

A nomination can add valuable points to your profile and improve your chances of being invited.

3.8 Health, Character & Additional Checks

Finally, you must meet health and character requirements. This usually involves:

• Undergoing medical examinations to prove you don’t have conditions that could burden Australia’s healthcare system.
• Providing police clearances from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

These checks apply to you and any family members included in your visa application.

4. Practical Self-Assessment Checklist

Now that you know the core skilled visa requirements for Australia, it’s time to test whether you might qualify. Use this checklist as a quick self-assessment tool before you move forward with a skilled migration application.

✅ Step 1: Check if Your Occupation Is Eligible

• Is your job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), or a state/territory list?
• If not, you may need to explore other migration pathways.

✅ Step 2: Confirm a Valid Skills Assessment

• Can you provide a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation?
• This step is mandatory for all points-tested skilled visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491).

✅ Step 3: Check Your Age

• Are you between 18 and 44 years old at the time of invitation?
• Applicants 45 or older generally cannot apply for a points-tested skilled visa.

✅ Step 4: Measure Your English Language Proficiency

• Do you meet the minimum English requirement (e.g., IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent in PTE/TOEFL)?
• Higher scores (“Proficient” or “Superior”) can give you extra points on the migration points test.

✅ Step 5: Calculate Your Points Score

• Do you have at least 65 points on the Skilled Migration Points Test?
• Factors that contribute to your score include:
  • Age
  • English proficiency
  • Skilled work experience (Australia or overseas)
  • Qualifications (trade, diploma, degree, PhD)
  • State nomination or sponsorship
  • Partner skills (if applicable)

✅ Step 6: Consider State or Territory Nomination

• If you’re applying for Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Regional Visa), can you meet the specific criteria of a state or territory?
• Some states may require higher English scores, specific occupations, or evidence of ties to the region.

✅ Step 7: Review Health and Character Requirements

• Are you able to pass the mandatory health checks and provide police clearances?
• Australia requires applicants to meet strict health and character requirements to ensure community safety.

Quick Takeaway

If you answered “yes” to all or most of these questions, you are likely on the right track for a skilled visa application in Australia. If not, you may still have options—such as improving your English score, gaining more skilled work experience, or considering regional migration through state nomination.

5. Common Misconceptions (Brief Teasers)

Even if you’ve gone through the self-assessment checklist, you might still have doubts. Many people hold on to common misconceptions about skilled migration visas in Australia. Let’s clear up a few of them before you move on.

Misconception 1: “If my occupation isn’t on the Skilled Occupation List, I can’t apply.”

It’s true that your occupation needs to be on a skilled occupation list, but there’s more than one list. Australia uses different lists, such as the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and state or territory-specific lists. If your role doesn’t appear on one, it may still be eligible under another—especially if you explore state nomination pathways or regional migration visas.

Misconception 2: “I don’t meet the English test score, so I’m disqualified.”

English proficiency is a crucial part of skilled visa requirements, but not meeting the highest level doesn’t always mean you’re ineligible. For most subclasses, a “Competent English” score (such as IELTS 6 in each band) is enough to apply. Higher scores like “Proficient” or “Superior” add points, but they are not mandatory for all visas. If you don’t meet the required level, you can retake tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL until you reach the score you need.

Misconception 3: “You need a job offer in Australia to apply for a skilled visa.”

Unlike employer sponsorship visas, skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491) are points-tested. They are based on your age, skills, work experience, and English level—not a pre-arranged job. While having a job offer can help under other visa streams, it isn’t a requirement for applying under the general skilled migration program.

Misconception 4: “Scoring 65 points guarantees an invitation.”

While 65 points is the minimum requirement to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), it doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply. Invitations depend on demand for your occupation, how competitive your score is, and state or territory nomination quotas. In practice, you often need a higher score or a nomination to receive an invitation faster.

👉 These are just a few myths that stop people from taking the next step. In our dedicated guide on Common Myths About Migrating to Australia, we dive deeper into these and other misunderstandings.

6. What’s New or Changing (2025 Updates)

Australia’s skilled migration system is evolving in 2025 to reflect economic needs, labour market trends, and wage fairness. Here’s what you need to know:

6.1 Permanent Migration Program Planning Levels Confirmed

• The Australian Government has confirmed that the 2025–26 Permanent Migration Program will remain steady at 185,000 places, just like in 2024–25.
• Skilled migration continues to dominate, making up approximately 132,200 places—around 71% of the total program.
• For your planning, this means you still face competition, but the consistency gives you clarity on the overall intake volume.

6.2 Employer-Sponsored Income Thresholds Increase From July 1, 2025

• Important change if you’re being nominated by an employer: starting 1 July 2025, salary thresholds have increased by about 4.6% across key streams.
  • Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): from ~AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515
  • Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) for 482 visa: from ~AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210
  • Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for 482 visa: from ~AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515
• These updated thresholds apply to new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025. If your application was lodged earlier, the prior rates still apply.
• Takeaway: double-check your offer or contract figures. If your employer nominates you, make sure your salary—including superannuation—meets the revised threshold or the current market rate—whichever is higher.

6.3 Regional Migration Agreements (DAMA) Receive Upgrades

• Good news if you’re considering regional pathways: the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for towns like Townsville and North Queensland has been expanded.
• Updates include new permitted occupations and revised age and English language requirements—designed to make migration more accessible for professionals targeting these regions.
• If you’re open to moving to regional Australia, DAMAs can offer streamlined, locally tailored visa routes.

6.4 Processing Delays in Some Visa Streams

• Migration experts have flagged longer processing times for the revamped Skills in Demand (Skilled Visa) program, especially:
  • Subclass 482 (Core Stream): targets a median of 7 days, but half of applications currently take up to 90 days, and 90% complete within 5 months.
• Implication for you: even with all your documents in order, your visa grant could take longer. This is particularly important for employers and migrants coordinating relocation and employment start dates.

Quick Overview Table

7. Next Steps After Self-Assessment

Completing a self-assessment gives you a clearer picture of whether you meet the skilled visa requirements for Australia. Once you know where you stand, your next move depends on whether you already meet the eligibility criteria or need to strengthen your profile.

7.1 If You Meet the Requirements

If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List, you’ve passed a skills assessment, meet the English language requirements, and score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test, you’re in a good position to proceed. Your next steps will be:

1. Prepare your Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system, making sure all details are accurate. A well-prepared EOI improves your chance of receiving an invitation to apply.
2. Wait for an Invitation
   If you’re applying under Subclass 189, you’ll wait for the Department of Home Affairs to invite you. If you’re aiming for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491, you’ll also need to secure state or territory nomination before you can be invited.
3. Lodge Your Visa Application
   Once invited, you’ll have a limited time to submit your complete application with all supporting documents. Be ready with your health and character checks, as these are mandatory across all skilled visas.

7.2 If You Don’t Yet Meet the Requirements

Not everyone qualifies on their first attempt. If you fall short in one or more areas, there are ways to improve your eligibility:

• Boost your points score – Consider gaining more skilled work experience, improving your qualifications, or increasing your English test score to move from “competent” to “proficient” or “superior.”
• Explore state or regional pathways – Some states have different nomination lists, which can create opportunities even if your occupation is not on the national list.
• Look at alternative visa options – If the skilled visa pathway isn’t the best fit right now, you might explore employer sponsorship or student visas as stepping stones.

7.3 Getting Professional Support

The visa application process in Australia can be complex, and even small mistakes in your EOI or supporting documents may delay or reduce your chances of success. This is where expert guidance makes a difference.

Blue Orbit Services provides end-to-end migration support, including skilled migration, employer sponsorship, student visas, parent visas, and visa review assistance. Their team offers personalised advice tailored to your situation, helping you identify the right pathway and prepare a strong application with confidence.

8. Summary Table

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.